Muriel Smith Received Governor General's Award
Presentation was in Ottawa - but there was also a celebration in Winnipeg.
Muriel Smith, former Deputy Premier of Manitoba, was one of six women recipients of the 2007 Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Person's Case. These awards salute the contribution of Canadian women to the advancement of women's equality. The awards were instituted to honour the 50th anniversary of the Person's Case and the five women, including Nellie McClung, who successfully battled to have women recognized as persons under the law.
The honour was officially bestowed on Muriel at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on October 17. That was followed by a celebration in Winnipeg on November 8 to give Manitobans an opportunity to show their appreciation for the work that Muriel Smith has done!
| ||||
"Muriel Smith has made a profound impact on improving the status of women," said Winnipeg North MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis, who nominated Smith for the award. "She has worked tirelessly and selflessly, for the better part of half a century, on women's issues and the pursuit of equality, whether as an elected representative, a Non-Government Organization activist or a volunteer at the community level. Muriel epitomizes the spirit of the five women whose efforts resulted in the successful Persons Case that recognized women as 'persons' under the law."
Muriel Smith has advanced women's equality in public and political life. Leading the way as the first woman president of the Manitoba NDP in 1975 and then as the first woman in Canada to be named Deputy Premier, Muriel broke down traditional barriers and made it easier for women to pursue elected office. By her example of juggling political, family and community responsibilities, Muriel encouraged women to get involved and to transform personal experiences into political action.
Muriel not only served by example but also acted on her beliefs. During her time as an MLA in Manitoba, Muriel held many Cabinet responsibilities including Minister responsible for the Status of Women. The achievement of pay equity in Manitoba, the establishment of the Manitoba Child Daycare Program, the presence of women's resource centres and many other initiatives are testament to Muriel's pioneering spirit and untiring commitment to women's equality.Throughout her political life, Muriel upheld the highest standards of representation, never failing in her efforts to build more inclusive government reflective of the society it is seeking to serve.
Out of elected office, Muriel continued to work at the local, national and international levels for women's equality. She is currently the vice president of the National Council of Women of Canada, the Legislative Convener of the Canadian Federation of University Women, Past President of the Winnipeg University Women's Club, Resolutions Chair for both the Provincial and Winnipeg Councils of Women, Manitoba appointee as Director to the Red River Basic Board, Treasurer of Empowering Women of Burma, Co-chair of United Nations Platform for Action, Vice Chair of the Council on Post-Secondary Education and the United Nations Association of Canada - Winnipeg Branch.
Muriel Smith epitomizes the spirit of the five women whose lengthy political and legal efforts resulted in the successful Persons Case. Throughout her life, Muriel has demonstrated similar political courage and fighting spirit. Her abiding belief in equality and her devotion to improving the status of women will last forever.