Claire Kirkland-Casgrain, Quebec feminist pioneer, dead at 91

The first woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of Quebec and first female judge in Quebec, Claire Kirkland-Casgrain, has died. She was 91 years old.

Quebec PremierPhilippeCouillardexpressed his sadness for the lossand said Kirkland-Casgrainwill be given special honours during her funeral.

"Ms.Kirkland-Casgrainshowedgreat commitmentto Quebec politics and law, as wellfurthering gender equality in the province,"Couillardsaid.

"I would like to extend my sympathies to the family on behalf of Quebec."

Born in Palmer, Massachusetts, Kirkland-Casgrain attended McGillUniversity for both her undergraduate degree and her law degree.

She was elected to Quebec's National Assembly then known as the Legislative Assemblyin a byelection in 1961, replacing her father after his death in the riding of Jacques-Cartier.

Her historic win camemore than 20 years after Quebec women received the right to vote in 1940. She would remain the only woman to sit in the legislature until her departure from politics in 1973.

She was also the first woman to be named to the Quebec cabinet, as she held several ministerial positions during her political career.

Kirkland-Casgrain resigned in 1973 to become a judge. She retired in 1991.