“Today, we honour Alberta’s Famous Five – Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards – who would not accept that under the British North America Act, women did not qualify as ‘persons.’ They took their stance for equality, the ‘Persons Case’ all the way to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. Their actions paved the way for women’s equality.
“They fought for our right to vote, to serve, to participate fully in politics and affairs of state. Ninety years ago today, the Privy Council ruled that women qualify as persons, forever changing Canadian politics. We must carry on the Famous Five’s commitment to equality and freedom for all people to succeed.
“This is what Albertans do. We challenge the norms, we fight for what’s right and, together, we make our homes, communities and nation a better place to live. Today, we celebrate the Famous Five and all women who have broken down barriers in politics, law, entrepreneurship, science, technology, the arts and sport.
“We ask all Albertans to join us, and support women and girls in their tremendous and essential contributions to our province’s advancement and success.”