Craig Baird
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It is Asian Heritage Month and this is the story of Margaret Jean Gee who broke several racial and gender barriers in her life.

Margaret was born on Dec. 10, 1927 in Vancouver to parents who operated a bookstore.
01:54 PM - May 11, 2024
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Craig Baird
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Growing up, she dealt with racism in the community, but this inspired her to make change.

During the Second World War, she became the first Chinese-Canadian female pilot officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserves.
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Craig Baird
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When the Law Society of British Columbia lifted its restricted that prevent Chinese-Canadians from becoming lawyers, she decided to pursue law.

She enrolled at the University of British Columbia and in 1953 became the first Chinese-Canadian woman to graduate with a law degree from U of BC.
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Craig Baird
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One year later, she was called to the British Columbia Bar. This made her the first Chinese-Canadian woman to pass the British Columbia Bar.

She didn't stop breaking barriers at that point. In 1955, she became the first Chinese-Canadian woman to operate her own law office.
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Craig Baird
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While she had dealt with some cases of racism at law school, she found that many in the legal profession were very accepting of her.

Margaret worked in the law profession until she retired in 1981. She spent the rest of her life living in Vancouver with her partner Robert Wah Jew Lee.
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Craig Baird
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She died on July 17, 1995.
If you enjoy my Canadian history content, you can support my work with a donation at http://www.buymeacoffee.com/craigu
01:54 PM - May 11, 2024
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