Executive Council
November 7, 2008

Provincial Women�s Advocate Presented with Governor General�s Award

The Provincial Government congratulates St. John�s resident Frances Ennis, a long-time women�s advocate, on the well-deserved recognition of her contribution to the advancement of women�s equality by the Governor General of Canada in Ottawa earlier today.

Ms. Ennis is one of six recipients of the 2008 Governor General�s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case. The award celebrates the struggle of five Canadian women who, in 1929, fought and won the right for women to be recognized as persons and eligible to sit in the Senate.

"For over 30 years, Frances has made outstanding contributions to advancing women�s equality in this province and across the country," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "I want to offer my sincere, heart-felt congratulations to Frances, a woman who embodies the spirit of the Persons Case Award."

The Persons Case is a significant historical landmark in the fight for equality by Canadian women. Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby and Nellie McClung became known as The Famous Five for their determination in fighting for the advancement of women.

"Frances exudes the spirit of these five women. Her vision and commitment have produced groundbreaking work on women�s health issues and women�s participation in elected office," said Minister Dunderdale. "Her wise counsel and support have helped develop strong equality-seeking organizations such as Women in Resource Development, and her work is recognized in best practice models used across Canada."

Ms. Ennis has provided leadership on the boards and committees of community-based, adult education and community development organizations. She has been an instrumental contributor to the decision-making process on issues that affect family and shape community policy. She is the author and co-author of a number of books that capture the life stories of women. Ms. Ennis wrote Strong as the Ocean, which tells the stories of women in the fishery and their leadership roles in keeping communities together. She also uses crafts, in particular rug hooking, as a way to express the strengths and achievements of women, as well as significant events in the history of women�s struggle for equality.

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Media contact:

Erin Molloy
Communications Specialist
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938

erinmolloy@gov.nl.ca

2008 11 07                                                    2:30 p.m.
 


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