Dr. Bette Stephenson (1924-2019)

Dr. Bette M. Stephenson, MPP from 1975-87

Dr. Bette Stephenson broke down many gender barriers during her 12-year tenure in Ontario’s Parliament. She was the first woman to serve as Minister of Labour, Minister of Education, and Minister of Colleges and Universities, as well as Chair of the Management Board, Treasurer, and Deputy Premier.

In addition to her political career, Dr. Stephenson practiced medicine for over 40 years. She is the recipient of both the Order of Canada (1992) and the Order of Ontario (1999).