Irene Parlby

Mary Irene Marryat Parlby (Known as "The Prairie Diplomat")

First Female Cabinet Minister in Alberta, Famous Five Member, UN Delegate

Born Jan 09, 1868

London, Great Britain

Passed Away Jul 12, 1965 Red Deer (Alberta), Canada

Lifespan 97 years old

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"Women bring to politics a vision not of conquest, but of protection for the weak and the building of a humane home."

Archival Overview

Aristocratic English immigrant who became president of the United Farm Women of Alberta, the second female cabinet minister in the British Empire, and a signatory of the historic Persons Case petition.

Biographical Record

Settling on a ranch near Alix, Alberta, in 1896, Parlby organized rural women into the United Farm Women of Alberta, serving as its president from 1916 to 1919. In 1921, she was elected to the Alberta legislature as a United Farmers representative and appointed minister without portfolio.

Parlby focused her fourteen years in cabinet on improving rural schools, traveling health clinics, and maternal welfare laws. In 1927, she joined the Famous Five in challenging the Senate exclusion of women, and in 1930 she represented Canada at the League of Nations in Geneva.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

St. Michael's and All Angels Churchyard
Alix (Alberta), Canada

                         GPS: 52.4000, -113.1833                    

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