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 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. Though this decision did not include all women, such as Indigenous women and women of Asian heritage and descent, it did mark critical progress in the advancement of gender equality in Canada.

Click here for more information regarding the history of Person’s Day in Canada.

Until 1951: Canada’s federal Indian Act explicitly defined a “person” in its interpretation section as “an individual other than an Indian,” codifying a legal framework that treated First Nations individuals under a separate system instead of allowing them full civic equality.

1951 Amendment: Parliament amended the Indian Act and removed the explicit definition stating that an Indian was not a person, dismantling that specific statutory barrier to legal standing. However, heavy government controls, restrictions on movement, and denial of the federal vote remained.

Suffrage and Full Citizenship Recognition

• 1960: Status First Nations people finally achieved unconditional federal voting rights without being forced to give up their Indian status, marking a critical benchmark for full political and legal participation as Canadian citizens.

Looking to connect with local women who share your passions? From book clubs to art appreciation and walking groups, CFUW Hamilton offers vibrant interest groups for everyone Swipe through to see our groups and join us Oct 20 at 7:30 PM!

Renew or join us for the 2026–27 season at our next meeting:

#CFUWHamilton #HamiltonON #JoinUs

Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/RG3MjKr4XxNFYRkm8

You may have noticed Tru Earth popping up on our social media feeds from time to time. A few members have asked why, so here’s the story.

It’s all about scholarships.

This year, CFUW Hamilton has committed $13,000 to scholarships, and every little bit helps. When you shop through our Tru Earth fundraising link, 20–30% of the value of your purchase comes back to the CFUW Hamilton Scholarship Fund.

How it started

We started fundraising with Tru Earth during the COVID shutdown, when many of our usual fundraising activities were on hold. Even when the mail was shut down, a little money continued to trickle into our scholarship fund.

The Executive felt Tru Earth was a good fit for CFUW Hamilton. After all, these are everyday household products, and choosing zero-waste alternatives is something we can feel good about while supporting scholarships at the same time.

And it has continued to add to our scholarship fund.

Want to make your purchase count?

If you already shop with Tru Earth, you can help CFUW Hamilton’s scholarship fund simply by using our fundraising link: https://tru-earth.sjv.io/CFUWHamilton

At checkout, be sure to select One-Time Purchase.
Subscription orders are not included in the fundraiser.

So, the next time you see Tru Earth on our feed, you’ll know why we share it. It’s one small way to help us reach our $13,000 scholarship goal — and every little bit counts.

Save the date! 🗓️ Join CFUW Hamilton on Tues., Oct. 20 at 7:30 PM for an inspiring evening with guest speaker Jess Deyong of dollHOUSE Design + Build.

TAP HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

#CFUWHamilton #HamOnt #HamiltonEvents #FreeInHamilton

Work that remains

• In 2021, women made up 35% of STEM bachelor’s degree holders among Canadians aged 25 to 64. Women with STEM degrees are more likely to be unemployed and have lower median salaries than men with STEM degrees.
• Indigenous women are less likely than non-Indigenous women to have completed postsecondary education (54% vs. 71%) and are less likely to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (16% vs. 37%).
• Women continue to be over-represented in low-wage occupations – in 2022, 28% of women, compared to 16% of men, worked in the five lowest-paid occupations: in sales and service jobs, as care providers, and in administrative support roles.
• In 2022, core-aged women (25 to 54) without disabilities had a higher employment rate (84%) compared to women with disabilities (73%)

Entering the workforce and building skills

Why it matters

When women have equal access to education, skills training, and safe and inclusive workplaces, everyone benefits. Affordable child care, opportunities in growing sectors like AI and the green economy, and measures that help women succeed at work strengthen Canada’s talent pool, address labour shortages, boost productivity, and build a stronger economy.