Muriel McQueen Fergusson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Muriel McQueen Fergusson
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| Speaker of the Senate of Canada | |
| In office 1972–1974 |
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| Nominated by | Pierre Trudeau |
| Appointed by | Roland Michener |
| Preceded by | Jean-Paul Deschatelets |
| Succeeded by | Renaude Lapointe |
| Senator for Fredericton, New Brunswick | |
| In office 1953–1975 |
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| Appointed by | Louis St. Laurent |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 26, 1899 Shediac, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Died | April 11, 1997 (aged 97) Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Political party | Liberal |
Muriel McQueen Fergusson was an important Canadian leader. She was an activist, a judge, and a politician. She is remembered for working hard to help people who were less fortunate, especially women and children.
Muriel Fergusson made history many times. She was the first woman to be a judge in New Brunswick. She was also the first woman elected to the Fredericton City Council. Later, she became the first woman to be the Speaker of the Senate of Canada.
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Early Life and Path to Law
Muriel McQueen Fergusson was born on May 26, 1899, in Shediac, New Brunswick. She studied at Mount Allison University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1921.
After university, she worked as a lawyer for a short time in her father's office. In 1926, she married Aubrey S. Fergusson. They lived in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, for ten years. During this time, she opened a tea room and helped organize community activities. She even started the Grand Falls Literary Club.
Becoming a Judge
In 1936, Muriel Fergusson returned to practicing law. She needed to support her family because her husband became ill. He had been injured while serving in the First World War. He passed away six years later.
Muriel gradually took over her husband's law practice. Soon, she became New Brunswick's first female judge of a probate court. This court handles things like wills and estates. She also worked as a clerk for other courts and as the town lawyer for Grand Falls.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Muriel Fergusson strongly believed that women should have more say in politics. She worked hard to make this happen.
Voting and Running for Office
In 1946, she successfully fought for all women in New Brunswick to have the right to vote in local elections. This was a big step forward!
Soon after, she challenged the rule that stopped women from running for the Fredericton City Council. Because no other woman came forward, Muriel Fergusson decided to run herself. She ran for Alderman and won without anyone running against her in both 1950 and 1951.
She was the first woman ever elected to the Fredericton City Council. In 1953, she also became the first woman to be the Deputy Mayor of Fredericton.
Equal Pay and Family Support
Muriel Fergusson also spoke out for equal pay for women. She often talked at women's group events about fair wages and about wills. She fought to make sure that female city employees received the same pay raises as male employees.
With support from many women's groups, she became the Director of Family Allowances. This was a job that had only been open to men before. Throughout her life, she volunteered with many groups, including the Girl Guides of Canada. She always supported charities that helped girls and women.
A Leader in the Senate
In 1953, Muriel Fergusson was appointed to the Senate of Canada. The Senate is a part of Canada's Parliament that reviews laws.
From 1972 to 1974, she made history again. She became the first woman to be the Speaker of the Senate. This is a very important role, like being the chairperson of the Senate. She retired from the Senate in 1975.
Awards and Recognition
Muriel Fergusson received many honors for her work.
- In 1974, she was sworn into the Privy Council. This is a group of important Canadians who advise the Queen or King.
- In 1976, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors.
- In 1986, she received the Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case. This award celebrates people who have helped advance women's equality in Canada.
Muriel McQueen Fergusson passed away on April 11, 1997. She is remembered as a pioneering woman who dedicated her life to fairness and equality for all.
