On November 8th, 1946, 32 year-old Viola Desmond decided to goto Roseland Theater in Nova Scotia. Her car was in the shop being repaired so she had some free time. A beautician and businesswoman Viola did well for herself and wanted to sit in the luxury seats in the orchestra section of the movie theatre.

However, this was the 40s, in Nova Scotia. They would not sell her a downstairs ticket because this theatre was segregated.

So, she purchased the ticket for the balcony, the place where blacks were allowed. Once inside the theatre she went to the orchestra seat anyhow.

She was arrested, her charge was for not paying a 1 cent tax, the difference between the ticket prices, despite wanting to in the first place. She was taken to jail and left overnight. A $20 bail and $6 court charge managed to get her released. Despite her appeal her conviction stood.

This was the first known legal action against segregation in Canada. It was an inspiration and a catalyst for the civil rights movement.

In 2010 she was posthumously pardoned by Nova Scotia lieutenant-governor Mayann Francis.

Nova Scotia lieutenant-governor Mayann Francis is also the first black person to serve as the Queen’s representative in the province.

A formal apology was also issued from the Government of Canada.

Now, Canada’s Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz have announced that Viola will be the first Canadian woman on the $10 bill.

Viola is the first woman to appear on the $10, there have been women on other bills (I am not sure if she is the first black Canadian on the bill).