Persons Day

This photo was taken on my first day in the House of Commons. It was an exciting day, but it wasn't lost on me that this moment wouldn't have been made possible without the bravery of five women nearly a century ago.

The Famous Five—five women: journalists, reformers, and activists—took to the Supreme Court to challenge the exclusion of women as "persons" under Canadian law. Losing their first legal challenge at the Supreme Court, they continued their fight at the then-highest court of appeal and winning on October 18th, 1929.

On Persons Day, I'm forever thankful for the courage of the Famous Five who fought to ensure women could participate in politics.

While their victory did not benefit all women equally, they laid the foundation for women to run for office and serve their communities in the halls of government.

On behalf of women who've taken their seats in legislatures across Canada: thank you for paving the path.