News & Views
Six Outstanding Women Receive Governor General's Persons Award
October 7, 2011
OTTAWA – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2011 Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. These 32nd annual awards recognize outstanding individuals who have helped to advance equality for women in Canada. The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada will present the Awards during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Persons Day, October 18, 2011.
"As we celebrate six outstanding women, we also celebrate the ‘Famous Five’ of nearly a century ago – a group of Albertan women who challenged the status quo and advanced the status of women in Canada,” said Minister Ambrose. "Like the ‘Famous Five,’ this year’s Persons Awards recipients have demonstrated their courage and dedication, working in a range of sectors to create lasting and positive change for other women, their families and their communities."
This year marks the 82nd anniversary of the Persons Case. In 1929, five Albertan women – Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Emily Murphy and Irene Parlby, who became known as the Famous Five – fought and won the right for women to be recognized as persons before the law.
The following six individuals are the 2011 recipients of the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case:
Madeline Boscoe, R.N., D.U., of North Vancouver, British Columbia, has dedicated more than 30 years to improving women’s health in Canada.
Nancy Hartling, of Riverview, New Brunswick, is a passionate advocate for women, focusing on domestic violence and poverty.
Lucie Joyal, of Boucherville, Quebec, has worked tirelessly for more than two decades to eliminate violence against women and children.
Sharon Donna McIvor, of Merritt, British Columbia, has devoted close to three decades of her life to advancing equality for Aboriginal women.
Kim Pate, of Ottawa, Ontario, is an internationally recognized advocate for marginalized, victimized and criminalized women.
Youth Award recipient Amber JoAnn Fletcher of Regina, Saskatchewan, is an advocate for equality issues and social justice.
An official call for nominations for the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case is made every spring. Nomination forms and brochures outlining selection criteria are available on Status of Women Canada's web site and may be submitted at any time.
In honour of Persons Day, October is Women's History Month in Canada. Proclaimed in 1992 by the Government of Canada, Women's History Month provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the important contributions of women and girls to our society – and to the quality of our lives today. Women's History Month 2011 recognizes women's invaluable contributions to the military in Canada over the years with this year’s theme: Women in Canadian Military Forces: A Proud Legacy.
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For more information, please contact:
Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
Six femmes exceptionnelles recoivent le Prix du Gouverneur général en commémoration de l'affaire « personne »
Le 7 octobre 2011
OTTAWA — L'honorable Rona Ambrose, ministre des Travaux publics et des Services gouvernementaux et ministre de la Condition féminine, a le plaisir de dévoiler le nom des récipiendaires des Prix du Gouverneur général en commémoration de l'affaire « personne » de 2011. Cette 32e édition des prix annuels rend hommage à des personnes qui ont contribué à faire avancer l'égalité des sexes au Canada. Le très honorable David Johnston, gouverneur général du Canada, présentera les prix lors d'une cérémonie à Rideau Hall le 18 octobre 2011, Journée de l'affaire « personne ».
« En honorant six femmes exceptionnelles, nous honorons également les Célèbres cinq — ces Albertaines qui, il y a près d'un siècle, se sont élevées contre le statu quo et ont fait progresser la condition féminine au Canada, a déclaré la ministre Ambrose. Tout comme les Célèbres cinq, les récipiendaires des Prix du Gouverneur général en commémoration de l'affaire « personne » de cette année ont fait preuve de courage et de détermination pour susciter, dans plusieurs secteurs, des changements durables qui ont profité à d'autres femmes, à leur famille et à la collectivité. »
Cette année marque le 82e anniversaire de l'affaire « personne ». En 1929, cinq Albertaines — Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby et Nellie McClung —, aujourd'hui surnommées les « Célèbres cinq », ont remporté leur lutte et obtenu que les femmes soient reconnues comme des personnes devant la loi.
Les six récipiendaires des Prix du Gouverneur général en commémoration de l'affaire « personne » en 2011 sont :
Madeline Boscoe (infirmière autorisée et docteure honoris causa), de North Vancouver (Colombie-Britannique), qui a consacré plus de 30 ans de sa vie à l'amélioration de la santé des femmes au Canada.
