Famous Five book sales support PEI Women’s Institute scholarships

The PEI Women’s Institute is setting up two new scholarships with proceeds of the sale of books that celebrate Prince Edward Island’s Famous Five and the contributions of these exceptional women leaders.

“The response to the book ‘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.”

- Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Natalie Jameson.

With the proceeds of the sales, the PEI Women’s Institute will develop two scholarships in honour of Prince Edward Island’s Famous 5, supporting women in agriculture and health care.

“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,” said Ellen MacPhail, executive director of the PEI Women’s Institute.

Books are $20 and available through the PEI Women's Institute Office by calling 902-368-4860 or emailing wi@gov.pe.ca. Appointments and masks are required for pick-up or a mail out option is also 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: PEI Famous 5.

Media contact:
Leanne Ritchie
Interministerial Women’s Secretariat
902-314-0134
lpritchie@gov.pe.ca

Ellen MacPhail,
Executive Director
PEI Women’s Institute
902-368-4860
wi@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