Former Etobicoke—Lakeshore M.P. Jean Augustine, at a Christmas function for Michael Ignatieff, Liberal Party leader and her successor as Member of Parliament for Etobicoke—Lakeshore. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Former Etobicoke—Lakeshore M.P. Jean Augustine, at a Christmas function for Michael Ignatieff, Liberal Party leader and her successor as Member of Parliament for Etobicoke—Lakeshore. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Photo : Radey BarrackJean Augustine, a pioneering figure in Canadian history, made a lasting impact as the first Black Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons. Her career as an educator, politician, and social activist has significantly shaped policies on multiculturalism, women’s rights, and social justice in Canada.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 9, 1937, in St. George’s, Grenada, Jean Augustine immigrated to Canada in 1960 through the West Indian Domestic Scheme. She pursued higher education at the University of Toronto, earning a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education degree. Her passion for education led her to become a teacher and eventually a principal within the Toronto Catholic District School Board.
Political Career and Achievements
Augustine entered politics in 1993 when she was elected as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Etobicoke—Lakeshore. She made history as the first Black woman to serve in Canada’s federal government. Over her four terms in office, Augustine held various leadership positions, including Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women.
One of her most notable achievements was spearheading the motion to officially recognize February as Black History Month in Canada, which received unanimous support in the House of Commons in 1995. She also advocated for gender equality and affordable housing and played a crucial role in securing the Famous Five Monument on Parliament Hill, honouring the contributions of Canadian women.
Later Contributions and Advocacy
After retiring from federal politics in 2006, Augustine continued to serve the public. She was appointed as Ontario’s first Fairness Commissioner in 2007, a role in which she worked to ensure fair access to employment for internationally trained professionals. Her tenure lasted until 2015, during which she implemented policies that addressed systemic barriers in credential recognition.
Augustine has also contributed to academic institutions, donating her political archives to York University and supporting scholarships for single mothers at George Brown College. Additionally, she has served on various boards, including the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Toronto Community Foundation.
Legacy and Recognition
Jean Augustine’s remarkable contributions have been widely recognized. She has received numerous accolades, including the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, and the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) from the United Kingdom. Several institutions, including Jean Augustine Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario, have been named in her honour.
Her legacy continues to inspire future generations, particularly women and racialized communities, to engage in politics and advocacy. With a career dedicated to education, equity, and social justice, Jean Augustine remains a trailblazer whose impact is deeply embedded in Canada’s political and social landscape.
