Conference celebrates P.E.I.’s past

“We must acknowledge not only the success that we have had in the past, but also how we can learn from it and take it with us moving forward, in each of our leadership roles as we shape the future.” Emma Drake

More than 100 people recently gathered for P.E.I.’s Famous Five 25th anniversary conference.

The conference was designed to mark the milestone that the five made to provincial and national history 25 years ago.

In 1993, five Island women held the most influential seats in government. At the time, Marion Reid was the first female lieutenant-governor of P.E.I., Catherine Callbeck was P.E.I.’s first female premier, Nancy Guptill held the position of Speaker of the house, Elizabeth Hubley was the Deputy Speaker and Pat Mella was leader of the official Opposition.

The full day event at UPEI campus featured the Famous Five and celebrated their individual and collective contributions to the province’s living political history. After engaging panel discussions by the five and UPEI’s student leaders, participants from all walks of life took part in an interactive forum.

“To be given the opportunity to speak at an event celebrating women in leadership, is an honour and one I fully appreciate,” said Emma Drake, UPEI Student Union vice-president academic and external.

“We must acknowledge not only the success that we have had in the past, but also how we can learn from it and take it with us moving forward, in each of our leadership roles as we shape the future.”