Agnes Macphail Quotes, born March 24, 1890, in Proton Township, Ontario, was a trailblazing Canadian politician and the first woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons in 1921, serving until 1940. A champion of progressive politics, she also served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (1943–1945, 1948–1951) and advocated for women’s rights, social equality, and workers’ rights through the Progressive Party and Co-operative Commonwealth Federation. These 15 quotes—sourced from her speeches, writings, and interviews—reflect her fierce commitment to justice, equality, and resilience, capturing her bold and compassionate spirit.
15 Agnes Macphail Quotes
- “I want for myself what I want for other women, absolute equality.” (Speech, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Never apologize. Never explain. Just get the thing done, and let them howl.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Do not rely completely on any other human being, however dear. We meet all life’s greatest tests alone.” (Writing, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “Whatever is dirty, it is women’s job to clean up, or drive some man to clean up, and that goes for everything from cellar to senate.” (Speech, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “If the preservation of the home means the enslavement of women, economically or morally, then we had better break it.” (Speech, WiseFamousQuotes, n.d.)
- “I do not want to be the angel of any home: I want for myself what I want for other women, absolute equality. After that is secured, then men and women can take turns being angels.” (Speech, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “It is a fact that all women contribute more to marriage than men; for the most part they have to change their place of living, their method of work, a great many women today changing their occupation entirely on marriage; and they must even change their name.” (Writing, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I owed it to my father that I was elected to Parliament in the first place, but I owed it to my mother that I stuck it out once I got there.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “When I first came to the House of Commons and walked out into the lobby, men sprang to their feet. I asked them to sit down since I’d come to walk around. I didn’t want them doing me favours.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Most of the women who have offered themselves for public office over the years have done so, I believe, more because of the ‘dirt’ than in spite of it.” (Speech, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “I believe the preservation of the home in the future lies almost entirely in the hands of men.” (Writing, WiseFamousQuotes, n.d.)
- “Patriotism is not dying for one’s country, it is living for one’s country.” (Speech, EpicQuotes, 2020)
- “All of life’s greatest obstacles have to be overcome alone.” (Writing, EpicQuotes, 2020)
- “I suggest that there is a splendid way out of the difficulty of marriage, and that is my way—stay out.” (Interview, WiseFamousQuotes, n.d.)
- “Women have always faced discrimination throughout history. They deserve the same rights that men enjoy. Equality is a fundamental right.” (Speech, EpicQuotes, 2020)
Agnes Macphail’s quotes burn with a passion for equality and justice, inspiring readers to challenge inequality and stand firm in their convictions. Which one fuels your fight for fairness? Drop it in the comments and keep her trailblazing legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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