OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 10/15/12 -- His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will present the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case to five laureates during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Thursday, October 18, 2012, at 9:30 a.m.

Below is the list of the 2012 laureates of the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case:

--  Caroline Andrew, of Ottawa, Ontario, is a professor emeritus, director
    of the Centre on Governance, and former dean of the Faculty of Social
    Sciences at the University of Ottawa. 
    
--  Saara Bhanji (youth recipient), of Vancouver, British Columbia, is a
    passionate leader and tireless advocate for change in the lives of girls
    and young women. 
    
--  Joanne Cave (youth recipient), of Edmonton, Alberta, is a proponent of
    equality for women and girls. She was named one of Alberta's 50 most
    influential people. 
    
--  Corinne Gallant, of Dieppe, New Brunswick, is a professor emeritus at
    the University of Moncton, an Acadian advocate and an icon in the
    Canadian women's movement. 
    
--  Regine Alende Tshombokongo, of Montreal, Quebec, is a dedicated
    community advocate who works tirelessly to improve the lives of
    immigrant women in Quebec. 

About the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case

In 1929, five women from Alberta won the judiciary battle to be recognized as persons, therefore making them eligible for appointment to the Senate. The Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case were established in 1979, by the Government of Canada, with the support of then-Governor General the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic decision. These awards highlight Canadian contributions to the advancement of women's equality and celebrate Canada's evolution as an inclusive society. For additional information about the Persons Case award or the laureates, please visit the Status of Women Canada web site: www.women.gc.ca.

Members of the media wishing to cover the ceremony are asked to confirm their presence in advance with the Rideau Hall Press Office and must present themselves at the Princess Anne Entrance by 9:15 a.m. on the day of the ceremony.

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Contacts:

Julie Rocheleau

Rideau Hall Press Office

613-998-7280

julie.rocheleau@gg.ca

www.gg.ca



Nanci-Jean Waugh

Status of Women Canada

613-995-7839

nanci-jean.waugh@swc-cfc.gc.ca

www.women.gc.ca