Canadian Wo-men's Issues, Vol. 1: Strong Voices

Margaret Conrad is a history professor at Acadia University and editor
of Making Adjustments: Change and Continuity in Planter Nova Scotia,
1759-1800.

This is the first of two volumes designed to explore women’s issues in
Canada since 1967. Each of the six chapters provides an overview and
relevant primary documents on a specific topic: the women’s movement
in English Canada; the politics of the body; the politics of difference;
social policy and social services; the law; and culture/communications.
Topics such as work and global issues will be covered in Vol. 2.

As the first book to examine in depth the goals and progress of the
women’s movement in Canada, this is an important and welcome addition
to the literature in the field of women’s studies. The interpretive
essays are clear, comprehensive, and original. Together they provide an
excellent synthesis of recent developments in what is a very complex
movement. The document sections offer a rich feast of original sources
that testify to the efforts of the compilers to bring regional and
cultural balance to their project. Included are excerpts from such
public documents as the Royal Commission on the Status of Women, the
Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Indian Act, as well as less
official sources such as Marc Lepine’s “femicide” letter, tips on
how to form a consciousness-raising group, and a sidesplitting review of
Northwood Theatre’s 1985 production of Ladies Against Women.

In their efforts to compensate for what they describe as their
“privileged and mainstream” status, the authors perhaps pay less
attention than might be warranted to the university-based activities,
especially in the movement’s early years. There is also a tendency to
underplay the impact of developments in the United States. From
experience, I can testify that the National Organization of Women, Ms.
magazine, and other American initiatives served as catalysts for
Canadian activities. These quibbles aside, this is a remarkably valuable
reference tool and text for women’s studies courses. It also offers an
interesting—sometimes even gripping—reading experience for those
interested in the issues and events of a movement that, the authors
rightfully claim, has profoundly influenced the way we think and act as
Canadians.