Jean Augustine

Jean Augustine, born on September ninth, nineteen thirty-seven, is a distinguished Grenada-born Canadian politician, educator, and activist. She made history as the first Black Canadian woman to serve as a federal Minister of the Crown and as a Member of Parliament. Her journey into politics began in nineteen ninety-three, following a robust career in education.

Before her political career, Augustine pursued her passion for teaching by enrolling in Toronto Teachers’ College, where she earned her Ontario teaching certificate in nineteen sixty-three. She dedicated herself to the Toronto Catholic District School Board, where she excelled as a teacher and eventually rose to the position of school principal.

From nineteen ninety-three to two thousand six, Augustine represented the Liberal Party of Canada in the House of Commons for the Etobicoke—Lakeshore riding in Toronto, Ontario. During her tenure, she served as the Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien from nineteen ninety-four to nineteen ninety-six, and later held the role of Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women from two thousand two to two thousand four.

After retiring from politics, Augustine continued to make an impact by serving as the patron of various non-profit organizations across Canada. From two thousand seven to two thousand fifteen, she held the esteemed position of the first Fairness Commissioner of Ontario, further demonstrating her commitment to public service and advocacy.