Minister honours Nancy Riche

Sandra C. Kelly, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, in concluding Women�s History Month today, wishes to honour Nancy Riche, recipient of the Persons Award 2002. Ms. Riche was recognized today at a community luncheon hosted by the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

"As Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, I want to add my voice to those recognizing Nancy Riche, a well known activist for women�s rights," said Minister Kelly. "In celebrating Women�s History Month, it is important that we honour women�s contributions, their struggles and their achievements. I can think of no better way to conclude the month than to honour Nancy for her invaluable contribution to women�s rights in this province."

Nancy Riche is a resident of St. John�s who has been an activist, trade unionist and feminist within the labour movement for over 30 years. She was one of six women who were honoured this year with the presentation of the Governor General�s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case. The award acknowledges her contribution to advancing equality for women.

Every October since 1992, Canada celebrates Women�s History Month, with the highlight being Persons Day, on October 18. This event represents a landmark victory in the struggle of Canadian women for equality. On October 18, 1929, the British Privy Council rendered a decision declaring that the term "qualified persons," in Section 24 of the British North America Act, included women as persons in terms of rights and privileges. One of the immediate results was that women were eligible for appointment to the Senate. This decision was rendered after a lengthy legal and political struggle by five courageous women, known as the "Persons Case." Each year, the Governor General�s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case are presented in October.

Women�s History Month represents an opportunity to highlight the past and present contributions of women, such as Nancy Riche, to Canadian society and to recognize the achievements of women from all walks of life as a vital part of our Canadian heritage. Many women�s groups have hosted events across the province in celebration of Women�s History Month.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-6573.

2002 10 31                                      2:35 p.m.