Nancy Hartling, de Riverview (Nouveau-Brunswick), qui défend avec passion la cause des femmes en luttant plus particulièrement contre la violence familiale et la pauvreté.
Lucie Joyal, de Boucherville (Québec), qui œuvre sans relâche depuis plus de deux décennies pour éliminer la violence faite aux femmes et aux enfants.
Sharon Donna McIvor, de Merritt (Colombie-Britannique), qui a consacré près de 30 ans de sa vie à promouvoir l'égalité pour les femmes autochtones.
Kim Pate, d'Ottawa (Ontario), qui est réputée mondialement pour son travail au nom des femmes marginalisées, victimisées et criminalisées.
Amber JoAnn Fletcher, de Regina (Saskatchewan), la récipiendaire du prix jeunesse, qui défend avec ardeur l'égalité et la justice sociale.
Un appel officiel de candidatures pour les Prix du Gouverneur général en commémoration de l'affaire « personne » est lancé chaque année, au printemps. Les candidatures sont toutefois acceptées en tout temps. On trouve le formulaire de mise en candidature et des brochures expliquant les critères de sélection sur le site Web de Condition féminine Canada.
On a choisi de célébrer en octobre le Mois de l'histoire des femmes au Canada en l'honneur de la Journée de l'affaire « personne ». Institué par le gouvernement du Canada en 1992, ce mois est l'occasion pour chacune et chacun de découvrir l'apport majeur des Canadiennes — femmes et filles — à notre histoire et à notre qualité de vie. Le thème du Mois de l'histoire des femmes de 2011, Les femmes dans les forces militaires canadiennes : un passé glorieux, met en valeur la participation inestimable des femmes au sein des forces militaires canadiennes au fil des ans.
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Renseignements :
Michelle Bakos
Directrice des communications
Cabinet de la ministre des Travaux publics et des Services gouvernementaux
et ministre de la Condition féminine
819-997-5421
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Directrice générale, Communications et affaires publiques
Condition féminine Canada
613-995-7839
Source: Status of Women Canada
English: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/med/news-nouvelles/2011/1007-eng.html
Français: http://www.cfc-swc.gc.ca/med/news-nouvelles/2011/1007-fra.html
Government of Canada commemorates the Persons Case
Decision a Landmark in Women’s Struggle for Equality in Canada
Edmonton, Alberta, October 21, 2011 - On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Canada’s Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced the commemoration of the Persons Case as a National Historic Event. The ceremony was held at the Faculty of Women’s Studies of the University of Alberta.
“Eighty-two years ago, a group of trail-blazing Albertan women, now known as the Famous Five challenged the status quo, creating lasting and positive change for every Canadian woman," said Minister Ambrose. "As a proud Albertan, I am thrilled to be here today to recognize the Persons Case as an event of national historic significance and commemorate the courage and dedication of the Famous Five.”
Canada’s Famous Five were Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung, and Henrietta Edwards. Together they initiated the petition to the Supreme Court of Canada that began the Persons Case. Their purpose was to close one of the legal gaps that permitted women to be treated as second-class citizens. They did obtain the right for women to serve in the Senate and also paved the way for women to participate in other aspects of public life.
“The Persons Case is one of the most significant human rights decisions made in the course of Canada’s history,” said Minister Kent. “As Canadians we have a rich and diverse history, and the Government of Canada is pleased to commemorate an event that honours that legacy.”
October is also Women's History Month in Canada. Proclaimed in 1992 by the Government of Canada, Women's History Month provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the important contributions of women and girls to our history. Women's History Month 2011 recognizes the invaluable contributions of women to the military in Canada over the years with this year’s theme: Women in Canadian Military Forces: A Proud Legacy.
