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.