Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presented the 2010 Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case to five laureates during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on October 18, 2010. These awards highlight Canadian contributions to the advancement of women’s equality and celebrate Canada’s evolution as an inclusive society.

Ms. Marie Louise Fish from Elgin, Ontario, received the 2010 Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. Ms. Fish developed policies and practices to enhance women's safety, and increased the representation of women on security staff.

Ms. Lucille Harper from Pomquet, Nova Scotia, received the 2010 Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. On a national level, Ms. Harper has contributed to the work of the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women.

Ms. Kerline Joseph from Delson, Quebec, received the 2010 Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. Ms. Joseph created the organization Voix sans frontières (Voices without borders) of which she is president. The organization addresses the isolation of immigrant women in Canada, helps them with skills development, and provides them with information about their rights and responsibilities in this country.

Ms. Anne Michaud from Montréal, Quebec, received the 2010 Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. In 2002, Ms. Michaud co-created Women in Cities International, a network that promotes the dissemination of knowledge and best practices regarding women's safety and gender equality in urban settings.

Ms. Barbara Mowat from Abbotsford, British Columbia, received the 2010 Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. Ms. Mowat's international work supports women entrepreneurs in developing countries. She led a special United Nations project to support businesswomen in Afghanistan.

In 1929, five women from Alberta won the judiciary battle that granted Canadian women the right to be recognized as persons. The Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case were established in 1979 by the government of Canada, with the support of former governor general, the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic decision.