Recognizing Women
October: Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month is a national celebration of the contributions of women to Canada’s rich history. We take this opportunity to recognize the important contributions women and girls have made to our society.
This year, Women’s History Month celebrates Women in Canadian Military Forces: A Proud Legacy. This theme highlights women’s contributions to Canadian military forces, a history that goes back to 1885.
Learn more: Status of Women Canada
History of Women in the Canadian Forces
Women in Canadian military forces then and now
 A nurse in both world wars, Elizabeth Laurie Smellie was in 1944 the first woman appointed a colonel in the Canadian Army. |
 1944—First nursing sisters of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps to land in France after D-Day |
 1989—Fighter pilot Dee Brasseur, one of first two women in world qualified to fly CF18 Hornet. |
 2004—Soldiers march in Ontario celebration of 60th anniversary of D-Day |
 2009—Ontario commemoration of Remembrance Day |
