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Today in History: Ellen Fairclough Becomes First Female Canadian Cabinet Minister

6/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ellen Louks Fairclough, a Progressive Conservative MP since 1950, was appointed to the Canadian Cabinet on June 21, becoming the first woman to hold a cabinet post. The Cabinet, the senior body of ministers advising the monarch and prime minister, marked a historic breakthrough for women in federal politics.

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Story summary

Ellen Louks Fairclough, a Progressive Conservative MP since 1950, was appointed to the Canadian Cabinet on June 21, becoming the first woman to hold a cabinet post. The Cabinet, the senior body of ministers advising the monarch and prime minister, marked a historic breakthrough for women in federal politics.