Created in 1919, and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Government of Canada through the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up a rich tapestry of Canada’s historical heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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Information:
Evelyn Henke
Public Outreach Education Officer
Elk Island National Park
780-992-2960
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
613-997-5421
Le gouvernement du Canada commémore l’affaire « personne »
Une décision historique dans la lutte pour l’égalité des femmes au Canada
Edmonton (Alberta), le 21 octobre 2011 - Au nom de l’honorable Peter Kent, ministre canadien de l’Environnement et ministre responsable de Parcs Canada, l’honorable Rona Ambrose, ministre de Travaux publics et Services gouvernementaux et ministre de la Condition féminine, a annoncé aujourd’hui la commémoration de l’affaire « personne » (femmes non reconnues civilement) en tant qu’événement historique national. La cérémonie a eu lieu à la faculté des études de la condition féminine de l’Université de l’Alberta.
« Il y a 82 ans, un groupe de pionnières de l’Alberta qu’on connait maintenant sous le nom de Cinq femmes célèbres ont contesté le statu quo et ainsi changé la destinée de toutes les Canadiennes, a déclaré la ministre Ambrose. Albertaine et fière de l’être, je suis émue de me retrouver ici aujourd’hui pour honorer l’affaire “personne” en tant qu’événement d’importance nationale et rendre hommage au courage et au dévouement des Cinq femmes célèbres. »
Les Cinq femmes célèbres étaient Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung et Henrietta Edwards. Ensemble, elles ont présenté la requête devant la Cour suprême du Canada qui a conduit à l’affaire « personne ». Elles tenaient à combler l’un des vides juridiques qui permettait de traiter les femmes comme des citoyennes de second ordre. Les Cinq femmes célèbres ont obtenu le droit pour les femmes d’être nommées au Sénat, mais elles ont aussi ouvert la voie aux femmes en leur permettant de participer à d’autres aspects de la vie publique.
« L’affaire « personne » constitue l’une des décisions les plus importantes jamais rendues en matière de droits de la personne au Canada, a déclaré le ministre Kent. Le peuple canadien jouit d’un patrimoine riche et diversifié, et le gouvernement du Canada est heureux de commémorer un événement qui rend hommage à cet héritage. »
Octobre est également le Mois de l’histoire des femmes au Canada. Institué en 1992 par le gouvernement du Canada, le Mois de l’histoire des femmes donne l’occasion aux Canadiennes et aux Canadiens de découvrir les contributions importantes des femmes et des filles dans notre histoire. Le Mois de l’histoire des femmes 2011 a pour thème Les femmes dans les forces militaires canadiennes : un passé glorieux et rend hommage à l’apport inestimable des femmes dans les forces armées canadiennes au fil des ans.
Créée en 1919 et soutenue par Parcs Canada, la Commission des lieux et monuments historiques du Canada conseille le gouvernement du Canada par l’entremise du ministre de l'Environnement sur l'importance historique nationale des lieux, des personnes et des événements qui ont marqué l'histoire du Canada. Parcs Canada gère un réseau pancanadien de lieux historiques nationaux qui font la richesse du patrimoine culturel du Canada, et qui permettent aux visiteurs de découvrir des trésors authentiques et exaltants.
Pour en savoir plus, veuillez consulter le document d’information offert en ligne à l’adresse www.parcscanada.gc.ca sous la rubrique Salle des médias.
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Renseignements :
Evelyn Henke
Agente d’éducation et de diffusion externe
Parc national Elk Island
780-992-2960
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
Michelle Bakos
Directrice des communications
Cabinet de la ministre des Travaux publics et des Services gouvernementaux et ministre de la Condition féminine
613-997-5421
Source: Parks Canada
English: http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/cp-nr/release_e.asp?id=1789&andor1=nr
Français http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/cp-nr/release_f.asp?id=1789&andor1=nr
Media Advisory
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Letters to the Ottawa Citizen on Statues Location
Speaking Notes for Isabel Metcalfe, Chair, Ottawa Famous 5
to The Ottawa Women’s Canadian Club, February 16, 2010
Thank you for that warm welcome. Like most of you this week, I am really enjoying the Vancouver Olympics.
