Speaking Notes for The Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women)
Famous Five Committee Luncheon for recipients of the 2008 Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case

Ottawa, Ontario
November 6, 2008

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• Distinguished guests, members of the Famous Five Committee, ladies and gentlemen.
  
  
• I am delighted to join you today to honour the 2008 recipients of the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case.
  
  
• Their achievements, individually and collectively, are truly awe-inspiring.
  
  
• Having been appointed last week as the new Minister of State (Status of Women), it is my privilege to meet these extraordinary individuals and to join you in celebrating their contributions to the goal of equality.
  
  
• (When women and men are able to fulfill their dreams and serve as architects of their own destiny, Canada is stronger and we all benefit.)
  
  
• Quand les femmes et les hommes de ce pays peuvent réaliser leurs rêves et devenir les architectes de leur propre destin, le Canada est plus fort et nous en profitons tous et toutes.
  
  
• (We are not quite there yet but we have made real, measurable progress since the days of the Persons Case.)
  
  
• Nous n'avons pas encore atteint cet objectif, mais nous avons fait des progrès réels et mesurables depuis l'époque de l'affaire « personne ».
  
  
• Had it not been for the fiery determination of the Famous Five and their victory in the Persons Case, we might not be gathered here today.
  
  
• Indeed, we might not be celebrating the latest group of recipients of the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case and their unique contributions to Canadian society.
  
  
• The Persons Case decision was a giant leap forward for the rights of women in Canada.
  
  
• Every year since 1979, the 50th anniversary of the Persons Case victory, a small group of Canadians have been chosen from among their peers to be recognized for continuing the tradition of courage, integrity and hard work which the original Famous Five inspired.
  
  
• This year's winners are:
  
  
  • Shelagh Day
  • Frances Ennis
  • Beverley Jacobs
  • Maureen McTeer
  • Mair Verthuy
  • Ben Barry (youth award)
    
    
• Each of these worthy recipients has contributed to the advancement of women in significant and meaningful ways.
  
  
• Canada is well known as a land of opportunity, a country where women and men of all ages and backgrounds can flourish, work out their differences and build a better world for themselves and their children.
  
  
• As the new Minister of State (Status of Women), I look forward to working with my Cabinet colleagues, this year's Award winners, the Famous Five Committee and all of you to ensure that we can live up to our reputation.
  
  
• Together, let's finish the job that was started by the Famous Five.
  
  
• On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank the Famous Five Committee for their work in support of the Persons Awards.
  
  
• Thank you. Merci.

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