Manitoba Conservatives call for Nellie McClung to be put on banknote

WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s Conservative leader is advocating to put suffragette Nellie McClung’s picture on a banknote.

In a media release sent Thursday, Brian Pallister said McClung should be on Canadian currency in order to recognize her historic success in getting the right to vote for most women in Manitoba.

Pallister’s request lands on the 100 year anniversary of Manitoba passing legislation giving most women in the province a right to vote and hold elected office.

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“I feel strongly that Manitoba’s own Nellie McClung is a most fitting choice for an honour like this,” Pallister said. “Today is the 100th anniversary of Manitoba enfranchising women, and Nellie McClung was the driving force behind this milestone.”

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He said a planned commemorative coin is only temporary and McClung deserves to be singled out more permanently.