IN CONVERSATION WITH THE HONORABLE JEAN AUGUSTINE, P.C., C.M., O.Ont.C.B.E. “In The Pursuit of Social Justice”

Hon. Jean Augustine will offer an insightful conversation during the Festival. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work and devotion in pursuit of social justice. To mark one of her most notable achievements, the legislation designating February as Black History Month in Canada 25 years ago, TBFF will present her with the TBFF 2021 Pioneer award.

In 1993, Jean Augustine made history as the first African Canadian woman to be elected to Canada’s House of Commons as the Member of Parliament from the Greater Toronto Area constituency of Etobicoke-Lakeshore. In 2007, Jean Augustine was called on by the Government of Ontario to lead an important initiative commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the 1807 British Slave Trade Act. Amongst hundreds of other awards, the Women’s Executive Network named her one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. In 2009, Jean was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada for her extensive contribution to Canadian society as a politician, educator and advocate for social justice. In 2012, she received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2014, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to education and politics. In 2020 she was appointed to the Order of Ontario.

Moderator

Nicole Piggott: Inclusion and Diversity Expert