Who are the Famous Five Statues in Canada?
For many Americans, the idea of a statue honoring a group of influential women might bring to mind figures like Susan B. Anthony or Eleanor Roosevelt. In Canada, a particularly significant and celebrated monument exists that captures a pivotal moment in the nation's history: the "Famous Five" statues. These bronze figures represent five pioneering women who fought for women's rights and, in doing so, fundamentally changed Canadian law and society. But exactly who were these women, and why are they so revered?
The Historic "Persons Case"
The story of the Famous Five is intrinsically linked to a landmark legal battle known as the "Persons Case." In 1917, women in Canada were still largely excluded from holding public office, particularly in the Senate. This exclusion was based on an archaic interpretation of the British North America Act (now the Constitution Act, 1867), which was then understood to mean that only "persons" could be appointed to the Senate. This interpretation, however, did not explicitly define "persons" to include women.
It was a group of five determined women, hailing from Alberta, Canada, who took on this discriminatory law. They were:
- Emily Murphy: A magistrate, writer, and advocate for women's rights. She was the driving force behind the legal challenge.
- Nellie McClung: A prominent suffragist, politician, and author. She was a powerful public speaker and a key organizer.
- Irene Parlby: A politician, MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) for Alberta, and a supporter of women's suffrage.
- Louise McKinney: The first woman elected to a legislature in the British Commonwealth and a leader in the temperance movement.
- Henrietta Muir Edwards: A social reformer and activist who focused on legal rights for women and children.
These women, recognizing the injustice, embarked on a long and arduous legal journey. They formally petitioned the Canadian government to appoint women to the Senate, and when that was denied, they took their case to the Supreme Court of Canada. In 1928, the Supreme Court ruled against them, stating that women were not "persons" within the meaning of the British North America Act. This was a devastating blow, but the Famous Five did not give up.
The Appeal to the Privy Council
Undeterred, the women appealed their case to the highest court of appeal at the time, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, England. In October 1929, the Privy Council overturned the Supreme Court's decision, famously declaring that "the word 'persons' in Section 24 of the British North America Act, 1867, does include women."
This victory was monumental. It not only allowed women to be appointed to the Senate but also had far-reaching implications for women's rights and their participation in public life across Canada and, to some extent, influenced legal interpretations in other Commonwealth countries.
The Statues: A Tribute to Courage and Perseverance
The statues honoring the Famous Five are a powerful visual testament to their struggle and triumph. The most well-known and prominent monument, titled "Women Are Persons!," is located on the grounds of the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. This sculpture, created by sculptor John Greer, depicts the five women in lively conversation, as if they are still actively debating and strategizing.
Another significant representation of the Famous Five can be found in Calgary, Alberta, in Olympic Plaza. This statue, designed by artist Barbara Child, also portrays the women together, embodying their collective spirit and shared mission.
These statues are not merely artistic creations; they serve as educational tools and symbols of:
- Equality: They remind Canadians and visitors of the ongoing fight for gender equality and the importance of challenging discriminatory laws.
- Perseverance: The story of the Famous Five is one of unwavering determination in the face of significant opposition.
- Canadian Identity: The "Persons Case" is considered a foundational moment in Canadian constitutional law and a key element in the nation's evolving identity.
When you see these statues, you are looking at a group of women who, through their courage and legal acumen, permanently altered the course of Canadian history, paving the way for greater inclusivity and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did the Famous Five challenge the law?
The Famous Five challenged the law by petitioning the Canadian government and, when that failed, taking their case to the Supreme Court of Canada. After losing there, they appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, England, which ultimately ruled in their favor.
Why were the women initially not considered "persons"?
The prevailing legal interpretation at the time, based on an archaic understanding of the British North America Act (now the Constitution Act, 1867), did not explicitly include women within the definition of "persons" for the purpose of holding public office, specifically appointment to the Senate.
What was the immediate impact of the "Persons Case" ruling?
The immediate impact was that women were legally recognized as "persons" and therefore eligible for appointment to the Canadian Senate. This opened doors for women to participate in the highest levels of government and served as a catalyst for further advancements in women's rights.
Where can I see the Famous Five statues?
The most prominent "Famous Five" statue, titled "Women Are Persons!," is located on the grounds of the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. Another significant statue can be found in Olympic Plaza in Calgary, Alberta.
