Augustine is a trailblazer celebrated for securing numerous key victories, such as spearheading the motion to identify February as Black History Month in Canada and introducing legislation to protect low-income individuals. She is a historic figure in Canadian politics who continues to support Canadians through a variety of initiatives, including the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, secondary school scholarships and powerful social advocacy. 

Augustine’s achievements reflect a story of strength and perseverance. Born in Grenada and raised by her grandmother after her father passed away, she excelled academically and often took on the role of “teacher” during play with her friends. It is not surprising then that before immigrating to Canada, she was already a qualified teacher. Augustine explains that the desire to see more of the world stemmed from watching men in her community travel overseas and return with a wide range of experiences. 

Augustine’s passion for education and establishing a better life led her to immigrate to Canada through the Canada-Caribbean Domestic Program. That program facilitated the immigration of Caribbean women to Canada where they were employed as domestic workers. Augustine landed at what is now named the Lester B. Pearson International Airport, making it especially fitting that, sixty-six years later, she is receiving an award named in his honour.

At the time, Canada had a very different social structure than today. Despite facing discrimination and other social barriers, Augustine went on to pursue her Ontario Teaching Certificate, as well as a BA and Masters in Education. Through her work in educational institutions as a teacher and a principal, she came to recognize the lack of Black and Indigenous history taught within the curriculum.

Simultaneously, Augustine was joining other social activists in advocating for issues regarding racial equity, women’s rights, immigrant rights, poverty and substance use. This work came naturally to her as she had always been a community-oriented person. She came to lead and establish many community organizations, such as the Grenada Association and the Ontario chapter of the Congress of Black Women of Canada. 

Despite not having any particular plans to get involved in the political scene, Augustine quickly became aware that there were very few Black Canadians in positions of authority and decision making. She felt strongly that, in order to advance racial equity and social justice, Canadians needed to be educated about the important contributions of Black Canadians to the settlement, development and growth of Canada. 

Augustine’s participation in the community and her passion for social issues led her to serve on multiple boards, including the Hospital for Sick Children and the Donwood Institute, that ultimately positioned her to become the Chair of Metropolitan Toronto Housing Authority. Her work brought her to the attention of senior government leaders, resulting in her involvement in major initiatives such as Canada’s adoption of an official policy of multiculturalism in 1971.

In 1993, Augustine was elected as the first Black woman in the House of Commons when she became Member of Parliament for Etobicoke – Lakeshore. She represented the riding for four consecutive terms. During her years as an MP she took on a variety of leadership roles such as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women and Deputy Speaker of the House. After stepping down from Parliament, Augustine went on to become the first-ever Fairness Commissioner of Ontario, appointed by the McGuinty Government because of her expertise in public service and her personal experience as an immigrant. In this role, Augustine helped Ontarians with foreign professional credentials gain fair access to employment.

Augustine’s perseverance paved the way for monumental achievements that continue to shape Canada today. The official recognition of Black History Month has educated millions of Canadians and fostered greater diversity, understanding, and inspiration for future generations of Black youth. She was frustrated that women were not recognized on Parliament Hill - only dead former Prime Ministers and monarchs could qualify for a statue - so she embarked to change that and in 1997, as Chair of Women’s Caucus, Augustine got a motion passed to place the Famous Five Monument on Parliament Hill. 

Augustine embodies the leadership qualities and democratic values of former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson who did so much to shape Canada’s identity. The Pearson Centre is so proud to recognize her lifetime of public service by bestowing on her our highest honour.

Kevin Bosch is Chair of the Pearson Centre and a former Liberal staffer who worked on Parliament Hill. Pam Damoff is a former Member of Parliament and the President and CEO of the Pearson Centre.