The number of women sitting in the House of Commons decreased to two during the 23rd Canadian Parliament; the number of women senators remained at five. 29 women ran for seats in the Canadian House of Commons in the 1957 federal election.
In 1957, Ellen Fairclough became the first woman to serve as a member of the Canadian cabinet.
Party Standings PartyTotal women candidates% women candidates of total candidatesTotal women elected% women elected of total women candidates% women elected of total electedCo-operative Commonwealth Federation (of 162)8.0% (of 25)0%0%Progressive Conservative (of 256)2.0% (of 112)40%1.8%Social Credit (of 114)0.9% (of 19)0%0%Liberal (of 254)1.6% (of 105)0%0%Labor-Progressive (of 10)10% (of 0)0% -Independent Liberal (of 27)3.7% (of 1)0%0%Table source:Parliament of Canada: Women Candidates in General Elections
Members of the House of Commons NamePartyElectoral districtNotes Margaret Aitken Progressive Conservative York—Humber Ellen Fairclough Progressive Conservative Hamilton Westnamed to cabinet
Senators SenatorAppointed on the advice ofTermfromPartyCairine WilsonKing1930.02.15 - 1962.03.03OntarioLiberalMuriel McQueen FergussonSt. Laurent1953.05.19 - 1975.05.23New BrunswickLiberalMariana Beauchamp JodoinSt. Laurent1953.05.19 - 1966.06.01QuebecLiberalNancy HodgesSt. Laurent1953.11.05 - 1965.06.12British ColumbiaLiberalFlorence Elsie InmanSt. Laurent1955.07.28 - 1986.05.31Prince Edward IslandLiberal
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