Who was the first woman to serve in the Canadian Cabinet?

Ellen Fairclough is recognized as the first woman to serve in the Canadian Cabinet, having been appointed in 1957 by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. Her role marked a significant milestone in Canadian politics, breaking gender barriers and paving the way for future female politicians. Fairclough held the position of Secretary of State for National Revenue, and her appointment demonstrated a shift towards greater inclusion of women in government leadership roles, which had been predominantly male-dominated until that time.

In contrast, while Kim Campbell also holds significant historical importance as Canada's first female Prime Minister, she was not the first woman in the Cabinet. Margaret Atwood and Lois McMaster Bujold are both distinguished Canadian authors, but they have not served in governmental roles. Understanding the achievements of women like Ellen Fairclough helps to contextualize the progress toward gender equality in Canadian politics.