Newsroom

News Releases

May 3, 2004

25 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY

OTTAWA -- To recognize the significant contribution that women make to Canadian society, the Honourable Jean Augustine, Minister of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women) issued a call for nominations for the 25^th annual Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case.

"Seventy-five years ago, five Canadian women, Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards, who came to be known as the Famous Five, challenged conventional thinking and set the foundations for gender equality in Canada," Minister Augustine said. "The landmark victory achieved by the Famous Five set in motion so many other legal victories for women that we appreciate today."

In 1929, the idea of women as 'persons,' even 'qualified' persons, was a novel one. The decision that women were indeed qualified to serve in the Senate encouraged women to participate, celebrate and value their contributions to building Canada's great history.

These contributions, which continue to be recognized today as five awards, plus one youth award, are presented to outstanding people who demonstrate the courage, integrity and hard work that the Famous Five of the Persons Case inspired. Their effectiveness and courage has advanced the cause of equality for girls and women in meaningful ways that have enriched their communities.

The Awards were created in 1979 to honour the 50th anniversary of the Persons Case decision. To be eligible for nomination, candidates must be Canadian citizens and over 25 years of age or 15-25 years of age for the Youth Award.

Deadline for nominations is June 18, 2004.