A Mommy of Confederation While many remember the Fathers of Confederation; representatives of British North American colonies who attended the events leading to the Confederation of Canada, they were influenced by certain women during that time. These women, known as the Mothers of Confederation, were crucial in the formation of the Dominion of Canada. Luce Cuvillier, a philanthropist and businesswoman, was the muse of a Father of Confederation, George Étienne Cartier, who took her thoughts and beliefs into consideration. Living in the 19th century, Luce Cuvillier was a key figure in the process of Confederation due to her accomplishments throughout her life, her relationship with Cartier, and her involvement in gatherings as well as her unconventionality. Luce Cuvillier’s family and…show more content… Additionally, “he was chosen in 1841 as the first Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of United Canada because of his mastery of English and his extensive business relationships in both of its provinces.” (Lambert). These connections to members of the Confederation allowed Luce to engage with the political members of the time, positioning her to influence the Confederation. She was also the muse of George Étienne Cartier, a leading father of Confederation, and while their affair was known, “...none of his political adversaries ever used it against him, and journalists were content simply to report Miss Cuvillier’s presence at the social events that Cartier attended. In 1866, Luce was with him at the London Conference.” (Lambert). Her involvement with Cartier and presence at events allowed her to shape the discourse of the Confederation process. Furthermore, she was heavily known for her intelligence and unconventionality, as many websites mention that “she was an unconventional figure in the Victorian Montreal of the mid-19th century.”
