Statement by Official Opposition leader Tom Mulcair on Persons Day

The leader of the New Democratic Party made the following statement on Persons Day:

“Every year, the New Democratic Party commemorates the landmark “Persons” Case and remembers the work of pioneers of women’s equality in Canada.

On this day in 1929, the Privy Council in London—the highest court of appeal at the time—overturned a Supreme Court of Canada ruling, declaring that women should be included in the legal definition of a “person”. As a result of this decision, Canadian women were given the right to sit in the Senate.

A great deal has happened since, and we can be proud of the progress we have made in the fight for women’s equality. But there is still work to be done. Inequality is still a fact of life for Canadian women. Aboriginal women, immigrants and exploited workers still face discrimination, as well as many women still unable to enjoy equal status due to their social condition, religion or sexual orientation.

On October 18, let’s remember the lessons of the past and continue our efforts to break down all the remaining barriers that women face.”