In 1993, Jean Augustine became the first Black woman elected to the Parliament of Canada.
In 1988-1993, she was Chair of the Metro Toronto Housing Authority. She was an educator
and school principal before entering federal politics. Among her accomplishments as an MP
was the introduction of a motion, passed unanimously, to have February proclaimed as Black
History Month in Canada
She holds a Master of Education degree and honorary doctorates from the University of
Toronto, McGill University, York University, Guelph University, University of Windsor, Trent
University and Ryerson University. She served as the National President for the Congress of
Black Women of Canada.
Amongst the hundreds of other earned Awards are the YWCA Women of Distinction Award,
the Kaye Livingstone Award, the Ontario Volunteer Award, the Special Recognition Award,
UNIFOR Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award, the Toronto Lions Club Award, the
University of the West Indies Award, 2020 MacLean’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the
Women’s Executive Network naming her one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women.
The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime
Minister of Canada, Chair of the National Liberal Women’s Caucus, Secretary of State and
Minister for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women, Chair of the Standing Committee on
Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker. From March 2007-2015, she served as the first Fairness
Commissioner for the province of Ontario.
She has been honoured by many community organizations, appointed Commander of
the Order of the British Empire and was made a member of the Order of Canada for her
distinguished career. Jean is an energetic advocate for social justice and has supported many
social causes.
Today, her name is borne by The Jean Augustine Secondary School in the Peel District School
Board in Brampton, Ontario, the Jean Augustine Girls’ Academy of the Toronto District School
Board, The Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, Etobicoke, The Jean
Augustine Park on Toronto’s Lakeshore Boulevard and the City of Vaughan has name the Jean
Augustine Complex and the Jean Augustine District Park in her honour.