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 Governor General Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case were created to celebrate the 1929 decision that legally recognized women as "persons." This historic milestone granted women the right to sit in the Senate and marked a turning point for women's participation in Canadian public and political life. The Awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions towards achieving gender equality in Canada.
This year saw one of the highest numbers of nominations reflecting the depth and diversity of leadership advancing gender equality in Canada. From among these nominations, an independent jury selected the recipients, who demonstrate excellence across many fields, including STEM, politics, and education. Their work advances progress on issues related to gender-based violence, economic abuse, Indigenous and racialized perspectives, and the empowerment of women and girls. Through their lifelong contributions, they have broken barriers, strengthened communities, and created opportunities for women and girls' full participation in Canada's social, economic, and democratic life.
The 2025 Awards recipients are:
- Damineh Akhavan, FEC, P.Eng., MB
- Dr. Sandra DeLaronde, MA LT, LL.D (h.c.)
- Marjolaine Étienne
- Shianne Gordon
- Meseret Haileyesus
- Rochelle Prasad, MEd, BEd (Youth recipient)
