Canada is and has been home to many outstanding women. Ontario has an extensive list of women who are recognized as the first to work in their selected fields. Below is a list of seven innovative Ontario women. They have paved the way for the women of today. Agnes Macphail Agnes Campbell Macphail was the first woman elected to the House of Commons in 1921. That was the first year women were able to vote in a national election. She was also one of the first two women elected as Members of Provincial Parliament in the Ontario legislature in 1943. Macphail played an important role in the passing of Ontario’s…

Post-secondary institutions have a lot of barriers, such as financial limitations or scheduling conflicts. Women continue to make up the majority of university enrollment, yet employment and parenthood can prevent further education. The cost and intense schedule of university is not realistic for everyone. No matter your level of formal education, there are courses available to you outside of the traditional university setting. Here are several online courses available in Ontario. You can complete them at your own pace, in your own time, and they are all free of charge. Gale Courses You can take Gale courses with a library card from any Ontario library. Anyone who lives, works or…

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are male-dominated fields -- it’s time we encourage girls to participate

Skilled trades tend to be considered a male-oriented field, but the province of Ontario has a number of programs designed to encourage women to work in the sector. Working in trades is often perceived as “a man’s job” or a career path not suitable or geared towards women.  This has led to less women going into the field or considering it as a career option. Statistics Canada found that women make up only four per cent of the Ontario trades sector while men make up 95 per cent. To address this disparity, the Ontario government and other independent organizations have developed programs that provide opportunities for women in trades.  These…