Jeanne Sauvé

Jeanne Sauvé — though she rejected the title of “feminist” — led the way for Canadian women and demolished barriers on their behalf. As a young woman, she was one of the first to embark on a career in television, moving easily from programs on sewing in the 1950s to public affairs analysis. As a politician, she was the first woman from Quebec ever elected to the federal Parliament and the first to serve as Speaker of the House of Commons. As Governor General — another “first” for women — she travelled the country and dedicated herself to supporting Canadian unity.