Media advisory - Governor General to present Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case on the 95th Anniversary of Persons Day

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 16, 2024 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, will present 12 laureates with the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. The two cohorts of award recipients, which represent a diverse cross-section of Canadians, have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of gender equality. Organized by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), this year's ceremony marks the 95^th anniversary of Persons Day.

List of recipients of the 2023 Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case

The 2024 recipients will be announced closer to the event date by Women and Gender Equality Canada.

Date: Friday, October 18, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. (MDT) 
Location: 133 9 Ave SW, Calgary

Notes for media:

• Photos of the ceremony taken by the Governor General's official photographer will be made available upon request.
• To guarantee access to the ceremony, we ask that you please confirm your attendance in advance by emailing [email protected].

About the Persons Case Awards

In 1929, five women from Alberta—who became known as the "Famous Five"—won the judiciary battle to be recognized as persons, making women eligible for appointment to the Senate. This landmark moment paved the way for women's increased participation in public and political life. The case became known as the Persons Case.

The Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case were established in 1979, by the Government of Canada, with the support of former governor general Edward Schreyer, to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of this historic milestone. These awards highlight Canadian contributions to the advancement of women's equality and celebrate Canada's evolution as an inclusive society.

Related link:

•  The Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Rideau Hall Press Office, [email protected]; Women and Gender Equality Media Relations, [email protected]