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There have been considerable gains since the Person case but women still earn only 84 cents on the dollar, while the earnings of women of colour are 64 per cent of men’s, and Indigenous women’s earnings are at just 46 per cent of men’s.
Ottawa (18 Oct. 2018) — October 18 has been designated as ‘Persons Day’ as a way to commemorate the case, Edwards v. Canada (Attorney General). This case dates back to October 18, 1929, when the British Privy Council (then Canada’s highest court of appeal) ruled that women were to be considered persons under the law and therefore, those women that were then eligible could sit in the Canadian Senate. This case has been known as the Persons Case ever since.
NUPGE continues the struggle for gender equality
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) opposes all forms of discrimination against women and girls. We strive every day to affirm and attest to women's worth, and fight for equality for women and girls. We do this in the workplace, and across society. Pay equity, child care, equal pay wages, retirement security, and leave for domestic abuse are just some of the issues NUPGE takes on to ensure women and girls are treated fairly.
According to Statistics Canada, "In 2016, 40.7% of young women, aged 25 to 34 had a bachelor's degree or higher, up from 32.8% in 2006." The research also shows that "in 2016, for the first time, women accounted for slightly over half (50.6%) of young Canadians (aged 25 to 34) with an earned doctorate." But despite achieving the highest levels of education, the Broadcast News Network reports that out of the top 100 corporations in Canada, only one woman is the CEO.
Not only are advancements in the corporate world slow but the gendered wage gap continues to be an issue for all working women. Women still earn only 84 cents on the dollar, while the earnings of women of colour is 64 per cent of men’s, and Indigenous women’s earnings are at just 46 per cent of men’s.
As we recognize Persons Day and the determination to advance women's rights, we must also remain committed to push for legisation and language that will further promote and protect gender equality in Canada.