Government of Canada commemorates the Persons Case

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Decision a Landmark in Women’s Struggle for Equality in Canada

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Edmonton, Alberta, October 21, 2011 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Canada’s Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced the commemoration of the Persons Case as a National Historic Event. The ceremony was held at the Faculty of Women’s Studies of the University of Alberta.

"Eighty-two years ago, a group of trail-blazing Albertan women, now known as the Famous Five challenged the status quo, creating lasting and positive change for every Canadian woman," said Minister Ambrose. "As a proud Albertan, I am thrilled to be here today to recognize the Persons Case as an event of national historic significance and commemorate the courage and dedication of the Famous Five."

Canada’s Famous Five were Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung, and Henrietta Edwards. Together they initiated the petition to the Supreme Court of Canada that began the Persons Case. Their purpose was to close one of the legal gaps that permitted women to be treated as second-class citizens. They did obtain the right for women to serve in the Senate and also paved the way for women to participate in other aspects of public life.

"The Persons Case is one of the most significant human rights decisions made in the course of Canada’s history," said Minister Kent. "As Canadians we have a rich and diverse history, and the Government of Canada is pleased to commemorate an event that honours that legacy."

October is also Women's History Month in Canada. Proclaimed in 1992 by the Government of Canada, Women's History Month provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the important contributions of women and girls to our history. Women's History Month 2011 recognizes the invaluable contributions of women to the military in Canada over the years with this year’s theme: Women in Canadian Military Forces: A Proud Legacy.

Created in 1919, and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Government of Canada through the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up a rich tapestry of Canada’s historical heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.

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Information:
Evelyn Henke
Public Outreach Education Officer
Elk Island National Park
780-992-2960
www.twitter.com/parkscanada

Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women
613-997-5421

'Famous Five' named honorary senators

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Eighty years after they changed history, the Famous Five have done it again - this time by becoming the only Canadians to be appointed honorary senators. The Famous Five are Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney and Irene Parlby, and in 1929, they won a landmark court ruling that recognized women as "persons," thus opening up the doors for women to sit in the Senate. Their dream came full circle last week when they were posthumously appointed to the Senate. The five are most associated with Alberta - although Murphy, McKinney and McClung were born in Ontario. This is the first time that such an honour will be bestowed upon a Canadian, said Frances Wright, founder of the non-profit Famous 5 Foundation."It's a fabulous gift," she said on Sunday from Calgary. "It shows that dreams in Canada can come true and particularly when you dedicate your life ... to contributing to the growth of Canada."

The Senate voted to name the women honorary senators last Thursday, just 10 days before the 80th anniversary of their historic triumph.

The five lobbied to have women included in the definition of "persons" under the BNA Act of 1867 so they could participate in all levels of political life. After failing to persuade the Supreme Court, the women took their fight to the British Privy Council, then Canada's highest court, and won.

"By not being present in the Senate, (women) had no ability to amend a bill or encourage its passage," Wright explained.

Of the five, Emily Murphy most yearned to become a senator Wright said. But she was passed over for a senate opening for Alberta businessman Patrick Burns. This was puzzling, Wright said, because Burns was a Liberal and then prime minister, R.B. Bennett, was a Conservative, like Murphy.

City urged to protect McClung home By the Calgary Herald

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The Calgary home of Nellie McClung who helped win women the right to vote, is poised to be preserved as a municipal historic resource.

The city's land-use, planning and transportation committee will be asked today to approve the designation for the 101-year-old home at 805 15^th Ave. S.W.

The house was designated a provincial historic resource 30 years ago.

Bob van Wegen, with the Calgary Geritage Initiative, said it has significance both as a building and for the person who occupied it for nine years.

“ It's very important because of the association with Nellie McClung and her importance in Canadian history, ” he said.

Van Wegen also pointed out the structure is just an “average” house in the Beltline, representative of what many Calgarians would've been living in during the early part of 1900s.

McClung lived in the home between 1923 and 1932.

From 1921 to 1926, McClung was one of Alberta's first three female MLAs.

A report going to committee says she entertained other members of the Famous 5 in the 15^th Avenue home.

The group of five women petitioned to have the word “person” in the British North America Act include females, which would allow women to sit in the Senate.

In 1916, she had been part of the effort to win women the vote in Alberta and Manitoba.

McClung, who died in 1951, also authored a number of novels, including the three she completed in her second storey bedroom in the house on 15^th Avenue, according to the report.

The designation also requires approval from the city council.

“She's one of our most important historical figures and it's fitting that her home is preserved for future generations,” Als. Durh Farrell said of McClung.

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