Today is a special day for all the women in this room and indeed across Canada – Person’s Day.
On October 18, 1929, the Privy Council of England ruled that women are indeed “persons” under the law – this victory was the result of a long and courageous legal battle by Canadian women known as the famous five.
This ruling allowed women to fully participate in political life. However, not all women. Indigenous, Black and Asian women were not included until much later. And women from diverse backgrounds faced discrimination which limited their ability to participate.
This struggle persists. Women as a group, and even more so, marginalized women continue to be underrepresented. Persons Day reminds us to continue the fight begun by the Famous five until we achieve equal representation for all women and gender diverse people.
“There cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard.” – Hilary Clinton