PEI Coalition for Women in Government

17th (and final!) day of #PEIWomenLeaders In 1993 Catherine Callbeck became the first woman in PEI and Canada to be elected premier in a general election. In her political career, she was also a MLA, a Member of Parliament, and a Senator.

#PEIWomenLeaders Day 16 In 1987 Florence Hardy accepted to be a claimant before the Prince Edward Island Supreme Court so that the province would grant parents in her region the right to have their children educated in French. She was successful and, as a result, set a decisive milestone regarding the educational rights for Acadians and Francophones on the island. Noëlla Arsenault and Madeleine Costa went before the Supreme Court of Canada in order to obtain the right to ha...ve a French school in their community. Thanks to the determination of these three women there is greater access to French language education in Prince Edward Island. Pictured: left is Noëlla Arsenault, right is Madeleine Costa

#PEIWomenLeaders Day 15 Joy Ikede moved with her family from Nigeria to Charlottetown, PEI, in 1990. Educated in Classics and adult education, Joy taught sessionally at the University of Prince Edward Island and taught English as a Second Language at Holland College. Joy volunteered with many organizations working for women’s rights, newcomers, multiculturalism, race relations, and violence prevention. She served as UPEI International Students Advisor from 2001 to 2012, when she retired. Joy received the Carol’s Creed Award in 2007 from the Atlantic Association of College and University Services and in 2014 was recognized as a Founder of the University of Prince Edward Island.

#PEIWomenLeaders Day 14 Sharda Gupta came to Canada with her husband in 1961, and they moved to Charlottetown, PEI, in 1963. Sharda was an active volunteer and leader in PEI with Boy Scouts of Canada, PEI Association of Community Schools, and the Indo-Canadian Association of PEI, among others. She volunteered with various committees for newcomers to Canada. She led and hosted Canada Day celebrations for many years and in 2001 received the volunteer of the year award from the Celebrate Canada Committee for PEI. In 2005 she received a Citizenship Recognition Award.

Happy New Year! 2020 has been a year of trials and tribulations, but it has also been a year of resilience and growth. From the team at the Coalition, we hope 2021 brings you and yours happiness!