OTTAWA, April 19, 2016 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will present the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case to five laureates during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at 10 a.m.
Below is the list of the 2015 laureates of the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case:
- The Honourable Monique Bégin, of Ottawa, Ontario, is recognized for her compassionate advocacy as an activist, political leader and academic dedicated to the advancement of women in Canada.
- Marie-Thérèse Chicha, of Montréal, Quebec, has maintained an unwavering commitment to equity and equality for women through her research on systemic discrimination and through her expert advice to international organizations.
- Ruth Elwood Martin, of Vancouver, British Colombia, is a pioneering advocate for the health and well-being of incarcerated women and their infant children, as well as a dedicated family physician and community leader.
- Sheila McIntyre, of Ottawa, Ontario, is a legal activist, scholar and educator who encourages marginalized women to participate in shaping reforms designed to advance equality and who challenges legal institutions, governments and courts to respect the human rights of women.
- Dee M. Dooley (Youth Recipient), of Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a mentor, educator and volunteer who strives for social justice and equality by developing innovative community programming designed to empower and protect young women.
About the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case
In 1929, five women from Alberta won the judiciary battle to be recognized as persons, therefore making them eligible for appointment to the Senate. The Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case were established in 1979 by the Government of Canada, with the support of then-Governor General the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic decision. These awards highlight Canadian contributions to the advancement of women's equality and celebrate Canada's evolution as an inclusive society. For additional information about the Persons Case awards or the laureates, please visit the Status of Women Canada website at women.gc.ca.
Members of the media wishing to cover the ceremony are asked to confirm their attendance in advance with the Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance no later than 9:45 a.m. on the day of the ceremony.
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SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Media information: Josephine Laframboise, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-990-9324, 613-668-1929 (cell), [email protected]; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Status of Women Canada, 819-420-6810, [email protected]
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