Why do you honour the Famous 5?
The Famous 5 Foundation (F5F) celebrates the democratic achievements achieved on behalf of all Canadians which were contributed by these five women. They were largely responsible for securing women's right to vote, to run for public office at all levels of government and, of course to serve as Senators. Because of their leadership, all citizens can participate in all facets of public life. These women overcame tremendous obstacles and they exemplify the spirit necessary to build a better Canada.
How do you respond to people who believe that the 'Persons' Case is not especially significant - because it only clarified whether women could be appointed to the Senate and nothing else?
While technically true, the media and the citizens of the Commonwealth continue to interpret this initiative in a larger context. Opening the door to this important decision-making body for women symbolized the right of women to participate in all facets of public life. Furthermore, in its decision, the Judicial Committee of the British Privy Council, then the final court of appeal for Canadians, defined the word 'persons' in our Constitution as meaning both male and female so that now, those who wish to exclude one of the genders must prove the validity for that exclusion. Finally, the Persons Case was a watershed because judges stated publicly "that the exclusion of women from public office was a relic of days more barbarous than ours."
I've heard negative things about some members of the Famous 5. Are they true?
All people - including our heroes - are complex beings with strengths and weaknesses. These heroes operated from the basis of compassion, rather than hate; their goal was to make life better for women and children. The majority of their initiatives were successful and have withstood the test of time. Some have not.
