SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Alex Ruff

  • Member of Parliament
  • Member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
  • Conservative
  • Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
  • Ontario
  • Voting Attendance: 68%
  • Expenses Last Quarter: $91,173.06

  • Government Page
  • Mar/24/22 2:07:01 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today 30% of the seats in the House of Commons are held by women. March 24 is Agnes Macphail Day, in celebration of her birthday and honouring her as the first woman elected to this chamber just over 100 years ago. Agnes was first elected to federal politics to represent the riding of Grey Southeast and would later represent the Grey—Bruce riding, part of the riding I have the honour of representing. Last night I had the privilege of listening to the winning speeches at the 76th annual Grey County Federation of Agriculture public speaking contest. What stood out to me was that the overwhelming majority of the student participants were young women. I am confident in saying that many of them will be future leaders in my riding and across Canada, especially in the cultural, political and agricultural fields. I hope all members will join me in recognizing the historic and inspiring contributions Agnes made to Canada and in honouring her as a pioneer who inspired and continues to inspire women across this country to take their place in the House of Commons.
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  • Dec/6/21 2:06:51 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it was 100 years ago today that the first woman, Agnes Macphail, was elected here to the House of Commons. Born in Grey County, Agnes was first elected to represent the riding of Grey South East and later represented the riding of Grey—Bruce. She worked hard to represent farmers and rural interests here in Ottawa. She knew what mattered to rural communities and was instrumental in the establishment of old age pensions and the reform of our Canadian prison system. Agnes's achievements did not end with being elected to the Canadian Parliament. She was the first woman to represent Canada at the League of Nations and was the one of the first two to be elected to the Ontario legislature in 1943. Today, her legacy and work continue with organizations like electHER Now that aim to increase women's representation in municipal politics across my riding of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound by connecting aspiring women with some of the great role models in the riding. I hope all members will join me today in recognizing the historic and inspiring contribution Agnes made to Canada and here in the House of Commons.
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