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STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER 

October 18, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today issued the following statement on the occasion of Persons Day, the 71st anniversary of the Persons Case.

It is 71 years since five courageous Canadian women, known as "The Famous Five," achieved a pivotal victory for women’s equality in Canada. Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby and Nellie McClung all shared a common vision - the full and formal recognition of women as "persons" in the eyes of the law. Today I am pleased to participate in the unveiling of a statue in honour of their vision and achievements on Parliament Hill.

The Persons Case was a major milestone for women, and for all Canadians. The immediate result was that women became eligible for appointment to the Senate. In the long-term its impact was far wider. Today, women participate in all sectors of Canadian life, and their contribution is essential to Canada’s growth and success as a nation.

Internationally, our country has earned a reputation as a leader in promoting women’s human rights. Canadian women, particularly those from Quebec, were the power behind the successful World March of Women which culminates this week, and which fuels the push to end--for once and for all--the poverty and violence that women and girls face worldwide.

We can take pride in our progress at home. The Government of Canada, understands that equality between women and men is not just a goal in itself, but a means to enhance our efforts in many areas. We have concentrated on health care, children, economic independence and safer and stronger communities, areas that benefit women, their families and society as a whole.

As we mark this 71st anniversary of the Persons Case, may we be inspired by what we have achieved thus far. And may we rededicate ourselves to cementing the gains we have made and meeting the challenges of the future - a future in which all women and girls are free to participate in the social, economic, political and cultural life of this country.

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