Agnes Campbell Macphail was a Canadian politician from Ontario. She was the first woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons. She was also one of the first two women elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. She was active in progressive Canadian politics and endorsed her ideas as an activist, column writing and legislation.
Born in Proton Township, Ontario, Agnes was the daughter of Dougald McPhail and Henrietta Campbell. She completed her schooling at Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute and later attended the teacher’s college in Stratford. Macphail was a frequent contributor to newspapers in Grey County. She has been a vociferous feminist throughout her life, advocating for women’s rights and social equality.
1 I want for myself what I want for other women, absolute equality. -Agnes Macphail
Women have always faced discrimination throughout history. They deserve the same rights that men enjoy. Equality is a fundamental right.
2 Before God we are all equally wise – and equally foolish. -Agnes Macphail
In the end, we all are reserved the same fate. Death comes to us all, and it won’t ask us our race, color, creed or caste.
3 Do not rely completely on any other human being, however dear. -Agnes Macphail
No matter how tough life gets, you can’t always be dependent on another. There are times when you have to do things yourself without relying on another. You cannot live your life depending on others forever.
4 Never apologize, Never explain, Just get the thing done, and let them howl. -Agnes Macphail
The only person you are answerable to is yourself. Do not let anyone else judge you or order you around. Just keep doing what you are good at and leave behind those trying to pull you down.
5 Whatever is dirty, it is women’s job to clean up, or drive some man to clean up, and that goes for everything from cellar to senate. -Agnes Macphail
Women have been downgraded for centuries. It has been expected of them to do all the dirty work. Their roles have always been reduced to that of a support system for the men in their lives.
6 If the preservation of the home means the enslavement of women, economically or morally, then we had better break it. -Agnes Macphail
If our traditions and culture require us to enslave women, then such a culture is better off dead. Conservatism only tries to bind women to the age-old patriarchal system where women are denied their rights.
7 I do not want to be the angel of any home. -Agnes Macphail
By asking women to be the angels of their home, the society tries to cage them up in their house. They are denied their freedom to pursue a career and only bound to the home and family.
8 It is a fact that all women contribute more to marriage than men. -Agnes Macphail
Marriage is an institution that expects more from women than it does from men. Women have to change their names, their homes, and in essence, their whole life.
9 Patriotism is not dying for one’s country, it is living for one’s country. -Agnes Macphail
It’s easy to die for something. But it takes great courage to live for a cause. If you love your country, you’d dedicate your life for the betterment of the country.
10 We meet all life’s greatest tests alone. -Agnes Macphail
All of life’s greatest obstacles have to be overcome alone. You cannot always rely on another to help you through life. Sometimes, you have to face your problems all alone.
1. I want for myself what I want for other women, absolute equality. -Agnes Macphail
2. Before God we are all equally wise – and equally foolish. -Agnes Macphail
3. Do not rely completely on any other human being, however dear. -Agnes Macphail
4. Never apologize, Never explain, Just get the thing done, and let them howl. -Agnes Macphail
5. Whatever is dirty, it is women’s job to clean up, or drive some man to clean up, and that goes for everything from cellar to senate. -Agnes Macphail
6. If the preservation of the home means the enslavement of women, economically or morally, then we had better break it. -Agnes Macphail
7. I do not want to be the angel of any home. -Agnes Macphail
8. It is a fact that all women contribute more to marriage than men. -Agnes Macphail
9. Patriotism is not dying for one’s country, it is living for one’s country. -Agnes Macphail
10. We meet all life’s greatest tests alone. -Agnes Macphail
