The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL:

Speaker, on behalf of government, I would like to recognize an important day in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

It was on April 13, 1925 that the first women gained the right to vote and hold public office in the province. This was made possible after years of advocacy and through the efforts of the suffragists, who campaigned tirelessly to make their voices heard and their votes count.

In October 1928, 52,343 women cast ballots in their first general election – representing a remarkable 90 per cent voter turnout rate.

Speaker, I am pleased to say that today, all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians aged 18 years and older have the right to vote and run for public office. In 2021, a record number of women put their names forward for election at all levels of government in the province.

As we look to the future, I encourage all women and gender diverse people to continue exercising their right to vote, and to consider serving as elected representatives of the people.

Speaker, I ask all Honourable members to join me in recognizing the anniversary of the first women getting the right to vote in our province. May we continue to advance towards true gender equality and honor the rights of all people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.