Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Canada I am proud to salute Sheila Kingham of Victoria, British Columbia, for her many years of service on behalf of rural women. Today Ms. Kingham received the Governor General's award in commemoration of the Persons case.
Ms. Kingham's accomplishments have been many. An articulate and persuasive public speaker, she has given countless presentations and briefs on topics ranging from the rape shield law to women's health. She has encouraged others. As a firm believer in the power of collective action, she has helped other women to organize and lobby for advances in all areas of women's political, social and economic equality.
Mrs. Kingham created the position of rural coordinator for the Manitoba Action Committee on the Status of Women and helped establish the Western Manitoba Coalition for equality rights in the Canadian constitution, an organization formed to give voice to the concerns of rural women about constitutional change.
I am sure all members of this House will agree that Sheila Kingham is most worthy recipient of the 1995 Governor General's award.