Executive Council
October 17, 2014

Persons Day Promotes Equal Opportunities

Provincial Government Supports Advancement of Women and Girls

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is recognizing tomorrow (Saturday, October 18) as Persons Day. This is a day to reflect on the many opportunities available in the public and private sectors and to celebrate the social and economic advancement of women and girls.

“Persons Day is a day to celebrate the turning point for equality in Canada and the contributions that women have made to this province. We must remain diligent in our efforts to ensure that gender inequities are acknowledged and addressed and that there are equal opportunities for everyone. We need to create awareness of these opportunities and to encourage women and girls to become leaders in all facets of society.”
-The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Persons Day was established on October 18, 1929, and commemorates the infamous Persons Case, whereby the British Privy Council ruled that women were ‘persons’ under Canadian law. This provided women with the ability to participate in public and political life and continues to inspire more women to advance both personally and professionally.

The Provincial Government is committed to advancing the status of women through continuous support for organizations such as 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 partners to advance the role of women in skilled trades, business and leadership.

QUICK FACTS

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is acknowledging October 18 as Persons Day.
• Persons Day was established on October 18, 1929, when the British Privy Council ruled that women were ‘persons’ under Canadian law.
• For further information about Persons Day, visit the Status of Women Canada website at www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/commemoration/pd-jp/index-eng.html .

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Media contact:

Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Justice and Public Safety 709-729-6985, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2014 10 17                                            9:45 a.m.