6 facts about Jean Augustine, woman honoured by Vaughan with key to city

As a Liberal MP, Augustine introduced motion that led to creation of Black History Month in Canada

Yorkregion.com
October 29, 2020
Dina Al-Shibeeb

On Oct. 25, 2020, Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua presented Jean Augustine with the key to the city.

To further honour Augustine, Vaughan has also named the area consisting of the Rosemount Community Centre, the City Playhouse Theatre and Westmount Collegiate Institute, including the soccer field and baseball diamond, the Jean Augustine Complex and Jean Augustine District Park.

To learn more about this prominent woman, here are six facts about Jean Augustine:

1- Jean Augustine arrived to Canada from native Grenada in 1960

“In 1960, Jean Augustine came to Canada from her native Grenada, and in the years since, she has achieved no small feat by enshrining her name in Canadian history,” Bevilacqua said. “Her story is one of courage, hope and perseverance, and I am blessed to bear witness to her outstanding achievements.”

2- First African-Canadian to win a federal riding

“I first met Jean in 1993, when she was nominated to represent the federal riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore. Not only did she go on to win that election, but she made history in doing so,” the mayor said.

“On October 25, 1993, Jean Augustine became the first African-Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons,” he added.

3- She received the key on Oct. 25, the anniversary of her election win in 1963

Bevilacqua said Oct. 25 was” specifically chosen as the date for this event because of its historical significance.”

He added: “This was indeed the first of many history-making and record-breaking accomplishments for her.”

The establishment of the official key to the city protocol was presented by Mayor Bevilacqua in a member’s resolution dated Nov. 3, 2015 and was unanimously approved by council.

The key to the city of Vaughan is presented at the discretion of the mayor.

4- Practising giving a key goes back to medieval times

The practice of giving a key can be traced back to medieval times when the gates to walled cities were guarded during the day and locked at night -- the key was a sign of freedom as the recipient could enter and leave as a trusted friend.

5- She is behind Black History Month in Canada

The mayor explained that “Jean went on to become the first African-Canadian woman appointed to the federal cabinet.”

He added: “During her time as MP, she introduced the motion that allowed for the placement of the Famous Five statue on Parliament Hill as well as the motion that led to the creation of Black History Month in Canada, which was officially recognized in December 1995 by the House of Commons.”

6- The mayor and Augustine ‘were allies and together’

“As former caucus colleagues and longtime seat mates in the House of Commons, Jean and I remain connected through our shared passion for public service,” Bevilacqua recalled.

“Jean and I quickly learned that we had much in common -- we were both immigrants and deeply passionate about social justice, equality and human rights.

“In Parliament, we were allies and together; as Members of Parliament, we advanced an agenda that promoted social justice.

“I was honoured to serve alongside her to champion issues of national and international importance, and have long admired her passion, dedication and conviction toward advocating on behalf of important social issues related to fairness, equality and justice.”