Field: Politics

Emma Goldman was born in 1869 to a Jewish family in Lithuania. Escaping European pogroms, she immigrated to the United States in 1885, dedicating herself to anarchism. Her anti-war activism led to deportation in 1919, and after years of exile in Europe, she arrived in Canada in 1939. Despite finding Toronto “deadly dull,” Goldman persisted. Her oratory skills fostered a vibrant anarchist movement. She encouraged local anarchists to organize, leading to the formation of the Libertarian Group, which held anti-fascist demonstrations, supported Spanish Civil War refugees, and hosted weekly political discussions. The RCMP closely monitored Goldman’s activities during her time in Canada.

Goldman’s lasting impact on Toronto can be seen in the city’s continued engagement in progressive social movements and the pursuit of equality and justice.

Reverend Doctor Cheri DiNovo is an ordained United Church minister who performed Canada’s first legalized same sex marriage. Cheri is a Member of the Order of Canada, recognized for her contributions to provincial politics and for her lifelong advocacy of social justice. As the former Member of Provincial Parliament for Parkdale–High Park in Ontario, Cheri passed into law more pro-LGBTQ2+ legislation than anyone in Canadian history including Toby’s Act, which added trans rights to Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

DiNovo is currently the minister at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre for Faith, Justice, and the Arts – continuing her lifelong commitment to social justice advocacy.

Adrienne Clarkson, the Right Honourable 26th Governor General of Canada (1999-2005), made history as the first racialized person, the first individual of Asian heritage, and the first without a political or military background to be appointed to the vice-regal position. Prior to her appointment, Clarkson had an award-winning career in broadcast and print journalism, notably as host and reporter of CBC’s The Fifth Estate. After leaving Rideau Hall, she co-founded the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, advocating for new citizens’ inclusion and engagement in Canadian life. Clarkson’s achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including Companion of the Order of Canada and 28 Honorary Degrees from universities worldwide.

Her legacy in Toronto is imprinted through her dedication to promoting multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusivity – shaping the city’s identity as a vibrant mosaic of cultures.

After graduating from Osgoode School of Law in 1918, Mary Fix made history as Ottawa’s first female lawyer. Disappointed by limited opportunities for women in the field, she left law and worked for a local clothing store. In 1931, she married Alphonse Fix, a renowned pianist, and the couple settled in Mississauga. Entering politics in 1953, she became the first female politician in Toronto Township – taking on a range of positions throughout her tenure. In 1959, she became the first female Warden of Peel County and in 1960, a founding member and the first president of the Toronto Township Historical Foundation.

Fix’s contributions were vital in guiding the Greater Toronto Area through development, growth, and the preservation of its history.

Hazel McCallion served an astonishing 12 consecutive terms as the Mayor of Mississauga, from 1978 to 2014 – making her one of Canada’s longest-serving mayors. Nicknamed “Hurricane Hazel” during her tenure, she was known for her unwavering dedication to public service, strong fiscal management, and focus on economic development. Her achievements include overseeing the transformation of Mississauga from a semi-rural bedroom community into the sixth-largest city in Canada and spearheading significant infrastructure projects. Recognized for her contributions, she was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2005 and the Order of Ontario in 2021.

McCallion’s visionary leadership and tireless commitment to its residents continue to shape the vibrant and prosperous city that Mississauga is today.

Flora MacDonald Denison was an influential figure in Toronto’s suffrage movement from 1906 onwards. Her regular column in the Toronto Sunday World from 1909 to 1913 provided a platform for expressing her progressive views on religion, marriage, birth control, and social class. She served as President of the Canadian Suffrage Association from 1911 to 1914, but her support for the militant suffragettes in England led to her resignation. A devoted Whitmanite, Denison established a retreat embodying Whitmanite ideals and started publishing a Whitmanite magazine titled “The Sunset of Bon Echo” in 1916.

Despite her passing eight years before women gained constitutional voting rights, Denison’s unwavering advocacy left an enduring legacy in the pursuit of gender equality in Toronto and beyond.

Rosalie Silberman Abella’s career has been filled with firsts starting with being appointed at the age of 29 to the Ontario Family Court making her Canada’s youngest ever judge. In 2004 she again made history by becoming the first Jewish woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. Abella’s illustrious career includes serving the sole commissioner on the Royal Commission on Equality in Employment, where she championed equality rights and fought against discrimination.

Abella’s unwavering commitment to the legal system and belief in the transformative power of law in creating a better society has left an indelible mark not only Toronto’s legal landscape but the world.

June Rowlands was a dedicated public servant, commencing her career in municipal politics with her election to City Council in 1976. In 1991, she made history by becoming Toronto’s 60th Mayor and the city’s first female mayor, holding the position until 1994. She didn’t stop there; she became the first woman to lead both the Toronto Transit Commission and the Metropolitan Toronto Police Commission.

Rowlands was a passionate advocate for affordable housing and a tireless defender of Toronto’s ravines and historical neighbourhoods, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s landscape and community.

Ausma Malik made history as the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman elected to public office in Canada. With a diverse background in student organizing, environmental activism, child care advocacy, and policy innovation, she fosters caring and inclusive communities. As a former Trustee for the Toronto District School Board, she successfully championed the construction of Jean Lumb Public School, the first school to be built in downtown Toronto in two decades. During her tenure as Director of Advocacy and Organizing at the Atkinson Foundation, Malik collaborated with grassroots organizers and policy innovators, promoting a fair economy.

Proudly serving Ward 10, Spadina–Fort York, Malik envisions a green, just, and caring Toronto that embraces and amplifies the voices of all citizens.

In 2018, Jill Andrew made history as the first Black queer person elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto-St. Paul’s. She serves as the Culture Critic, Heritage Critic, and Women’s Issues Critic for the Official Opposition and co-founded the Ontario NDP Ontario Black Caucus – the first of its kind in the province. Outside of politics, Andrew co-founded Body Confidence Canada and is an award-winning educator and advocate for equity, human rights, and body-image. She is a community co-owner of Glad Day Bookshop, the world’s oldest LGBT bookstore, as well as an avid volunteer and donor – supporting organizations across the GTA that prioritize Black and racialized communities, youth, women, the arts, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and chronic health advocacy.

Andrew’s dedication and leadership continue to shape a more just and inclusive city for all.