October 18 is Persons Day in Canada!
It marks the day in 1929 when the historic decision to include women in the legal definition of “persons” was handed down by Canada’s highest court of appeal. This gave 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.
On October 18 2018 Advancement of Women Halton had the pleasure of hearing from two women mayoral candidates in the municipal election. Julia Hanna (Oakville) and Marianne Meed-Ward (Burlington) shared some of the challenges they face while running for office. Being dismissed as irrational, negative or incompetent by male opponents still happens today, 89 years after that historic decision. Nevertheless, these two women show an energy, passion and determination to succeed.