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News Release

Minister Ambrose Applauds Persons Awards Recipients

October 18, 2012

OTTAWA – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women today congratulated all Canadians on the occasion of Persons Day, and extended best wishes to the 2012 recipients of the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case.

"During October, Women's History Month in Canada, it is important to remember and celebrate the countless women and girls who have helped to make Canada a great nation," said Minister Ambrose. "Like the Famous Five of 1929, who challenged the status quo – the definition and rights of women, as persons – and created lasting and positive change, today's Persons Awards recipients share a solid record of success in advancing equality for women and girls."

These five recipients of the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case are:

  • Caroline Andrew of Ottawa is a professor emeritus, Director of the Centre on Governance and former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa;
  • Saara Bhanji (youth recipient) of Vancouver is a passionate leader and tireless advocate for change in the lives of girls and young women;
  • Joanne Cave (youth recipient) of Edmonton is a proponent of equality for women and girls. She was named one of Alberta's 50 most influential people;
  • Corinne Gallant of Dieppe, New Brunswick, is a professor emeritus at the University of Moncton, an Acadian advocate and an icon in the Canadian women's movement; and
  • Régine Alende Tshombokongo of Montréal is a dedicated community advocate who works tirelessly to improve the lives of immigrant women in Quebec.

Today, on Persons Day, October 18, 2012, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada presented the Awards during a ceremony at Rideau Hall.

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For more information, please contact:

Amber Irwin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839

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Date Modified:
2012-10-18