NDP statement on Persons Day 2023

Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh issued the following statement:

“On this day in 1929, the efforts of five courageous women – Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, Nellie McClung, and Henrietta Muir Edwards – led to women being recognized as legal persons in Canada, paving the way for women to be involved in all aspects of public life.

While this was a milestone and an important breakthrough, we cannot forget that rights were not won equally. Many women in Canada, particularly Indigenous women, racialized women, and women with disabilities faced inequalities, discrimination and barriers to participating in civic life and these barriers persist today.

The work for gender equality and equity in Canada remains unfinished.

Now, more than ever, we need to put in place policies and services that help achieve justice and equality for women, girls, two-spirit, and gender-diverse people. New Democrats will continue to fight for accessible child care, free prescription contraception, full reproductive rights and support services for people who experience gender-based violence.

New Democrats will keep pushing for equality and equity for everyone. When we lift each other up, we build a society where we can all thrive.”