The Womens Suffrage Movement comes to Avonlea, and after hearing a suffragette speak, Janet decides to get a petition signed asking for women to have the right to vote. Her zeal causes problems at home and problems at the McCorkindale cannery when she tries to get them better wages. When her efforts finally land her in jail, Alec regrets not helping Janet with her petition and gets Hetty and many others in town to sign. The cannery workers are then given a pay raise, because of Janet's efforts and Mrs. McCorkindale's practicality.