Margaret Konantz facts for kids

Margaret McTavish Konantz (born April 30, 1899, died May 11, 1967) was an important Canadian politician and humanitarian. She was a member of the Métis people. Margaret Konantz made history as the first woman from Manitoba to be elected to the House of Commons of Canada. This is where laws are made for the whole country. She represented the area of Winnipeg South from 1963 to 1965.

Margaret Konantz's Early Life

Margaret McTavish Rogers was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her mother was Edith Rogers. Edith was also a very important person. She was the first woman ever elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. This is like the provincial government. Margaret's father, Robert Arthur Rogers, was a businessman.

In 1922, Margaret married Gordon Konantz. He was the president of a company called North American Lumber. Margaret and Gordon had three children: Barbara, Gordon, and William.

Helping During Wartime

Margaret Konantz was a very active volunteer during World War II. She helped with many groups. These included the Patriotic Salvage Corps and Bundles for Britain. She also volunteered for the Women's Volunteer Services.

In 1944, the Canadian government sent her to Great Britain. She was one of only four women chosen for this special trip. Her job was to work with the Women's Voluntary Service. This group helped people during the war. After she passed away, Margaret was given a special award. It was called the Order of the British Empire. This award recognized her amazing volunteer work during the war.

Working for Children Around the World

After her husband died in 1954, Margaret started volunteering for UNICEF. UNICEF is a big organization that helps children all over the world. She traveled to many countries for UNICEF.

• She visited countries in Asia like Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, India, and Pakistan.
• She also went to countries in the Middle East like Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel.
• Her travels took her to African nations too, such as Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Rhodesia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
• She even visited the United Arab Republic.

Her work with UNICEF showed how much she cared about helping others.

Margaret Konantz's Political Career

Margaret Konantz decided to enter politics. She ran as a candidate for the Liberal Party. Her first election was in 1962 for Winnipeg South. She lost that election to Gordon Chown. He was from the Progressive Conservative party.

However, things changed the next year. The government led by John Diefenbaker lost power. So, another election was held in 1963. This time, Margaret Konantz won! She defeated Gordon Chown.

Since the Liberals became the new governing party, Margaret supported the new prime minister, Lester B. Pearson. She was a "backbencher." This means she was a regular Member of Parliament, not a minister.

In 1964, Prime Minister Pearson chose Margaret for a very important job. She was the only woman on a committee of 15 Members of Parliament. Their task was to choose a new flag for Canada. This committee helped create the Canadian flag we know today.

Margaret served as a Member of Parliament until the 1965 election. In that election, she was defeated by a new Progressive Conservative candidate, Bud Sherman.

Work at the United Nations

In 1963, Margaret Konantz also became a delegate to the United Nations. She worked on the Third Committee. This committee deals with social, economic, and humanitarian problems.

As part of this role, she visited several Indian reserves in Canada. She wanted to learn about their economic and health conditions. This showed her dedication to helping people in her own country too.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving politics, Margaret continued her important work. In 1965, she became the national chair for UNICEF Canada. She went on more international trips for the organization.

Margaret Konantz passed away on May 11, 1967. She had a heart attack at a radio station. She was getting ready to do an interview about her work with UNICEF. Margaret Konantz is remembered for her dedication to helping others, both in Canada and around the world.