Idola Saint-Jean

Idola Saint-Jean (May 19, 1880 – April 6, 1945) was a Quebec journalist, educator and feminist. She devoted her life to the pursuit of equal rights for women in Quebec and her efforts lead to women being given the right to vote in Quebec in 1940.

Life Saint-Jean was born in Canada and taught in the French studies department at McGill University.

Saint-Jean died in Montreal at the age of 64. She ultimately lost to civil rights activist Viola Desmond.

Legacy The statue in front of the National Assembly of Saint-Jean, Thérèse Casgrain and Marie-Claire Kirkland. The Rue Idola-Saint-Jean in Sherbrooke and Parc Idola-Saint-Jean in Montreal were named in her honour.

The Prix Idola St-Jean is awarded by the Fédération des femmes du Québec to a woman or group of women who have made a significant contribution to improving conditions for Quebec women.

In March 1981, a Canadian stamp was issued depicting Idola St-Jean.

In 2012, Quebec Premier Pauline Marois unveiled a statue of Saint-Jean, Thérèse Casgrain and Marie-Claire Kirkland. The statue by Jules Lasalle was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kirkland being made the first Canadian female minister.