Ottawa, Ontario- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, today issued the following statement:
“Today is Persons Day, and I invite all Canadians to join me in celebrating the extraordinary women who have helped shape our nation throughout its history.
Each year on Persons Day, our country marks a turning point in Canadian history when women were declared to be persons under our Constitution, thanks to the remarkable courage of a small group of Alberta women now known as the Famous Five.
In the face of great opposition, they relentlessly pursued their legal case that successfully redefined the word ‘person’ to include women. Their tremendous legal victory on October 18, 1929 gave women the same right to serve in the Senate of Canada as men, and paved the way for women’s increased participation in public and political life. It also opened new doors of opportunity for generations of women and girls that followed.
On Persons Day this year, let’s renew our commitment to making a difference in the lives of women and girls so that our country continues its incredible journey towards the healthy, inclusive society we want to leave as a legacy to our children.
Let’s use our voices to change the world #BecauseofHer.”