Watching the Games, I was so touched to see that charming Alexandre Bilodeau attribute his gold medal to his
family and, especially, the inspiration provided to him by his family and, his older brother Frederic......View Complete PDF document
‘You’re only as old as you think,’
Hazel McCallion says of expiry dates
Posted on Tue, Mar 29, 2011, 7:03 pm by Meg Wilcox
Twelve consecutive terms, over 30 years and a 76-per-cent support rate. No doubt, federal politicians would love to learn Hazel McCallion’s secret.
The Mississauga mayor was the woman of the hour Tuesday at a Famous 5 luncheon at the National Arts Centre.
She spoke to an appreciative group of about 125 — mostly women — including senators Vivienne Poy, Joyce Fairbairn, Catherine Callbeck, and Jane Cordy, plus former Liberal MP Marlene Catterall and Pontiac Liberal candidate Cindy Duncan.
Hurricane Hazel, who turned 90 on Valentine’s Day, is known for her quick wit, no-nonsense politics, and unending energy. When her microphone refused to work at the start of the talk, she vowed to “belt it out” until it was fixed. (She did — hardly missing a beat.)
McCallion spoke about her leap into politics in the 1960s, touched on the challenges of running a city, and reflected on the competition Canada will face due to growing international economies.
The mayor also offered a few insights on the federal campaign, urging her audience to look past the hype to the issues. “All you hear about is a coalition. So what?! It’s about time they all worked together,” quipped McCallion, who described herself as “basically conservative, with a liberal point of view, a great social conscience, and looking for a heck of a lot of reform in government.”
During her comments, McCallion spoke of the importance of women in politics. She said it always bothers her when people ask how, as a woman, she’s run the city budget. “Running a city budget is no different than running a household budget,” she said. “Who normally runs household budgets? Women!”
Asked about the suggestion from MP Shelly Glover, 44, that Liberal MP Anita Neville, 68, is “past her expiry date,” McCallion observed that age has nothing to do with years.
“Your attitude determines how old you are,” she said. “You can be old in years and young in thinking, young in vision, young in activity. It has nothing to do with age …”
© 2011 iPolitics Inc.
Famous 5 To Receive Landmark Donation
For Immediate Release:
Western Canadian developer announces $100,000 commitment to preserve iconic Canadian legacy
Calgary, December, 2009 – In conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the Famous 5 “Persons" Case, Calgary-based real estate developer ProCura has announced it will donate $1,000 for each of the 100 remaining units it sells in the newly completed The Montana condominium residence high-rise.
The donations will go to the Famous 5 Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of famed suffragists, legislators and women’s rights advocates: Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung, Henrietta Muir Edwards and Irene Parlby. These five Alberta women were lifelong champions of the rights of women and children, and are perhaps best known for winning the 1929 “Persons” Case—inspiring Canada’s Parliament, and eventually the entire British Empire, to recognize women as persons under the law.
The Famous 5 Foundation works to preserve this legacy while encouraging young people today to become the leaders of tomorrow. Gillian Lawrence, Chair of the Board for the Famous 5 Foundation welcomes this significant gift as an opportunity for the group to extend its outreach to the next generation of leaders through strong networking and education programs. “We are delighted with this donation. It opens up a number of opportunities for us to continue to communicate and build upon the legacy that was created by our five famous Canadian women.” said Ms. Lawrence.
Sherry Schluessel heads up ProCura’s giving program; she says that this initiative is just one part of a larger vision of philanthropy and community giving. ProCura also maintains the historic Nellie McClung house in Calgary and is looking for investors to help turn the property into a community space for women’s organizations, as well as converting part of the home into a museum dedicated to the Famous 5. Ms. Schluessel particularly invites women leaders and investors to step forward. “It would be wonderful if we could get a modern-day Famous Five to become a moving force in promoting and inspiring female leadership across Canada,” said Ms. Schluessel.
ProCura owner and CEO George Schluessel is excited to have this opportunity to give back to the community. “We believe in honouring this important legacy and doing our part for community and heritage,” said Mr. Schluessel. Both Schluessels are proud to create an association between the Famous 5 and a building they believe has the timeless elegance, enduring quality and craftsmanship to create its own legacy as a distinctive Calgary landmark.
