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Ellen Louks Fairclough, trained as an accountant, began her own business in 1935. Entering politics in 1946, she held aldermanic and Board of Control offices. As the Federal Progressive Conservative candidate for Hamilton West, she became the opposition Labour Critic. Her continual argument for women's rights, equal pay and equal opportunities bore fruit in many new laws and changed attitudes.

1985 Gallery of Distinction Inductee

Ellen Louks Fairclough, trained as an accountant, began her own business in 1935. Entering politics in 1946, she held aldermanic and Board of Control offices. As the Federal Progressive Conservative candidate for Hamilton West, she became the opposition Labour Critic. Her continual argument for women's rights, equal pay and equal opportunities bore fruit in many new laws and changed attitudes.

The first woman appointed to Cabinet and Secretary of State, she was later named Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and Postmaster General. Ellen became the first woman on the Hamilton Hydro Electric Commission and has a provincial government building named after her.