FORMER MP Jean Augustine receives a lifetime achievement award for her many years serving constituents in the House of Commons (top).
Congratulations to our former Member of Parliament (MP) Jean Augustine who is being presented with a lifetime achievement award after being selected by fellow federal politicians.
Grenada-born and proud Etobicoke resident Augustine was selected for the distinction in a 12th yearly survey by Maclean’s Magazine of sitting MPs, with the help of Ottawa polling firm Sprinbrook Strategies.
“To ensure that parties with the most seats cannot dominate the list of winners, MPs benefit when they receive support from outside their own party,” according to a press release.
“This year’s lifetime achievement award winner is Jean Augustine, a Liberal MP from 1993-2006 who was the first African-Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons, and the first Black woman appointed to cabinet,” according to a statement.
Jean, a former high school principal, was the first woman elected to represent Etobicoke-Lakeshore in the House of Commons. She was popular in the community and was re-elected for a second term.
Augustine served as the Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien from 1994 to 1996; she was Minister of State for multiculturalism (and the status of women) from 2002 to 2004.
“Congratulations Jean for an honour so well deserved,” praised current Liberal MP James Maloney. “You continue to inspire all of us every day.”
The winners are usually announced at an evening gala near Parliament Hill. This year, the winners will be named at a virtual ceremony on January 12 due to the pandemic.
Augustine is well-known for her work in the community and her involvement in the Jean Augustine Center for Young Women’s Empowerment, on Portland St.
She also makes appearances to help other charities and agencies in the area.
Some other winners include:
Hardest working MPs; Chrystia Freeland (L), Garnett Genuis (PC), and Michelle Rempel Garner (PC)”.
Best orators include: Sean Fraser (L), Pierre Poilievre (PC) and Alain Therrien (Bloc).
Most collegial: Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc), Marilyn Gladu (PC) and Christine Normandin (Bloc).
Most knowledgeable: Charlie Angus (NDP), Kevin Lamoureux (L) and Elizabeth May (Green).
Best represents constituents: Elizabeth May, Louis Plamondon (Bloc) and Shannon Stubbs (PC).
And the rising stars include: Jenica Atwin (Green), Raquel Dancho (PC) and Sean Fraser (L).