By rdnewsNOW Staff

Persons Case Scholarship

Scholarship aims to help more Alberta students advance gender equality

Apr 21, 2022 | 3:59 PM

Officials with the Alberta government say a one-time increase in funding to the Persons Case Scholarship means more students than ever are receiving support for their education.

This year, according to government officials, 102 Alberta students are receiving a total of $255,000 through this scholarship – students who are studying in fields in which their gender is under-represented or who are working to advance gender equality.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to support a record number of students through the Persons Case Scholarship this year. This increase in funding will help even more students pursue post-secondary education, leading to careers that will help grow Alberta’s economy and build a more equitable and inclusive future for Alberta women,” said Whitney Issik, Associate Minister of Status of Women, on Wednesday.

“This week we celebrated the anniversary of most Alberta women being given the right to vote and run for office – the first Canadian province to grant these rights to half of its population. We continue the critical work of ensuring women are empowered in being the leaders Alberta needs today and tomorrow and thank Minister Issik for her leadership,” added Frances Wright, CEO, Famous 5 Foundation.

The Persons Case Scholarship was established in 1979 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Persons Case. This landmark case, championed by Alberta’s Famous Five, established that women be considered ‘persons’ under the law in Canada. This ruling made women eligible to be appointed to the Senate and paved the way for future advancements in women’s rights.

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Recipients of the scholarship are selected in part on how they are advancing gender equity in their field of study and how the award will help them achieve their career goals. The next application intake for the scholarship will open in fall 2022.

The Famous Five maquette, a model of the Women Are Persons! monument in Olympic Plaza in Calgary and in front of the Senate in Ottawa, is now on display at the Alberta legislature until the end of June. This sculpture honours Canada’s democratic champions who paved the way for subsequent generations of Alberta women leaders.