Minister Valdez announces recipients of the 2026 Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case

Canada NewsWire

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 19, 2026

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ -- Gender equality helps build a stronger, more prosperous Canada. When women and girls can participate fully and reach their potential, our communities thrive and our economy benefits. Continuing this progress means removing barriers and creating opportunities, with governments, organizations, and people across Canada all playing an important role.

Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced this year's recipients of the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case.

The Awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing equality for women and girls in Canada. This year's recipients are being recognized for their leadership and the lasting impact of their work.

The 2026 Awards recipients are:

Amanda Kilabuk
Penney Kome
Sunny Marriner
Dr. Amanda McCormick
Melanie Omeniho
Yanique Brandford (Youth recipient)

The 2026 recipients were honoured today at a ceremony alongside the 2025 recipients. The ceremony took place the day after Persons Day, which marks the landmark 1929 decision resulting from the efforts of the Famous Five that recognized women as "persons" under Canadian law and made them eligible for appointment to the Senate. The Awards carry forward this legacy by recognizing people who are helping advance equality today.

This year's Awards also took place during Women's History Month and coincided with Women and Gender Equality Canada's 50^th anniversary. Together, these milestones offered an opportunity to reflect on five decades toward gender equality in Canada and to consider the work that still lies ahead.

Quotes

"The Persons Case expanded what was possible for women in Canada and opened doors for generations to come. Today, we celebrate remarkable Canadians who are continuing that work and making a real difference in the lives of women and girls. Each of them shows what is possible when people use their voices, experience and leadership to shape a more equal future."

The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

Quick facts

Persons Day is celebrated every year on October 18, marking the anniversary of the 1929 Persons Case ruling, when Canada's highest court of appeal declared that women are included in the legal definition of "persons."
The landmark Persons Case decision paved the way for women's greater participation in public and political life in Canada. However, this historic moment did not extend to all Canadian women. Indigenous women and women of Asian descent were denied universal suffrage until after the Second World War.
Since its creation in 1979, more than 250 Canadians have received the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case.

Associated links

Follow Women and Gender Equality Canada:

SOURCE Women and Gender Equality Canada