Famous 5 Ottawa (the ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to commemorating the efforts of Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Henrietta Muir Edwards & Louise McKinney. The Persons Case
“Women are persons in matters of pains and penalties, but not in matters of rights and privileges.” - 1876 British Common Law
Emily Murphy was the first female magistrate in the British Empire
and set her sights on being the first female Senator in Canada. They ruled that she was prohibited from entering the Senate because she was not considered a “person” under the British North America Act. This court finding prompted a group of women from Alberta to seek a decision from the Judicial Committee of the British Privy Council who, on October 18 1929, ruled in favour of women. These spirited women from Alberta came to be known as the Famous 5 and October 18 became recognized as Persons Day in Canada. The Persons Case is a milestone in Canada’s legal history because it began the long and formative Canadian struggle to amend the British North America Act which set the stage for the concept that a constitution could be regarded as “a living tree” and therefore was subject to change. The important consideration to enable women to hold office in the Senate, a struggle even today, also allowed Senate reform to be on the agenda of the 1927 federal provincial conference. The Famous 5 are the only Canadians that have successfully reformed the Senate of Canada. Emily Murphy died in 1933 without ever being appointed to the position for which she had fought so hard. Mandate
Through a sponsorship from Enbridge, Famous 5 Ottawa was founded in 2006 as a non-profit organization dedicated to inspire and educate women to become Nation Builders in the legacy of the Famous 5. Famous 5 Ottawa holds a series of luncheon events honouring prominent women who lead. In October, we host our annual event to recognize the Governor General’s Persons Case Award Recipients as Nation Builders. In April and June, we honour women who have made contributions at the national and international levels. Past recipients have included former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour, Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion, former Deputy Prime Minister Sheila Copps, Sen. Pamela Wallin, Sen.Flora McDonald, former Minister Jean Augustine, Olympic Gold medalist Hayley Wickenheiser, former NDP leader Audrey McLaughlin, former PEI Premier Sen. Catherine Callbeck, former MP Deborah Grey, Inuit activists Mary Simon and Sheila Watt Cloutier, Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak and former Auditor General Sheila Fraser. Norton Rose Mentorship Program
In October 2011, Famous 5 Ottawa launched the Norton Rose Fulbright Mentorship Program, providing an opportunity for young women to gain experience in public speaking and media. Famous 5 Ottawa believes that young women should be at the front of the room speaking and not at the back of the room organizing. The international law practice, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, supports the opportunity for women to be mentored, coached and supported in public speaking and on media platforms. CGA-Canada Outreach Program
The CGA-Canada Outreach Program was launched in September 2013 with a vision to provide opportunities for local students to learn from female Nation Builders. In collaboration with Christie Lake Kids, these inspiring women are welcomed to Ottawa area schools, colleges, and universities. From connecting with community high school students to delivering an address to post-secondary First Nations graduates, our outreach program brings modern nation builders to a range of young people. Introduced by one of our young women from Christie Lake Kids and accompanied by a Famous 5 volunteer, this program offers an opportunity to build bridges in our community and to share in the successes of Canadian women. Founded in 1908, the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada is a self-regulating, professional association of 75,000 students and Certified General Accountants. The Certified General Accountants Association believes that the community benefits from strong female role models and is happy to collaborate with Famous5 Ottawa in delivering this outreach program. Famous 5 Ottawa Christie Lake Partnership Program
Famous 5 Ottawa partners with Christie Lake Kids’ Leadership Program to provide an opportunity for economically disadvantaged young women from the Ottawa region to participate in all aspects of the Famous 5 Ottawa program. CLK’s young women have the opportunity to connect with community leaders at our luncheons, attend the Governor General’s Persons Case Awards event at Rideau Hall, and accompany our accomplished Nation Builders to the outreach program. Our mentorship program opens the door for these young women to interact with excellent role models. This highly successful collaboration between Christie Lake Kids and Famous 5 Ottawa has been running since September 2011 and continues to enrich the lives of all participants.
