Wonder why this building carries such a significant name? This is the Pavillon Thérèse-Casgrain. It stands as a testament to a remarkable woman’s legacy. Thérèse Casgrain was a champion for women’s rights and social justice. The Pavillon Thérèse-Casgrain is located at 455, boulevard René-Lévesque Est. It was constructed between 1988 and 1990. Dimitri Dimakopoulos et Associés and Jodoin, Lamarre, Pratte et Associés were the architectural firms.
The Pavillon Thérèse-Casgrain has six floors. Its architecture is distinguished by the rhythm of its facade elements. The fenestration is remarkable. The main entrance features a dominant vertical element. It subtly echoes the steeple of Saint-Jacques Church. This creates a visual connection to the surrounding area.
In 1983, another Pavillon Thérèse-Casgrain at the Université de Montréal was named in her honor. This recognized her contribution to women’s right to vote. She was a truly inspiring figure.
Thérèse Forget Casgrain was born in Montreal. Her birthdate is not precisely given in the text. She died in the same city. Thérèse was a reformer, feminist, and politician. From the 1920s to the 1940s, she worked with other women. She sought recognition of women’s rights. The right to vote and eligibility at the Quebec level were her focus. She became the first woman elected head of a political party in Canada and Quebec.
Casgrain’s early life was within Montreal’s high francophone bourgeoisie. Her mother was of Scottish origin. Her father was a lawyer, businessman, and conservative politician. Thérèse married lawyer Pierre-François Casgrain. He was of liberal allegiance. They had two daughters and two sons.
In 1921, Thérèse co-founded the Comité provincial pour le suffrage féminin. This was with Marie Lacoste Gélin-Lajoie and Idola Saint-Jean. She became its vice-president. In 1928, she was designated president of the CPSF. She held this position until 1942. The CPSF became the Ligue pour les droits de la femme in 1929.
Casgrain continued her fight for equality. She used her political connections and media influence. She sought to reform the Civil Code of Lower Canada. This included the legal incapacity of married women.
She shared her concerns on the radio. She hosted the program Fémina on Radio-Canada starting in 1937. It gained considerable popularity. Casgrain campaigned for women’s admission. She fought for access to professions like law and notary.
Casgrain ran as an independent liberal candidate. This was during a federal election in Charlevoix-Saguenay in 1942. She joined the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF). This was also known as the Parti social-démocratique (PSD) in Quebec. Casgrain became vice-president of the PSD in 1948. She was the only woman on the executive committee. In 1951, she was elected leader of the CCF. She led the Quebec branch until 1957. Thérèse Casgrain was the first woman to lead a political party in Canada.
Thérèse engaged in multiple social causes. In 1961, she established the Quebec branch of La Voix des femmes. This was a women’s organization fighting against nuclear weapons.
In 1970, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau appointed her to the Senate. The Pavillon Thérèse-Casgrain stands as a symbol. It represents her tireless efforts. This building honors her legacy.