November 5, 2008
OTTAWA-Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will present the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case to six laureates during a ceremony to be held at Rideau Hall, on Friday, November 7, 2008, at 10 a.m.
These awards salute Canadian contributions to the advancement of women's equality and celebrate Canada's evolution as an inclusive society. With the support of former governor general
Edward Schreyer, the awards were instituted by the Government of Canada in 1979 to honour the 50th anniversary of the Persons Case and the five Alberta women whose determination led to a landmark victory in the struggle of Canadian women for equality.
The 2008 recipients are:
Shelagh Day, Vancouver, British Columbia
France Ennis, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Beverley Jacobs, Ohsweken, Ontario
Maureen A. McTeer, Ottawa, Ontario
Maïr Verthuy, Montréal, Quebec
Benjamin Barry (Youth Award), Ottawa and Toronto, Ontario
For additional information about the Persons Case award or the laureates, please visit the Status Women Canada Web site at www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.
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Members of the media wishing to cover the ceremony are asked
to confirm their presence in advance with the Rideau Hall Press Office.
Media informationMarie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Communications & Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
