Secret Life of Canada

Eugenics in Canada: Leilani Muir's fight for justice

Along with thousands of other people, Muir was forcibly sterilized as part of a robust government plan for members of the population it deemed "unfit." 

Muir successfully sued he provincial government for being sterilized without her knowledge at the age of 14

Leilani Muir made history after successfully suing the provincial government for being sterilized without her knowledge at the age of 14, after she failed an IQ test. (CBC)

In 1992, Leilani Muir decided to sue the government. Along with thousands of other people, Muir was forcibly sterilized as part of a robust government plan for members of the population it deemed "unfit." 

In this episode we learn why some of the most notable Canadians from history championed eugenics, what it is and why Leilani Muir's decision to step forward and tell her story changed everything. 

With guests Dr. Megan Davies and Dr. Ericka Dyck from the Eugenics Archive.

*Warning: this episode contains strong language and content.

Key References

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you.

Sign up now

now