Honourable senators, on February 16, 1967, Prime Minister Lester Pearson announced the establishment of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada. The report of that royal commission was tabled on December 7, 1970; exactly 50 years ago. It was a milestone in the struggle to advance equality rights for women in this country.

The government of the day did not want this royal commission. They thought it would cause a lot of trouble, but a coalition of 32 women’s groups, led by legendary feminist Laura Sabia joined with their Quebec sisters to demand an inquiry and threatened a march on Ottawa if it did not happen. They found a strong ally in Judy LaMarsh, the only woman in cabinet, and the commission came into being.

As a royal commission, it broke new ground: it was the first to be led by a woman, it reached out to the public, ordinary citizens could make submissions, it dropped the legalistic and formal style of previous commissions and the CBC covered its public hearings. Additionally, 900 people testified at its hearings, and 469 submissions and 1,000 letters of opinion were received.

Most important, the report documented the stereotypes, discrimination and huge obstacles faced by women in this country. Its 167 recommendations offered sweeping proposals and policies for change, including pay equity, employment equity, pensions, education reform, abortion rights, birth control, maternity leave, family law reform, female advancement, equality for Indigenous women under the Indian Act, and, yes, it recommended child care and more.

The royal commission led to vast legislative changes. As just one of many examples, the Statute Law (Status of Women) Amendment Act, 1974, amended 10 different federal statutes dealing with unemployment insurance, immigration, pensions, elections and more. Status of women ministries and advisory councils were established at the federal level and in most provinces.

A creation of the women’s movement, the commission was a rallying point for further action and further activism on the part of women to achieve gender equality.

This Thursday, all parliamentarians are invited to a panel discussion I am hosting with the Honourable Hedy Fry to explore this chapter in our history and “her story.” We will look at its successes, its limitations and its unfinished business. The young Monique Bégin, who ran the commission as its executive secretary and went on to become the first Quebec woman elected to Parliament, is among our distinguished panellists this Thursday. From the world we had, to the world we want, I hope to see you there.

Thank you. Meegwetch.