National Person’s Day Celebrates Past Contributions
and Continued Advancements

The path forged by early trailblazers and the journey of women to new heights in the private and public sectors, as well as in community and economic development, is highlighted today on National Person’s Day.

National Person’s Day was established on October 18, 1929 when the British Privy Council ruled that women were ‘persons’ under Canadian law, and therefore eligible for appointment to the Senate of Canada. This decision was made after a lengthy legal and political struggle, known as the Persons Case, which was lead by the famous five – Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Nellie McClung.

“National Person’s Day commemorates the accomplishments of women whose work made it possible for women to hold political offices at the highest level of the federal democratic parliamentary system,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. “Women, as reflected by the election of this province’s first female Premier in Kathy Dunderdale, continue to build on the work of our predecessors, break new ground and reach for new heights. Today, we recognize the advancements that have been made and look forward to opening doors that reduce the historical disadvantages for women that continue to exist in our society.”

The Provincial Government funds and works collaboratively with community, industry, educational and other partners to advance initiatives that open doors for women in the skilled trades, business, and other areas of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy.

“Women have come a long way in the pursuit of equality since the days of the famous five,” said Minister Sullivan. “Our actions as a government are focused on ensuring this progression continues. Our goal is to help introduce and connect women of all ages so that inroads are made into the many and varied opportunities that currently exist, as well as those that are on the horizon in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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Media contact:
Melissa MacLeod
Communications Specialist
Women’s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938
melissamacleod@gov.nl.ca 

2011 10 18             9:40 a.m.