Monique Bégin

Monique Bégin was a pioneering sociologist and feminist who served as executive secretary of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada (1967–1970). In 1972, she was one of the first three women from Quebec elected to the Canadian House of Commons.

As Minister of National Health and Welfare under Pierre Trudeau, Bégin introduced the Child Tax Credit in 1979. Her crowning monument was the Canada Health Act of 1984: facing fierce resistance from medical associations and provinces, Bégin stood firm to enshrine five fundamental principles—universality, accessibility, comprehensiveness, portability, and public administration—and penalize provinces permitting user fees. She was made a Companion of the Order of Canada.