Agnes Macphail, born on March 24, 1890, in Proton Township, Grey County, Ontario, made history as the first woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons in 1921, coinciding with the first federal elections in which women were permitted to vote. Her early life on a family farm instilled a strong connection to agriculture, which would later inform her political career. After leaving the farm for education, she became a teacher in Ontario and Alberta before entering politics, where she championed the rights of farmers and women.

During her political career, she represented the Grey South East riding until 1940 and became a founding member of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, an early socialist party that evolved into the New Democratic Party. Macphail’s political influence extended beyond federal politics, as she was also one of the first two women to be elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario, serving from 1943 to 1945 and again from 1948 to 1951. Her commitment to social justice and advocacy for marginalized communities left a lasting impact on Canadian political life.

Macphail's legacy is significant not only for her groundbreaking electoral achievements but also for her role in pushing for progressive reforms in Canada. Her work laid the foundation for future generations of women in politics, emphasizing the need for their representation and active participation in governance. As a notable force in Canadian history, Agnes Macphail remains an inspiration for those advocating for equality and fairness in society.