Canada’s Senators have unanimously agreed to recognize Alberta’s Famous Five as Honourary Senators, a fitting tribute for this month’s celebration of the 80^th anniversary of the ‘Persons’ Case, which led to women being recognized as persons under the British North America Act and therefore eligible to serve as Senators. 

The Famous Five were Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards. Their fight for women’s rights and their later work as public servants helped women all over the world recognize that they need not be defined by traditional roles.

McClung also served as an Alberta Liberal MLA in the 1920s, and since then many fine Alberta Liberal women have served in the same role, including current Alberta Liberal MLAs Laurie Blakeman and Bridget Pastoor. Other prominent Liberal women include Mary Dover, Betty Hughes and Lois Hole.

Congratulations to the Senate for recognizing the heroic struggle of five remarkable women – and thanks especially to the women across the nation who keep our democracy alive through their participation and support. Here’s to the Famous Five and all who follow in their pioneering footsteps.

David