Canada's Minister of Labour and Status of Women Celebrates Women Leaders with Famous 5 Ottawa Français

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Status of Women Canada

Oct 30, 2013, 12:33 ET

OTTAWA, Oct. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today joined Famous 5 Ottawa in honouring the recipients of the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case at a luncheon in Ottawa.   "This year's recipients of the Governor General's Awards have demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving the lives of Canadian women all across the country," said Minister Leitch. "They are leaders in the pursuit for equality and have made positive, lasting contributions to their communities. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am proud to congratulate them!"

Today's Famous 5 Ottawa luncheon was held in honour of the five recipients of the 2013 Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case:

"It's an honour for me to be amongst such great women who continue to inspire us with their dedication to the promotion of equality for women," added Minister Leitch.

On October 18, 1929, five Canadian women - Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, and Nellie McClung - fought and won the right for women to be legally recognized as 'persons' in Canada. Each year, during Women's History Month, October 18th is marked as Persons Day in recognition of the Famous Five's victory.

The Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case were created in 1979 to mark the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking Persons Case. Each year, five recipients are chosen from across Canada to receive the award. This year marks the 34th year of the awards, which were presented at Rideau Hall on Tuesday, October 29, 2013.

Famous 5 Ottawa is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and educating women to become nation builders in the spirit of the original Famous Five.  The organization holds a series of luncheon events honouring women who lead, as well as other initiatives providing young women opportunities to participate in leadership activities.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada


For media inquiries only:   
Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C.,
O. Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of
Status of Women
Tel: 819-953-5646 

For all other inquiries, contact: 
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and
Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839

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