Louise McKinney

Louise Crummy McKinney (Known as "Louise McKinney")

First Female Legislator in the British Empire, Famous Five Member

Born Sep 22, 1868

Frankville (Ontario), Canada

Passed Away Jul 10, 1931 Claresholm (Alberta), Canada

Lifespan 62 years old

1 views

Notice / Correction

"The door of parliamentary representation is opened, and it will never be shut again."

Archival Overview

Pioneering temperance crusader who was elected to the Alberta Legislature in 1917, becoming the first woman sworn into a parliament anywhere in the British Empire, and a member of the Famous Five.

Biographical Record

A schoolteacher who moved west to Alberta in 1903, McKinney became a passionate leader of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), advocating temperance as a measure against domestic violence and poverty. In 1917, standing for the Non-Partisan League in Claresholm, she was elected to the Alberta legislature.

Taking her seat in 1918, McKinney became the first woman to sit in any legislature in the British Commonwealth. She championed the Dower Act, hospital services, and education, later joining Emily Murphy as one of the Five petitioners in the 1929 Persons Case.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

0 messages recorded

Leave a Respectful Tribute

Select a sentiment or reaction (optional):

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

Your Name / Title *

Your Email (Private, for anti-abuse)

Tribute Message *

No tributes recorded yet. Be the first to leave a message in honor of Louise McKinney.

Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Claresholm Cemetery
Claresholm (Alberta), Canada

                         GPS: 50.0217, -113.5850                    

View on Memory Atlas

Archival Standards PastLegacies adheres to strict neutral biographical guidelines and legal standards of remembrance. Next-of-kin may request modifications or removal at any time via our expedited process.

Read Governance Policy →