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News Releases
July 20, 1998
SECRETARY OF STATE (MULTICULTURALISM) (STATUS OF WOMEN) PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORMER SENATOR
OTTAWA -- The Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) paid tribute today to the Honourable Florence Bird, former Senator and recipient in 1983 of the Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case, who died on Saturday.
"Senator Bird was a remarkable woman whose commitment to the advancement of women's equality and contribution as head of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women led to establishing so many rights and benefits that we take for granted today. It is because of Florence Bird's efforts that Canadian women enjoy paid maternity benefits and the recognition of full status for aboriginal women."
Throughout her life, Mrs. Bird showed a concern for the position of women in our society. She was a tireless advocate for the equality of women and through her work, she has increased the awareness of Canadians of the prejudices and barriers which keep women from participating fully in all aspects of our society. By her own example, she showed that neither age nor sex should deter women from seeking to fulfill their potential.
Dr. Fry extends her condolences to Mrs. Bird's many friends and those who were close to her. This great Canadian will be missed.
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