A significant figure in the campaign for the vote for women in British Columbia, Mary Ellen Smith became one of the few suffrage activists in Canada to make a successful transition to electoral politics. During three terms as a member of the provincial Legislative Assembly from 1918 to 1928, she ably represented newly enfranchised women by leading important initiatives of social legislation, notably the establishment of minimum wages and generous mothers’ pensions. By gaining a prominent role with the B.C. Liberals, Smith inspired women to find their political voice within mainstream parties. *Note: This designation has been identified for review. A review can be triggered for one of the following reasons - outdated language or terminology, absence of a significant layer of history, factual errors, controversial beliefs and behaviour, or significant new knowledge.