Viola Desmond: The First Canadian Woman on a Bill

Viola Desmond, a Nova Scotian woman who challenged segregation, will become the first Canadian woman to be featured on a banknote. The bill will make its debut in 2018, and many Canadians are already celebrating this monumental news. Desmond fought against the cruel and unjust system of her era, and despite her efforts leading to her arrest, her bravery is now embraced and cherished.

On November 8, 1946, Viola Desmond decided to watch the psychological thriller The Dark Mirror at the Roseland Film Theatre. As Jim Crow laws were implemented in Nova Scotia, the theatre was segregated. Desmond took a seat in the main floor, although it was classified as “whites-only”. The manager of the theatre had directed her to the balcony (where people of colour were told to sit), but she refused to move from her seat on the main floor. Her acts of courage unfortunately resulted in the manager forcibly removing her, and also led to her arrest. Despite the one-cent difference between the seats in the balcony versus the seats on the main floor, she was charged with tax evasion and was fined $20.00 (equivalent to $270 in 2016), and $6.00 in court costs.

“Today is about recognizing the incalculable contribution that all women have had and continue to have in shaping Canada’s story. Viola Desmond’s own story reminds all of us that big change can start with moments of dignity and bravery,” said Minister of Finance Bill Morneau. “She represents courage, strength and determination—qualities we should all aspire to every day.”