Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone,

Councillor Mark Grimes

and Members of Toronto City Council
cordially invite you to join the
Honourable Jean Augustine
at a ceremony to officially dedicate:

The “Jean Augustine Park”

Date: Thursday August 26, 2010
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: 2113 Lake Shore Blvd. West

In 1993, Canadian politician Jean Augustine became the first Black woman elected to the Parliament of
Canada, representing Etobicoke Lakeshore as their Member of Parliament. As a result of two motions
Augustine initiated as an MP, February was declared nationally as Black History Month and the Famous
Five Statue received a home on Parliament Hill, giving recognition to the contributions of Women and
Blacks in Canada.
Ms. Augustine represented Etobicoke Lakeshore in the House of Commons, from 1993 to 2006and during
her tenure was instrumental in acquiring funding from the Federal Government to make the Toronto Linear
Park System, and in particular the Mimico Linear Trail, adjacent to the new Jean Augustine Park, a reality.
An energetic advocate of social justice, Ms. Augustine, a mother of two daughters, is the recipient of
numerous awards--including the 1994 Canadian Black Achievement Award, the YWCA Woman of
Distinction and the Kaye Livingstone Award for support of issues relating to Black women.
Born in St. George's, Grenada, Jean Augustine was a qualified teacher when she arrived in Canada in
1959, but had to work as a domestic and shoe clerk before earning an Ontario Teacher's Certificate. After
completing a Master of Education degree, Ms. Augustine became a school principal in South Etobicoke and
supported many social causes through her involvement in boards such as that of The Hospital for Sick
Children. She also served as the National President of the Congress of Black Women of Canada.
The Jean Augustine Chair in Education in the New Urban Environment was launched in June 2008 at the
Technology Enhanced Learning Building at York University. Jean Augustine has made a special gift of
historically significant items to York University including her parliamentary chair, robes and portrait from the
House of Commons, photos, commemorative items and gifts.
In 2010 Jean Augustine achieved another first, by becoming the first Grenadian-born to be conferred with
Canada's highest national honour, the Order of Canada. She was amongst 57 Canadians named by
Governor-General Michaëlle Jean to receive this country's highest civilian award.
The Honourable Jean Augustine is currently a resident of Ward 6 in the Humber Bay Shores Community
where the park named after her is located.
The re-naming will be commemorated with an unveiling of a new park sign at 5:00 p.m.

Refreshments will be served.

RSVP - Councillor Grimes’ office at 416.397.9273 or councillor_grimes@toronto.ca