Famous Five/Persons Case

Question 1

FFPC: Who were the people involved?

Answer 1

Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Muir Edwards

Question 2

FFPC: What were they seeking? Why were they seeking it (and what happened to them)?

Answer 2

Persons Case: According to the British North America Act, women were not ‘persons’ so some men challenged Agnes Macphail’s role as MP (member of parliament).

Question 3

FFPC: Where and when did they go to get it?

Answer 3

These 5 women challenged the act, appealing to the Privy Council in Britain in 1927. It was ruled on October 18, 1929 that they were persons.

Question 4

FFPC: Why is this important?

Answer 4

This gave some women the right to be appointed to the Senate of Canada and paved the way for women’s increased participation in public and political life.