Archives: Collections

Hazel McCallion

Hazel McCallion was appointed to both the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, recognizing her dedication to exemplary city infrastructure. Through her experience with the mayorship of Mississauga, McCallion helped turn the city into the 6th largest in Canada.

Lee Maracle

Lee Maracle revived Indigenous stories through her innovative writing. Working to “decolonize the feminine,” Maracle’s first book was among the first Indigenous-authored works published in Canada.

Josephine Mandamin

Anishinaabe Elder, Josephine Madamin, was a revolutionary leader in the fight to protect water rights for Indigenous peoples.

Ausma Malik

Ausma Malik is the first hijab-wearing woman in public office in Canada. Her dedication to Toronto’s wellbeing is prominent in her championship of affordable housing and racial justice.

Elizabeth “Elsie” MacGill

Canada’s first practicing female engineer, Elizabeth MacGill, advanced the field of Canadian aeronautics while leading a dedicated fight for gender equality.

Flora MacDonald Denison

Flora MacDonald Denison, president of the Canadian Suffrage Association from 1911 to 1914, was an unwavering advocate for gender equality in Toronto and beyond.

Jean Lumb

Jean Lumb was the first Chinese-Canadian woman to receive the Order of Canada in 1976, honouring her efforts in changing immigration laws and helping save Chinatown.

Frances Loring

Frances Loring was a community leader who opened her home to Toronto’s arts community. Her art haven was recognized as the “most fascinating gathering place in the country” by A.Y. Jackson.

Blanche Lemco van Ginkel

Modernist architect Blanche Lemco van Ginkel was the first woman and Canadian president of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. She advocated for equal pay amongst male and female faculty members resulting in a 2002 University of Toronto pay equity settlement for female colleagues.

Cecilia Krieger

Cecilia Krieger was the first woman to graduate with a PhD in mathematics from a Canadian university. As a Jewish immigrant, she worked to translate Polish mathematics texts into English, making them available to wider audiences.