Newsroom

News Releases

October 15, 2007

Recipients for Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case

OTTAWA, October 15, 2007 - The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, is pleased to announce the names of the recipients of this year's Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. The Awards, which honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of women, will be presented at Rideau Hall on October 17, the eve of Persons Day.

"Canadians can be proud of these six extraordinary women," said Minister Verner. "Recipients of these awards continue the tradition of courage, integrity, and hard work inspired by the Famous Five in ways that make their communities better places to live. Canada's New Government is pleased to recognize those who work tirelessly towards the full participation of women in the social, economic, and cultural life of Canada."

The following six women are this year's recipients:

Dr. Mildred L. Burns, of Montréal, Quebec, has, in her 25 years as a professor of educational administration at McGill University, worked tirelessly to inspire students and to promote women's full participation in senior educational roles. An inspired leader and mentor, Dr. Burns continues her participation in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society to ensure that women have access to the range of educational programs and the support they need to reach their full potential.

Élaine Hémond, of Québec City, Quebec, is a leader and a devoted advocate for women's equitable representation in government. Ms. Hémond has, for almost 10 years, instilled her passion in Femmes, politique et démocratie, an organization dedicated to citizenship and democratic involvement. Ms. Hémond is also an award-winning video producer. Her work has had a significant and lasting impact on the lives of Quebec women and men, as well as on Canadian politics at all levels.

Shari Graydon, of Kingston, Ontario, is a tireless advocate for social justice, a passionate teacher, and a prolific writer on the topic of women and the media. From 1992 to 2000, she served as President of MediaWatch, Canada's foremost proponent for the advancement of women in the media, using her leadership skills, sense of humour, and communications expertise to promote awareness of media sexism and its impact. Ms. Graydon initiated the Annual Persons Day Reception on Parliament Hill.

Wendy J. Robbins, of Fredericton, New Brunswick, is a pioneer in the field of women's studies. A distinguished academic with a long list of accomplishments, she started publishing feminist literary criticism in the 1970s and co-founded the University of New Brunswick's Women's Studies Interdisciplinary Program in 1986. Dr. Robbins also co-founded PAR-L, one of the world's first online feminist discussion lists. She compiles the annual Ivory Towers: Feminist and Equity Audits.

Muriel Smith, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has worked tirelessly to bring about women's full participation in Canadian society. An inspired teacher and mentor, Ms. Smith was elected to the Manitoba Legislature in 1981 and went on to become the first woman in Canada to be named Deputy Premier. She ushered in the first pay-equity legislation in Canada and helped establish a network of women's shelters and a zero-tolerance domestic violence policy in the judicial system.

Youth Award recipient, Viviana Astudillo-Clavijo, of Toronto, Ontario, is a devoted community volunteer, inspired mentor, and gifted artist whose work addresses the challenges facing girls and young women in today's society. A passionate student advocate, Ms. Astudillo-Clavijo is described as both humble and wise beyond her years.

The Persons Case is a significant historical landmark in the fight for equality by Canadian women. In 1929, five Canadian women-Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, and Nellie McClung, who became known as The Famous Five-fought and won the right for women to be recognized as persons and, therefore, eligible to sit in the Senate. The Government of Canada established the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case, in 1979, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Persons Case decision and to salute contributions to the advancement of women. Every year, Persons Day is celebrated on October 18, and the Awards are presented to recipients on or around that date.

An official call for nominations for the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case is made every spring. Nomination forms and brochures outlining selection criteria are always available on Status of Women Canada's website. Nominations may be submitted at any time and will be considered at the annual Selection Committee meeting, held in late summer.

Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social, and cultural life of Canada.

- 30 -

Information:

Richard Walker
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
819 994-5978

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director, Communications
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839

Ce texte est également disponible en français.