Persons Day, honors the struggle and victory of women's rights and recognizes their important role in society. The day not only commemorates the historical achievement of women being legally acknowledged as "persons" but also serves as a reminder to continue advocating for gender equality. This observance is particularly essential, as it highlights the progress that has been made, while also underlining the ongoing challenges women face in the pursuit of equal rights.
The origin of Persons Day can be traced back to the groundbreaking case of Edwards v. Canada, also known as the Persons Case, in 1929. Five Canadian women, known as the Famous Five – Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Nellie McClung – challenged the interpretation of the term "person" within the British North America Act of 1867. Prior to their victory, the term "person" did not legally include women, barring them from holding Senate positions. However, on October 18, 1929, the Privy Council in England ruled that women were indeed persons under the law, making a significant stride in the advancement of women's rights in Canada.
Persons Day is observed in Canada in various ways, with events and initiatives aimed towards celebrating women's achievements, increasing public awareness of the importance of gender equality, and inspiring future generations of women. Canadians often attend conferences, panel discussions, and educational events focused on women's contributions and causes. Persons Day is commemorated annually on October 18th, serving as a reminder of the nation's ongoing commitment to achieving gender equality and acknowledging the tireless efforts of the Famous Five and women alike.
Top Tweets for Persons Day
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It was on this day in 1929 that women were given the legal status of “persons” in Canada. In the 93 years since, we’ve made progress – but there’s more work to do to advance gender equality. We’ll continue to do that work, on #PersonsDay and every day. https://t.co/ub26HM4X3O
It seems incredible, but it was less than 100 years ago that women in Canada were finally included in the legal definition of persons. As we recognize Persons Day today, I celebrate my trailblazing mom @MaureenMcTeer & all women who continue to fight for equality. 🙌🏻👏🏻💪🏻
A huge shout out to the contributions made by the Famous Five, as we celebrate “Persons Day” today. This marks the day in 1929 when women became included in the legal definition of “persons” thanks to Canada’s highest court of appeal!@DellaMurphyRus @CASSWiLalberta https://t.co/M3tM8SelcB
On #PersonsDay, we celebrate the resolve of the Famous Five, who helped ensure a better and fairer Canada where women can participate equally in all aspects of life. Read PM Trudeau’s statement inviting Canadians to continue standing up for equality: https://t.co/uJkExAJIXB
Happy Persons Day! Thanks to the imperfect, tireless Famous Five, women were acknowledged as persons under Canadian law on this day in 1929. https://t.co/CbbxpBqeiK
Today, October 18, is Persons Day
In 1929, Canada's highest court of appeal included women in the legal definition of “persons,” which gave some women the right to be appointed to the Senate.
Did not include all women, such as Indigenous women or women of Asian background. https://t.co/4J5TPS0Wc7
Today is Persons Day - marking the day in 1929 that women became “persons” under the law in Canada 🇨🇦 #WomensRightsAreHumanRights https://t.co/VEFUPPF3Fb
Happy Persons Day! On this day in 1929, some women in Canada were officially recognized as persons in the eyes of the law, a huge victory for gender equality. Fast forward 93 years and today the OAG is proudly led by a woman for only the second time in history! https://t.co/H26byqubDu
— Office of the Auditor General of Canada (@OAG_BVG) October 18, 2022
Today is Persons Day, commemorating the date in 1929 in which women in Canada became persons under the law – notably, this only included white women. It’s an important day to recognize how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go. /1 https://t.co/SSogTSbRDZ
October 18 is Persons Day, marking the historic 1929 decision to include women in the legal definition of “persons” in Canada. Under this ruling, women became eligible to sit in the Senate. This is an important step in the journey towards gender equality in our nation’s history. https://t.co/5ogOBj8LQI
— Office of Women and Gender Equality (@WGE_GovNL) October 18, 2022
Top facts & quotes about Persons Day
Louise McKinney was the first woman to be sworn into the British legislature. In 1917 she was sworn into the Alberta legislature.
On the 65th anniversary of the Persons case in 1996, the Famous 5 Foundation was established. As a non-profit corporation it set out to empower women and girls to courageously lead change that contributes to a society without boundaries for women.
On Persons Day, we pay tribute to the many women who fought, and those who continue to fight, to make gender equality a reality in Canada. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I invite Canadians to learn more about the countless activists who have helped Canada become a more equal, just, and inclusive democracy. It is up to all of us, no matter our gender identity or expression, to carry their legacy forward, achieve progress in advancing gender equality, and fight discrimination of every kind in Canada and around the world - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Persons Day 2020
Before the Persons Case, women in Canada were not considered persons under the British North America Act of 1867.
The first Indigenous woman to be appointed to the Canadian Senate was Senator Sandra Lovelace Nicholas in 2005.
The first female senator, Cairine Wilson, was appointed to the Canadian Senate in 1930.
Watch Nellie McClung (1991). Based on the biography by Charlotte Gray, the film tells the story of Nellie McClung who fought successfully for the Canadian woman's right to vote.
Watch The Apology (2016). Directed by Tiffany Hsiung, this is a powerful documentary about ‘comfort women’ from WWII, illuminating the atrocities they faced and their battle for justice.
