Unhistoric Acts

The title, Unhistoric Acts, is inspired by the work of unheralded women in the 18th-century novel Middlemarch by George Elliot. Unhistoric Acts is a first hand account by long time advocate for the women’s movement Dianne Porter. Women’s equality in Prince Edward Island took time and tireless effort by numerous unsung heroes. Working together as a force for change, Porter honours the ‘unsung heroes’ of the movement with profiles of front-liners in the fields of early childhood education, politics and social services, which collectively were able to transform the landscape.

This social history takes the reader on a journey of progression in politics and social reform. As an advocate for change and a political advisor in the 1980s, Porter brings us behind-the-scenes to the conversations that finally put women’s equality on Prince Edward Island on the table — women in the workforce, child care, and setting up basic minimum standards.

This book will serve as an important historical document and primary source in the field of women’s studies.

Cover art by Ontario artist Beverley Hawksley.

Unhistoric Acts

ISBN: 9781778124570

$34.95 CAD | Paperback / softback

Height: 9"

Width: 6"

Pages: 208

Publication Date: June 6, 2023

Dianne Porter’s work in equality issues in Prince Edward Island is monumental. With a Masters of Arts in Canadian Studies, Dianne was a Founding Member of the Canadian Child Care Federation and the first Executive Director of the P.E.I. Interministerial Women’s Secretariat. She has worked on the front lines of early childcare reform as the Chair of the P.E.I. Coalition for Women in Government, and on the prevention of violence against women in her role as Treasurer for the Women’s Network P.E.I. A tireless advocate and a passionate leader, Dianne is a member of the Order of P.E.I., Advisory Council and has made it her life’s work to improve the lives of women, both on the front lines and behind the scenes. Dianne has worked as a lecturer in gender studies at Carleton University, and in leadership roles at Red River Community College and Holland College. Dianne lives in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Unsung Hero Contributors:

Claire Arsenault, Department of Secretary of State, Women’s Program

Lyle Brehaut, Founder and Coordinator, Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre

Jan Devine, Anderson House Worker, a shelter for abused women and children

Eileen Doyle, Volunteer in politics

Kathleen Flanagan, Early Childhood Education Expert

Ruth Lacey, Camp Counselor and Program Director, Appin Road Children’s Camp

Sara Roach Lewis, Women’s Network, Women in the Trades Program

Kirstin Lund, PEI Coalition for Women In Government

Anne MacCallum, Women’s Network, Publisher Common Ground

Cathy MacCormack, Early Childhood Development Association, Canadian Child Care Federation, Child Care Program – PEI Government

Elayne MacLaine, Women in politics

Dianne Morrow, Women’s Network, Rural Workshops, Women’s Festivals

Lisa Murphy, Executive Director, Advisory Council on the Status of Women

Anne Nicholson, Chairperson, Advisory Council on the Status of Women

Louise Polland, Policy Analyst, PEI Women’s Secretariat

Ann Sherman, Executive Director, Anderson House Planning Committee, Community Legal Education Association

Gaylene Smith, Dental Assistant Educator

Andy Lou Somers, Executive Director, East Prince Women’s Information Center