Jean Augustine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean Augustine
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women | |
| In office May 2, 2002 – July 31, 2004 |
|
| Prime Minister | Jean Chretien Paul Martin |
| Preceded by | Claudette Bradshaw |
| Succeeded by | Raymond Chan |
| Fairness Commissioner of Ontario | |
| In office March 1, 2007 – March 20, 2015 |
|
| Premier | Dalton McGuinty Kathleen Wynne |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Mary Shenstone |
| Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister of Canada | |
| In office December 6, 1993 – February 22, 1996 |
|
| Prime Minister | Jean Chretien |
| Preceded by | André Harvey |
| Succeeded by | Rey Pagtakhan |
| Member of Parliament for Etobicoke—Lakeshore |
|
| In office October 25, 1993 – January 23, 2006 |
|
| Preceded by | Patrick Boyer |
| Succeeded by | Michael Ignatieff |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 9, 1937 St. George's, Grenada |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Residences | Toronto, Ontario |
| Alma mater | University of Toronto (BA, MEd) |
| Profession | Educator, community organizer |
Jean Augustine (born September 9, 1937) is a Canadian politician who was born in Grenada. She made history as the first Black Canadian woman to serve as a federal Minister and a Member of Parliament (MP).
Before she started her political career in 1993, Jean Augustine worked in education. She went to Toronto Teachers’ College and became a certified teacher in 1963. She then worked as a teacher for the Toronto Catholic District School Board and later became a school principal.
From 1993 to 2006, Jean Augustine was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party of Canada. She represented the area called Etobicoke—Lakeshore in Toronto, Ontario. Ms. Augustine was a special assistant, known as a Parliamentary Secretary, to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien from 1994 to 1996. Later, she became the Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women from 2002 to 2004.
After she retired from politics, she continued to support many non-profit groups across Canada. From 2007 to 2015, Ms. Augustine was the first Fairness Commissioner of Ontario. This role helped people who came to Canada with professional skills from other countries.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jean Augustine was born on September 9, 1937, in St. George's, Grenada. She moved to Canada in 1960. She came as part of a program called the West Indian Domestic Scheme.
She first attended Toronto Teachers’ College. Then, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto. While working as an elementary school teacher, she also earned a Master of Education from the University of Toronto in 1980. Later, she was promoted to principal and then to Supervisory Officer.
Besides her teaching job, Augustine was very active in Toronto's Caribbean community. She was part of the first group that helped organize the Caribana Festival in 1967. This is a big celebration of Caribbean culture.
As a social activist, Augustine volunteered with many groups that worked for social justice and education. These included the National Black Coalition of Canada and the Urban Alliance on Race Relations. She was also chosen to lead the Metro Toronto Housing Authority. In 1987, she became the national president of the Congress of Black Women of Canada.
Augustine also served on the boards of several important organizations. These included York University, The Hospital for Sick Children, the Stephen Lewis Foundation, and Toronto's Harbourfront Corporation.
In 1988, she became the chair of the Metro Toronto Housing Authority. This organization managed housing for 300,000 people.
Political Career (1993-2005)
In 1993, Jean Augustine made history. She became the first African-Canadian woman elected to Canada’s House of Commons. She represented the area of Etobicoke-Lakeshore in Toronto. She served as a Liberal Member of Parliament for four terms, being re-elected three times.
During her time in Canada's federal government, Augustine held many important roles. She was a Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. She also served as the Minister of Multiculturalism and the Status of Women. She chaired important committees, including the Foreign Affairs and International Trade committee and the Human Rights Committee. She was also the chair of the National Women’s Caucus three times. In 2004, her fellow MPs elected her as Assistant Deputy Speaker.
Augustine achieved many important things as an MP. She helped create laws to protect low-income people, especially single mothers. She also gained full support from all MPs to make February Black History Month in Canada. Another achievement was getting support to build the Famous Five Monument on Parliament Hill. This monument honours five women who fought for women's rights.
Life After Politics
In 2007, the Government of Ontario appointed Augustine as the first Fairness Commissioner. This role was created to help Canadians who had professional qualifications from other countries. Augustine retired from this position in March 2015.
In 2007, Augustine gave her personal papers and special items to the Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections at York University. This collection is called the Jean Augustine Fonds. There is also a digital display of her political buttons called "Pushing buttons, pushing stories."
In 2008, the Jean Augustine Chair in Education in the New Urban Environment was created at York University. This is a special teaching position. It was later renamed the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora. In 2016, Professor Carl E. James was appointed to this position. In 2023, the Canadian government provided funding, making it a fully supported position.
Augustine continues to be involved with many organizations. She serves as a patron or honorary chair for groups like the NATO Association of Canada.
Personal Life
In 1968, Jean Augustine married Winston Augustine. They later divorced in 1981. They have two daughters together. Augustine is a Catholic.
Honours and Awards
Jean Augustine has received many awards and honours for her work:
- In 2022, a film about her life and achievements was shown in Toronto and Ottawa. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was a special guest at the premiere.
- In 2021, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Maclean's Magazine.
- She has received honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from several universities. These include her alma mater, the University of Toronto, McGill University (2009), and Trent University (2017).
- She has also received the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, the Kay Livingstone Award, and the Ontario Volunteer Award.
- In 2009, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honours, given for her work as an educator, politician, and advocate for social justice.
- In 2014, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award was for her services to education and politics in Grenada, her home country.
- The Jean Augustine Scholarship Fund is named after her. She helps raise money for this fund, which helps single mothers go to college at George Brown College.
- Jean Augustine Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario, is named in her honour.
- The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Girls’ Leadership Academy is also named after her.
- In 2011, Augustine was named one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winners.
