September 29, 2009
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 Thursday, October 1, 2009, at 10 a.m.
Eighty years ago, in 1929, five women from Alberta won the judiciary battle that granted Canadian women the right to be recognized as persons. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. They were established in 1979 by the government of Canada, with the support of former governor general, the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic decision. For the past 30 years, these awards have highlighted Canadian contributions to the advancement of women's equality and have celebrated Canada's evolution as an inclusive society.
The 2009 recipients are:
Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, Wikwemikong, Ontario
Daphne E. Dumont, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Bev LeFrancois, Oakville, Ontario
Karen Messing, Montréal, Québec
Mary Scott, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Pauline Fogarty (Youth Award), Thunder Bay, Ontario
For additional information about the Persons Case award or the laureates, please visit the Status Women Canada Web site.
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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 and must present themselves at the Princess Anne Entrance by 9:30 a.m.
Media information
Annabelle Cloutier
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-2569
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Communications & Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
www.cfc-swc.gc.ca
