Persons Day Marks A Milestone For Women’s Rights In Canada - Women Remain Under Represented Decades Later, says NDP
New Democrats are honouring the 79th anniversary of the Persons Case, which removed a crucial barrier for Canadian women in politics.
“This day gives us the opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go,” said 
Claire TrevenaNDP women's issues critic Claire Trevena.
“While the Persons Case gave Canadian women the ability to serve in the Senate, the progress for women since then has been painfully slow. Seventy-nine years later women continue to be under represented in politics,” said Trevena, MLA for North Island.
On October 18, 1929, the Persons Case declared that Canadian women were considered ‘persons’ under the British North America Act and could therefore be appointed to the Senate. Five Alberta women took the challenge to the Supreme Court of Canada and ultimately to the Privy Council in England. The women, known as the Famous Five were: Judge Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung and Irene Parlby.
“Persons Day is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions that women make to society,” said Trevena. “It's a day to celebrate women and their achievements while also recognizing that every step forward has been hard won.
“Equal pay, ensuring the talents of women for workplace promotions are not overlooked – these continue to be some of the systemic barriers to opportunity for women today."
Trevena said that the New Democrats want a province where everyone matters and a B.C. where women participate fully in every part of society.
In recognition of the barriers that deny women the ability to participate in public life, the NDP have stepped up to the plate to address diversity in the legislature. In 2009, eight decades after the Persons Case decision, more women and members of other under represented groups will have an increased presence on the provincial ballot.
