Commemoration of the Persons Case 2013

Ms. Constance Backhouse, of Ottawa, is a scholar, activist, teacher, mentor and leader, committed to gender equality and social justice, and to making Canada a better place for women and girls.

Ms. Susan Kathryn Shiner, of St. John’s, is an active campaigner for political candidates whose platforms address issues of inequality.

Ms. Nahanni Fontaine, of Winnipeg, is the special advisor on Aboriginal Women’s Issues for the Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet of Manitoba, with particular focus on Missing & Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls.

Ms. Julie Lalonde (Youth Recipient), of Ottawa, is a graduate student at Carleton University, where she studies the impact of poverty and isolation on elderly women.

Ms. Cherry Smiley (Youth Recipient), of Vancouver, is deeply committed to strengthening safety and social justice for women and girls.

The Honourable Kellie Leich, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, also spoke during the ceremony.

On October 29, 2013, His Excellency presented the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case to five laureates during a ceremony at Rideau Hall.

"You five incredible women fight knowing that Canada will never be the smart and caring nation it must be until all women in our country are fully, truly free," stated His Excellency. "With your intelligence and compassion, you propel our country further along that path that the Famous Five blazed for all Canadians. You are the famous five of the Canada of our time."

In 1929, five women from Alberta won the judiciary battle to be recognized as persons, therefore making them eligible for appointment to the Senate. The Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case were established in 1979, by the Government of Canada, with the support of then-governor general the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic decision. These awards highlight Canadian contributions to the advancement of women’s equality and celebrate Canada’s evolution as an inclusive society.