Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: November 4, 2009
• Invested on: September 03, 2010

For over four decades, Jean Augustine has advocated for the rights of women, immigrants and visible minorities. Upon immigrating to Canada, she became involved with her community, volunteering with numerous health and social welfare organizations. She also provided leadership as the former national president of the Congress of Black Women of Canada. During four successive terms as a member of Parliament, she held various portfolios, including that of secretary of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women. Her legacy includes the federal declaration of February as Black History Month in Canada, and the motion that brought the Famous Five monument to Parliament Hill.