CA-K415Institutions

Idola Saint-Jean and women’s suffrage in Quebec

Idola Saint-Jean, portrait published in Le Monde illustré in 1901. Mademoiselle Idola Saint-Jean · A.J. Rice, Laprés & Lavergne · Photo source · Photo licence: Public domain. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.

Factual accuracy review: No recorded challenge

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Between the world wars, Idola Saint-Jean was a dominant figure in the fight for women’s right to vote and for reform of the Civil Code in Quebec. Despite strong opposition from the government, the clergy and many suffragists, she practised a “shock feminism” demanding equal rights for women, and as an educator and journalist she also championed social justice and women workers.

Scope & context

Saint-Jean’s role as described in her designation, not the suffrage movement as a whole.

Sources behind this record

Idola Saint-Jean National Historic Person ↗

Parks Canada (Directory of Federal Heritage Designations)

Importance; plaque text