Statement by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, in response to the death of Marie-Claire Kirkland-Casgrain

OTTAWA, March 24, 2016 /CNW/ - It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of politician, lawyer and feminist Marie-Claire Kirkland-Casgrain, who did so much for gender equality in Quebec. Her career path was truly remarkable: she was the very first female member of Quebec's National Assembly and the first woman to serve as a cabinet minister in a Quebec government. In her role as minister, she spearheaded the passage of major legislation in the 1960s to put an end to the legal incapacity of married women. Moreover, she broke new ground as a judge of the Provincial Court of Quebec. I wish to salute the important legacy that Ms. Kirkland-Casgrain leaves to all those who have taken up the fight for gender equality in every sphere of life.

SOURCE Status of Women Canada

Inquiries : Nadège Adam, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 819-997-2494