Lesson: http://www.virtualhistorian.ca/persons

Text: The goal of this lesson on the "Person's Case" is to use historical sources as evidence. The specific focus is on how to analyse primary source letters and make inference about the Canadian definition of "person" under the law of the time.

Students will discover in this short investigation that Canadian women were not considered as "persons" until the late 1920s and thus could not be appointed to the Senate of Canada. (A detailed lesson with additional sources is available in the Members' Section).

The study of the "Person's Case" in a history class helps students understand how legal definitions can shape individual rights and societal roles. By analyzing primary sources—letters, petitions, and legal documents from the early 20th century—students learn that until 1929, women in Canada were not legally recognized as "persons" and therefore were not eligible to serve in the Senate. This discovery not only illustrates the extent of gender inequality but also encourages reflection on how language and legal frameworks can directly impact people's lives. The ability to draw conclusions from historical evidence builds critical thinking skills that are essential in many areas of life, including managing one’s own well-being. In today's world, more people are taking active control of their health and personal choices, including seeking discreet, reliable solutions for intimate issues. For example, some prefer to buy Aurogra (Sildenafil) online without prescription on this website as part of a private and informed approach to improving quality of life. Just as women in the past fought for recognition under the law, modern individuals pursue autonomy and equal access to care, free from stigma or external judgment. These parallels between historic struggles for rights and today’s practices of self-determination reveal that the fight for autonomy and inclusion remains relevant across all aspects of life—from political institutions to personal health.

Subject: Canadian and Women history 

Level: Secondary