“Persons Day recognizes a critical moment in Canadian history for women. On Oct. 18, 1929, five women challenged the British North America Act, which stated women weren’t considered ‘persons.’
“Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards were five remarkable Alberta women who stood for equality and made history. They took the ‘Persons Case’ all the way to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, England. Their success effectively changed the lives of all women in Canada.
“They fought for a woman’s right to vote, to serve and to participate fully in politics and affairs of state. Today, women across Alberta and Canada continue to carry on the Famous Five’s commitment to equality and freedom for all people to thrive.
“We have come a long way from where we were 93 years ago, but there’s still a lot of work to do. Every person in this province deserves the opportunity to reach their potential without additional societal barriers.
“Through the Persons Case Scholarship, Alberta’s government is working to help empower our youth. Students who are working to advance gender equality while studying in the arts, humanities and social sciences, and individuals studying in fields where their gender is underrepresented or disadvantaged are eligible to apply. Applications are now open, and I encourage students currently enrolled in the qualifying fields to apply to receive $2,500 for their studies.
The Persons Case Scholarship will help young Albertans chase their dreams.”