The Montana is a 27-floor luxury residence tower located on 4 St and 11 Ave SW, in the cosmopolitan Uptown 17 district. The building features stylish refinement—including a spacious grand lobby, and a distinctive illuminated tower peak certain to become a landmark on the Calgary skyline. The Montana also possesses revolutionary engineering features such as Visionwall® floor-to-ceiling windows that combine superior soundproofing, energy efficiency and spectacular city views. Elegance, craftsmanship and attention to detail are the hallmarks behind Calgary’s newest condominium residence building.
Homebuyers and investors are invited to view available units—and to take part in some modern history building while helping to preserve the past.
**
ProCura was founded in 1979 by George Schluessel; the developer has been the force behind landmark and award-winning projects such as Calgary’s Emerald Stone and Residences of Mount Royal, Kelowna’s award-winning Casa Bella, Edmonton’s Park Square and Century Park. ProCura is committed to consistently provide the highest level of quality in the development, property management and owner representation to all its projects, thereby maximizing returns to investors and stakeholders.
For more information, contact:
| Mike Harris Mantaray 403-233-9253 |
Sherry Shluessel ProCura 403-802-5888 |
Glebe Report Ottawa – November 9th, 2009
Mutchmor hosts 2009 Governor General’s Award Winners
By Matija and Kaia (grade five students at Mutchmor Public School)
On October 1, five Canadian women were awarded with the Governor General’s Persons Case award. The Persons Case award started when five women made a difference by making sure that women were considered people. We know that it sounds a bit strange, but it was true. Earlier in the 1900s and way before, women did not have as many rights as men did. For example, they were not allowed to own land and there were not many jobs to choose from. Men got a big job selection and they owned all the land.
Five women worked hard to change these conditions. After those five women (Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, and Nellie McClung) made a difference, they were awarded for their actions. Now, every year, five Canadian women are awarded the Persons Case award in recognition for the difference they make. Each year, there is a youth award for the same purpose, but given to younger women that started making a difference at an early age.
This year, the five women given the award were: Mary Scott, Karen Messing, Bev LeFrançois, Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, and Daphne E. Dumont. The youth award was given to Pauline Fogarty. And on October 2, the day after they were recognized, Karen Messing and Pauline Fogarty came to our school, Mutchmor Public School.
In the presentation, the two women talked about why they won the Persons Case award. We are not that old but we were interested to hear what these women had to say about how women used to be treated. Karen Messing talked about how, when she was five, she saw women working in factories making radios and getting less pay than men. When she asked her father about this he answered “They aren’t as smart as you.” Thinking and realizing her father was wrong, she dedicated her life to researching employment problems and cases. The year she asked her father was 1943. Also much younger, Pauline Fogarty explained racism and her life in Thunder Bay. She mentioned that it doesn’t matter if you are black, white, Asian, European or francophone. She discussed how she started a multi-race union in Thunder
Bay.This was an amazing experience for Mutchmor. Therefore, we will try to be like them and make a difference.
Russian Federation Delegates - November 19th, 2009
Submitted by Crystal Gillis – Famous 5 Ottawa Outreach Committee
Today we had a very interesting meeting with the Russian Federation delegates from the Gender Equity Study Tour. The study was part of the Public Administration Reform Program administered by the Canada School of Public Service.
Isabel, Maria Al-Masani, and I gave a short presentation to the group, outlining the historical significance of the Famous 5, their constitutional fight, and the importance of recognizing these women as not only nation-builders, but symbols of Canadian identity. Maria added to the presentation by speaking to the group in Russian as well! We also discussed our group's work to have the monument erected on the hill, and explained the Governor General's Awards and our outreach work with Persons Case Award recipients and luncheon speakers. The presentation was followed by an interesting discussion about women in the workforce, recognizing women's achievements through awards, and women in politics.
The presentation was followed by a walking tour to the Famous 5 Monument on the hill. It was clear that the delegation enjoyed this visit, and it was certainly a wonderful opportunity for our group to showcase our work and the monument. I attach some photos for the website, and for the group to see.
