Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Agnes Macphail, who in 1921 was the first elected female MP in Canada. She was born in 1890 in Proton Station in my riding of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound.
Agnes Macphail was a Conservative. She was a big supporter of agriculture and an active spokesperson for the United Farmers of Ontario. She fought for old age pensions, prison reform and farmers' co-operatives and she founded the Elizabeth Fry Society of Canada.
As people enter the village of Ceylon, a sign has already been erected that says, “You are now entering Agnes Macphail country”.
Next weekend a great group of women from Grey County, led by the Reverend Donna Mann, will dedicate a cairn in the name of Agnes Macphail.
Today I have the honour of working in the House with this great group of female MPs, some of whom will attend this dedication ceremony.
I am very proud to say that Agnes Macphail from Grey County helped to pave the way for these great present day women.