Book release on PEI’s Famous Five celebrates Women’s History Month

Premier Dennis King and Natalie Jameson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, talk to students at Prince Street Elementary about Island women, their role in the province's history and the new book "In Their Own Words: PEI's Famous Five."

As part of Women’s History Month, a new book launch celebrates Prince Edward Island’s Famous Five and the contributions of these exceptional women leaders who made political history.

Minister Natalie Jameson, joined by Premier Dennis King shared excerpts of this new resource with students from Prince Street School on Wednesday.

‘In their Own Words: Prince Edward Island’s Famous Five’ tells the story of how five women from different backgrounds and political stripes made history, holding five of the most influential positions of government in the province in 1993. . At that time, PEI’s Famous Five held the following positions:

Hon. Marion L. Reid, Lieutenant Governor;
Hon. Catherine Callbeck, Premier;
Hon. Nancy Guptill, Speaker of the House;
Hon. Elizabeth Hubley, Deputy Speaker; and
Hon. Pat Mella, Leader of the Official Opposition.

It is the first, and only, time in Canadian history that five women held these positions at the same time.

“In their Own Words offers a glimpse into the lives of five of Prince Edward Island’s most inspiring women as they made history, together. This is a unique opportunity to learn about their lived experiences as each reflects on that period in time, the challenges they faced in reaching public office, and the valuable lessons they learned along the way. As we celebrate Women’s History Month this October, I hope this book will inspire future generations of women leaders in our province to be fearless in carving their own path to success.”

- Premier Dennis King

The 225-page book is published by the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat. As part of the release, every Grade 7 female student in the Public Schools Branch will get a copy of this book. It will also be going in to school and public libraries as well as women’s organizations.

“The wisdom and advice shared by PEI's Famous Five is an important part of our Island’s political history,” said Natalie Jameson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. “Inspiring the next generation of young women to take on leadership roles in civic life is crucial to the future of our democracy.”

The 25th anniversary of the PEI's Famous Five was in 2018 and research for the book started that year. For more information visit: PEI's Famous Five

Media contact:
Leanne Ritchie
Department of Environment, Water and Climate Change
And Status of Women
902-314-0134
lpritchie@gov.pe.ca

General Inquiries

PEI Interministerial Women's Secretariat
3rd Floor Sullivan Building,
16 Fitzroy Street,
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8

Phone: 902-368-6494

iws@gov.pe.ca