The PEI Women’s Institute is developing two new scholarships with proceeds of the sale of the book that celebrates Prince Edward Island’s Famous Five. It is in recognition of the contributions of these exceptional women leaders. “The reception of ‘In their Own Words: Prince Edward Island’s Famous Five’ has been incredible and we have had a lot of interest in the stories and lives of these amazing women. By donating 250 copies to the Women’s Institute, sales proceeds will support scholarships in honour of these trailblazers and support future women leaders,” said Natalie Jameson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. The PEI Women’s Institute is developing two scholarships in honour of Prince Edward Island’s Famous 5. These scholarships will highlight both the Women’s Institute’s roots in agriculture, and the leadership and team effort displayed in health care during COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island. Books are $20 and available through the PEI Women's Institute Office by calling 902-368-4860 or emailing wi@gov.pe.ca. Please leave a message given current health directives. Appointments and masks are required. Mail out options are available. Office hours are 8 am – 4 pm, Monday to Friday. Published by the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat, the 225-page book 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. The 25th anniversary of the PEI's Famous Five was in 2018 and research for the book started that year. For more information visit www.peifamousfive.ca/