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EMILY Murphy
In 1916, Emily became the first female magistrate in Canada, and in the British Empire. -
The Famous Five was formed
Five successful women gathered in the living-room of Emily Murphy who together fought the Canadian government on women and children rights. They have since become known as the Famous Five, The group of women launched a legal challenge that would mark a turning point for equality rights in Canada. -
THE PERSONS CASE
According to Section 60 of the Supreme Court Act, a group of five persons could petition the government to direct the Supreme Court to interpret a point of law in the BNA Act. On 27 August 1927, the Famous 5 signed the letter, which was sent to the governor general. -
Supreme Court
the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that women were not “persons” according to the British North America Act. -
WINNING VERDICT
the Famous Five appealed to the Privy Council of England, Canada’s highest court at and in 1929 reversed the Supreme Court’s decision. The Persons Case opened the Senate to women, enabling them to work for change in both the House of Commons and the Upper House. Also they legally ruled in recognition of women as “persons” meant that women could no longer be denied rights. -
Cairine Wilson
On 15 February 1930, Cairine Wilson was sworn in as Canada’s first female senator.
