Canada’s first Black woman MP talks about life as a trailblazer and changing the script

Jean Augustine received the Pearson Centre’s highest honour for her contributions to public life last week. “I focused on … the fire that was in my belly, and they were social justice issues,’ the former Liberal MP and minister of state said about her political career at the ceremony.

Former Liberal MP Jean Augustine at the National Arts Centre on June 1, 2026, where she received the Pearson Centre's Laureate Award. Augustine shared the behind-the-scenes stories of her work to establish Black History Month in Canada, and to have a statue commemorating the Famous Five placed on Parliament Hill. Photograph courtesy of the Pearson Centre

Feature

BY TESSIE SANCI

June 8, 2026

This country's first Black woman MP, Jean Augustine, was recently celebrated in Ottawa as a trailblazer who put social justice on the parliamentary agenda.

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Fridays: Hill Life & People Newsletter

Itâ€™s all about the people: the latest on parliamentarians, political staff, and politicos.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy

FOLLOW THE HILL TIMES: