Canada's Famous Five

On October 18, 1929, women were declared "persons" under Canadian law. The historic legal victory is due to the persistence of five Alberta women. Led by judge Emily Murphy, the group included Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise Crummy McKinney and Irene Parlby.

The story of the Famous Five and of The "Persons" Case is a case study in Canadian political history and leadership.

Famous Five monument on Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Women are Persons! Source: www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage
Did you know? The Famous Five monument can be found near the East Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. It was unveiled in 2000 to commemorate these five women activists. Until then there had only been two statues on Parliament Hill dedicated to women, both Queens of England. 

The purpose of a woman’s life is just the same as the purpose of a man’s life: that she may make the best possible contribution to the generation in which she is living.

- Louise McKinney

Over time, the Famous Five have come to represent an entire generation's political activism, including an earlier, nationwide campaign for women's suffrage - the right of women to vote in political elections, including the right to run for public office. Learn more about the Famous Five

The Women