What did the Wartime Elections Act allow Canadian women to do for the first time?

The Wartime Elections Act, passed in 1917 during World War I, allowed Canadian women to vote in federal elections for the first time. This piece of legislation was significant because it recognized the contributions of women to the war effort and marked a pivotal moment in the progression of women's rights in Canada. Prior to this act, voting was largely restricted to men, and this law opened the door for women to participate in the democratic process at a national level. This was a crucial step towards gender equality in politics, ultimately paving the way for further advancements in women's rights and suffrage in Canada.

The other options pertain to different aspects of women's involvement and rights. While women played significant roles in various capacities during the war, holding public office, joining the military, or running for election did not become widely accessible until later developments in law and societal attitudes towards women's roles.