Persons Day

Persons Day Quick Facts

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2023 Date	October 18, 2023
2024 Date	October 18, 2024

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Persons Day in 2023

Wednesday, Oct 18

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Persons Day History

Persons Day seeks to commemorate the historic decision that allowed woman to be appointed to the Senate of Canada. This day celebrates the constitutional case of Edwards v. Canada in 1929. This case would review the British North America Act of 1867 and subsequently consider women to be part of the legal definition of persons.

Five women known as the Famous Five would be the champions of this decision and case. They were Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, and Henrietta Muir Edwards. These activists would turn to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of Great Britain in 1929 to appeal their case. Persons Day is observed annually on October 18th.

Top Tweets for Persons Day

Updated 05:54

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
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 18, 2022

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. 🙌🏻👏🏻💪🏻
— Catherine Clark (@catherinejclark) October 18, 2022

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
— Della Ruston (@DellaMurphyRus) October 18, 2022

Persons Day Facts & Quotes

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