It was just for two days, but Ellen Fairclough was Prime Minister of Canada

After a start in municipal politics, Ellen Louks Fairclough ran as the Progressive Conservative candidate for Hamilton West in the 1950 federal election. She won handily and headed to Ottawa.

In 1957, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker made her the first female cabinet minister in Canada's history, appointing her Secretary of State.

At the time of her election, Fairclough was the only sitting woman in the 262-seat chamber. After her appointment as Secretary of State, she was one of the most senior ministers of the Crown and became acting prime minister when Diefenbaker was absent from Ottawa. She served as Acting Prime Minister for two days in February 1958 to make her the first woman to hold that post as well.

She later held posts that included Minister for the Department of Citizenship and Culture, and Postmaster General

In 1963, Fairclough was defeated for the first time in her career, and left politics. She had served continuously in municipal and federal politics for 17 years.

She died in 2004, at the age of 99.

Timeline

1946: Ellen Fairclough elected alderman in Ward 3

1950: Elected member of Parliament for Hamilton West

1957: Appointed Secretary of State

1958: Served as Acting Prime Minister for two days

She later held posts that included Minister for the Department of Citizenship and Culture, and Postmaster General

In 1963, Fairclough was defeated for the first time in her career, and left politics. She had served continuously in municipal and federal politics for 17 years