Persons Day

Persons Day History

Persons Day, honors the struggle and victory of women's rights and recognizes their important role in society. The day not only commemorates the historical achievement of women being legally acknowledged as "persons" but also serves as a reminder to continue advocating for gender equality. This observance is particularly essential, as it highlights the progress that has been made, while also underlining the ongoing challenges women face in the pursuit of equal rights.

The origin of Persons Day can be traced back to the groundbreaking case of Edwards v. Canada, also known as the Persons Case, in 1929. Five Canadian women, known as the Famous Five – Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Nellie McClung – challenged the interpretation of the term "person" within the British North America Act of 1867. Prior to their victory, the term "person" did not legally include women, barring them from holding Senate positions. However, on October 18, 1929, the Privy Council in England ruled that women were indeed persons under the law, making a significant stride in the advancement of women's rights in Canada.

Persons Day is observed in Canada in various ways, with events and initiatives aimed towards celebrating women's achievements, increasing public awareness of the importance of gender equality, and inspiring future generations of women. Canadians often attend conferences, panel discussions, and educational events focused on women's contributions and causes. Persons Day is commemorated annually on October 18th, serving as a reminder of the nation's ongoing commitment to achieving gender equality and acknowledging the tireless efforts of the Famous Five and women alike.

Top 10 Facts for Persons Day in 2026

• The 2026 observance of Persons Day serves as a moment for Canadians to reflect on the ongoing journey toward substantive equality, recognizing that legal milestones are only one step in the broader fight for justice.
• As part of the 2026 commemoration, public and political discourse often centers on the importance of intersectionality, acknowledging that the original 1929 legal victory did not extend its benefits to all women, including Indigenous and racialized individuals.
• Persons Day commemorates the landmark 1929 decision in Edwards v. Canada (Attorney General), a constitutional ruling by the British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council that determined women were eligible to be appointed to the Senate of Canada.
• The day is famously associated with the 'Famous Five'—Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Muir Edwards—who launched the legal challenge in 1927 after the Canadian government refused to appoint women to the Senate.
• Before the Privy Council's intervention, the Supreme Court of Canada had originally ruled against the Famous Five, maintaining that the term 'persons' in the British North America Act did not include women, as the act used the pronoun 'he' when referring to individuals.
• In his historic declaration, Lord Sankey, the Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, famously stated that the exclusion of women from public office was 'a relic of days more barbarous than ours' and questioned why the word 'person' should not include females.
• While Persons Day celebrates a significant advancement for women in public and political life, modern reflections frequently critically examine the legacy of the Famous Five, including their controversial involvement in eugenics movements and their limited advocacy for marginalized groups.
• The observance is intrinsically linked to Women's History Month in Canada, which spans the entire month of October and highlights the outstanding achievements and contributions of women and girls throughout the country’s history.
• Each year, the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case are presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of gender equality for women and girls in Canada.
• Although Persons Day is a nationally recognized day of commemoration, it is not a civic holiday, meaning businesses and schools typically remain open while various groups and organizations host events to honor the legacy of the movement.

In the News and Trending for Persons Day

Top things to do for Persons Day

• Learn more about the Famous Five.
• Watch a video about the Famous Five and the Persons Case.
• Watch Nellie McClung (1991). Based on the biography by Charlotte Gray, the film tells the story of Nellie McClung who fought successfully for the Canadian woman's right to vote.
• Watch The Apology (2016). Directed by Tiffany Hsiung, this is a powerful documentary about ‘comfort women’ from WWII, illuminating the atrocities they faced and their battle for justice.