Continued Advancement of Women Celebrated On Persons Day

Women throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and across the country are encouraged to reflect today on many opportunities available in the public and private sectors, as well as in economic and community development, as part of Persons Day.

Persons Day, established on October 18, 1929, marks the British Privy Council ruling that women were ‘persons’ under Canadian law. The decision, known as the Persons Case, deemed women eligible for appointment to the Senate of Canada. This landmark ruling paved the way for more women to participate in public and political life within Canada and continues to inspire more women to open new doors in their personal and professional lives.

“Women are increasingly involved in leadership and decision-making positions in all facets of our society, including business, justice and education,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. “There is still more work to be done before women and men are truly equally represented and our government is committed to continuing to build on the progress made in partnership with industry, business, and local government.”

In collaboration with community, industry, and other partners, the Provincial Government was a member of the organizing committee for a first-of-a-kind event held in Newfoundland and Labrador; Ovations: Applauding the Accomplishments of Women in Our Communities. The event, created to recognize and celebrate women in the province, acknowledged the contributions and leadership role taken by many women throughout the province’s history. In addition, the Provincial Government continues to support organizations such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs, the Office to Advance Women Apprentices, and the Women in Resource Development Corporation.

“Under the leadership of the province’s first woman premier, Kathy Dunderdale, we continue to diligently ensure access to equal opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” noted Minister Johnson. “Today provides a great opportunity for all of us to reflect on just how far women have come since 1929 and to continue to ensure gender inequities are acknowledged and addressed in a fair and equitable manner.”

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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Program, Policy and Communications Analyst
Women’s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 631-9962
CherylGullage@gov.nl.ca 

2013 10 18                               3:20 p.m.