Carney’s Historical Slip-Up: New Zealand Corrects Canada’s Prime Minister on Women’s Suffrage

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sparked a minor diplomatic exchange during a recent address to the Australian Federal Parliament in Canberra. Carney praised Australia as the first nation to grant women the right to vote and stand for Parliament, a claim promptly corrected by New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour.

The Correction

Seymour cheekily responded, pointing out that New Zealand was, in fact, the first self-governing country in the world to grant all women the right to vote in 1893. He quipped that Canada’s founding father, George Washington, “would be really embarrassed” by the oversight. Seymour further suggested Carney visit New Zealand to better familiarize himself with its history.

Historical Context: Women’s Suffrage

While Carney’s statement highlighted Australia’s progressive steps – with South Australia enfranchising women in 1894 and Western Australia in 1899, and full federal suffrage for women achieved in 1902 – it overlooked New Zealand’s pioneering role. New Zealand passed legislation granting women the right to vote in 1893. Women’s suffrage in New Zealand

It’s also important to note that in Australia, First Nations men and women were not granted federal voting rights until 1962. Indigenous Australians and the right to vote

CANZUK Alliance and Increased Diplomatic Engagement

This exchange occurred amidst increased diplomatic activity focused on strengthening ties between Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom – a concept known as CANZUK. CANZUK is a proposed alliance aiming for increased trade, foreign policy cooperation, military collaboration, and easier mobility of citizens between the four nations. Recent discussions, including those led by Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, have emphasized the potential for a closer partnership. Canada’s Conservative leader floats new CANZUK alliance

Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Australia, highlighted by James Skinner, CEO of CANZUK International, signals a renewed focus on bolstering relationships with key Commonwealth allies, particularly in light of global uncertainties and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Mark Carney incorrectly stated Australia was the first nation to grant women the right to vote.
• New Zealand was the first self-governing country to grant women suffrage in 1893.
• The incident occurred during a visit aimed at strengthening ties between Canada and Australia as part of the broader CANZUK initiative.