Thanks to the perseverance of five Alberta women known as the Famous 5, a historic legal win took place on October 18, 1929, marking critical progress in gender equality in Canada.
The Persons case (Edwards v. A.G. of Canada) was a constitutional ruling that confirmed women were ‘persons’, and could therefore work in the House of Commons and Senate.
This decision did not include all women, such as Indigenous women and women of Asian heritage and descent, according to the Government of Canada.
The Famous 5 includes: Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards.
The “Women are Persons!” monument stands in Olympic Plaza, acknowledging their contributions to history.
The future of the monument is unclear as renovations to Olympic Plaza get underway.
The Famous 5 Foundation is hosting a 95th anniversary celebration from noon …