October 18, 2016 

Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of Persons Day

OTTAWA—October 18 will always be an important date in Canadian history. It was on this day in 1929 that women were finally constitutionally recognized as “persons.” 

Because of the hard work of Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, Nellie McClung and Henrietta Muir Edwards, Canadian women have been able to participate fully in our country’s political life for the past 87 years. Their activism forever changed the course of Canadian history and made equality no longer just a dream, but a possibility.           

The cause of women is much farther along today than it was in the era of the Famous Five, but we still have a long way to go as a nation. I believe that democracy and freedom cannot fully exist without true equality between women and men. 

As we celebrate Persons Day, let us continue the discussion on gender equality. In doing so, we will surely become the smarter, more caring nation to which we aspire.   

David Johnston

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Media information: 

Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
marie-eve.letourneau@gg.ca  

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