Muriel McQueen Fergusson

Muriel McQueen Fergusson was a pioneering Canadian lawyer, senator, and the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Senate of Canada. Appointed to the upper house in 1953 by Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, she became a prominent advocate for social justice, women's rights, and legal aid. Her tenure as Speaker from 1972 to 1974 marked a historic milestone for women in Parliament. Her legacy is honored through the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation and the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research.

Early life and education

Born in Shediac, New Brunswick, she was the daughter of Chesley W. McQueen, a local merchant and politician. She attended Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1919. Following her graduation, she moved to Ottawa and worked as a secretary for Thomas Wakem Caldwell, a Member of Parliament from New Brunswick. This experience in the nation's capital sparked her interest in law and public service. After returning to New Brunswick, she articled in Fredericton and was admitted to the bar in 1925, becoming one of the province's first female lawyers.

Legal and political career

She practiced law in Fredericton, often focusing on family law and cases involving women and children. In 1929, she was appointed a judge of the Surrogate Court in York County, a rare achievement for a woman at the time. Her legal career was intertwined with early advocacy, as she worked with organizations like the Local Council of Women and the Canadian Federation of University Women. During World War II, she served on the Wartime Prices and Trade Board in Fredericton, administering price controls and rationing. Her reputation for fairness and administrative skill led to her landmark appointment to the Senate of Canada in 1953.

Senate tenure and Speaker appointment

Upon her appointment to the Senate, she aligned with the Liberal caucus. She served on numerous committees, including the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and the Special Committee on Poverty. She was a strong proponent of the Canada Pension Plan, medicare, and reforms to the Divorce Act. On September 12, 1972, she was elected Speaker of the Senate, succeeding Maurice Bourget. Her tenure presiding over the Red Chamber was noted for its dignity and competence, setting a precedent for future female parliamentarians. She retired from the Senate in May 1975.

Advocacy and legacy

Her advocacy extended beyond her parliamentary service. She was a lifelong champion for gender equality, supporting the Royal Commission on the Status of Women and later serving on the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women. A primary focus was combating domestic violence; her name is perpetuated through the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation and the affiliated Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research at the University of New Brunswick. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1976. The Government of New Brunswick also established the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Award to recognize outstanding work to eliminate family violence.

Personal life and death

In 1920, she married Aubrey Fergusson, a RCMP officer. His untimely death in 1929 left her a widow, and they had no children. She never remarried, dedicating her life to her career and public service. She maintained a home in Fredericton and was an active member of her community and the United Church of Canada. Muriel McQueen Fergusson died in Fredericton on April 11, 1997, at the age of 97. Her papers are held at the Library and Archives Canada and the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick.

Category:1899 births Category:1997 deaths Category:Canadian senators from New Brunswick Category:Speakers of the Senate of Canada Category:Canadian women lawyers Category:Officers of the Order of Canada Category:People from Shediac, New Brunswick Category:Mount Allison University alumni