Reminder - Call for Nominations - Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case

OTTAWA, June 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Status of Women Canada is pleased to launch the Call for Nominations for the 33^rd Annual Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. In October, five awards will be presented to candidates from across Canada who have helped advance equality for women and girls. To be eligible for nomination, candidates must be Canadian citizens.

This year, in recognition of the world's first International Day of the Girl, two of the five winners will be from the youth category. The Persons Case Youth Awards honour exemplary young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 who contribute their talents and energies to improving the quality of life for Canadian women and girls.

While nominations for the Persons Awards are accepted throughout the year, the deadline for 2012 awards is July 15, 2012.

The Governor General of Canada instituted the Awards in 1979 to honour the 50th anniversary of the Persons Case and the five Alberta women whose determination led to a landmark victory in the struggle of Canadian women for equality. The Famous Five achieved not only the right for women to serve in the Senate but helped pave the way for women to participate in all other aspects of public life. Persons Awards recipients continue the tradition of courage, integrity and hard work that the Famous Five inspired.

The International Day of the Girl will be celebrated for the first time on October 11, 2012.  Canada played a leading role in establishing this day, which was adopted by the United Nations on December 19, 2011. This day will make a difference in the lives of girls and young women as citizens and powerful voices of change in their families, their communities and their nations.

For more information about the awards and for a nomination form, contact:
Status of Women Canada
123 Slater Street, 10th floor, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1H9
1-613-995-7835
[email protected]
women.gc.ca