EDMONTON, July 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister for Status of Women and Regional Minister for Northern Alberta, today applauded the recent unveiling in Edmonton of a mural of the Famous Five by local artist Kris Friesen.
"The Famous Five were a group of strong-minded, trail-blazing Alberta women who challenged the status quo and created lasting and positive change for every Canadian woman," said Minister Ambrose. "These women are an important part of our country's history and I am delighted that, through this mural, they are now a permanent part of our city's visual landscape."
The historic decision to include women in the legal definition of "persons" was handed down by Canada's highest court of appeal - the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of Great Britain - on October 18, 1929. The five Alberta women who mounted the arduous two-year legal challenge - Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, Nellie McClung and Henrietta Muir Edwards - became known as the "Famous Five."
Each year since 1979, five winners from across Canada are chosen to receive the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. In recognition of the world's first International Day of the Girl, which will take place on October 11, 2012, two of the 2012 winners will be from the youth category (15-30 years old).
In addition to the new mural in Edmonton, statues of the Famous Five stand on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and in downtown Calgary.
Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819 997-5421
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and
Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839
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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca
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