On this day in 2012, Madeleine Parent died in Montreal.
Through her life, she fought for workers' rights in Quebec and Canada. For her efforts, she was arrested, charged and put on trial.
Let's learn more about her story!
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Through her life, she fought for workers' rights in Quebec and Canada. For her efforts, she was arrested, charged and put on trial.
Let's learn more about her story!
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In 1940, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University. It was there she first got involved in collective action when she joined the Canadian Students Assembly to campaign for financial aid.
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In 1942, she became the secretary of the Montreal Trades and Labour Council organizing committee.
One year later, she became a key union organizer with Kent Rowley.
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Quebec Premier Maurice Duplessis labelled Parent a communist. She was arrested and charged with seditious conspiracy.
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She then organized 700 wool workers into a strike in 1947 that lasted five months.
Once again, she was charged with seditious conspiracy and sentenced to six months in prison.
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In 1952, she organized the Canadian Textile and Chemical Union with Rowley.
One year later, Rowley and Parent married.
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In 1968, 70% of Quebec workers paid dues to US unions.
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