Executive Council
October 18, 2012
Minister Recognizes the Advancements of Women on National Persons Day
On National Persons Day, women across Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada reflect on the great strides women have made in advancing their social and economic status throughout the country.
Established on October 18, 1929, National Persons Day commemorates the infamous Persons Case whereby the Privy Council of Great Britain ruled that women are “persons” under Canadian law, paving the way for more women to participate in public and political life in Canada.
“For the first time in our province’s history we have a female leader, Premier Kathy Dunderdale, and women are increasingly at the forefront of our communities as leaders in all facets of society, including business, education and justice,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. “We need to build on this momentum and showcase these successes to girls and women in order to inspire them, create awareness of the opportunities that exist, and encourage them to put themselves forward for elected positions.”
The Provincial Government supports organizations including the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs, the Office to Advance Women Apprentices, and the Women in Resource Development Corporation, and works collaboratively with community, industry, educational institutions and other partners to advance initiatives which open doors for women in skilled trades, business, and leadership roles in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We must remain diligent in our efforts to ensure access to equal opportunities,” said Minister Johnson. “Today, I ask all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to reflect on how far women have come since 1929, as well as the challenges and gender inequalities we continue to face on a daily basis.”
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Media contact:
Tracey Boland
Communications Specialist
Women’s
Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938
TraceyBoland@gov.nl.ca
2012 10 18 9:10 a.m.