|
| Affiliation | New Democratic |
|
| <- |
2023-01-01 |
|
|
| Name | Olivia Chow |
| Address |
Toronto, Ontario , Canada |
| Email | Chow.O@parl.gc.ca |
| Website | [Link] |
| Born |
March 24, 1957
(67 years)
|
| Contributor | The Oncoming Storm |
| Last Modifed | IndyGeorgia
Jun 21, 2023 05:40pm |
| Tags |
Chinese - Widowed -
|
| Info | Olivia Chow’s quest for a better society has been a lifelong journey – a journey that has taken her from her childhood in Hong Kong around the world to Toronto and to one of the most extraordinary careers in Canadian political life.
Today, as Member of Parliament for Trinity-Spadina and Advocate for Children and Youth in the NDP Shadow Cabinet, Olivia can point to a legacy of achievement after a 20 year career in municipal politics in Toronto. She has worked to create a more liveable and dynamic city through her leadership and dedication to improve economic opportunity, eradicate child poverty, enhance the environment and waterfront, and strengthen social services, immigrant services, community programs, child care, affordable housing and affordable public transit – while promoting the arts, culture and rich diversity that set Toronto apart.
She ran for Parliament to help champion such causes at the federal level, and was elected in the federal election of January, 2006.
First elected as a school trustee in 1985, Olivia won election as a Metro Councillor in 1991 – breaking new ground as the first Asian woman elected at the municipal level in Toronto. After Toronto’s amalgamation in 1997, she was elected and reelected three times as City Councillor for Trinity Spadina ward in downtown Toronto – and had the rare distinction of being voted best City Councillor seven times by the readers of NOW magazine and best local politician four times by readers of Eye magazine. She is rightly proud of having achieved this legacy in the context of fiscal responsibility: Olivia helped to forge nine consecutive balanced budgets as a member of the City’s budget committee from 1994 to 2003. While at City Hall, she also served as Chair of the Community Services Committee and Vice Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), among other senior responsibilities.
Olivia gained national recognition for her innovative approaches to programs for children and youth as Toronto’s first Children and Youth Advocate – a role she assumed and created in 1997 at the request of Mayor Mel Lastman, and that she continued at the request of Mayor David Miller.
In this capacity, she led the fight for a better life for children with far reaching child nutrition programs (now feeding 70,000), free dental care for poor children, expanded pre and post natal services, and computers for 15,000 children to aid in their education. She also worked to empower and engage youth by creating the Toronto Youth Cabinet and securing funding for youth initiatives, such as sports, leisure, ecology and arts programs.
Olivia’s achievements are broadly shared with volunteers, community leaders, activists and citizens of all stripes and walks of life who care about their neighbourhoods, their city and their country.
Her commitment stretches back to her own youth when, as an immigrant child of thirteen, she learned a new language, learned to skate and read English, gained an education, built a new life, and began breaking down barriers to women and minorities.
Political leadership and activism are just one dimension of Olivia Chow. She is a passionate gardener, artist, reader, traveller and outdoor enthusiast – and a runner, swimmer and cyclist.
After learning English as a teenager, she studied fine arts at the Ontario College of Art and Philosophy at the University of Toronto while working as a volunteer counsellor in crisis intervention in the emergency ward at Toronto General Hospital -- a hint of the multi-tasking that has made her such an effective leader. Olivia earned an Honours BA in fine art from the University of Guelph in 1979, and supported her career as a sculptor by working for a number of social service agencies. She gained a taste for political life in 1981 while working as a constituency assistant in the office of Dan Heap, New Democrat MP for Trinity Spadina. Four years later, she stood for her first election, while still in her twenties.
Along the way, Olivia has taught English as a second language to immigrants – as well as Cantonese to children of immigrants. She has been a leader in the Chinese and immigrant community, a leader in advancement of rights for minorities and for women, a commentator on various Chinese and English radio programs, a lecturer at George Brown College for its Counselling and Advocacy for Assaulted women and Children program, and a tireless fundraiser for charities.
As well, following a successful personal battle with thyroid cancer early in 2005, Olivia has become a spokesperson for cancer awareness and health related issues, with an emphasis on women’s health and awareness.
On her personal journey, early in her political career, Olivia forged one of Canada’s most remarkable political partnerships when she met Jack Layton, then a City Councillor, and now leader of Canada’s New Democrats and MP for Toronto Danforth. They married in 1988 and they have worked together throughout their careers, sharing a passion for life and a commitment to change. Olivia and Jack live in Chinatown in Trinity Spadina, with Olivia’s mother Ho Sze and cat Maue– in a house that they recently transformed with a “green” renovation. Children Sarah and Michael Layton live nearby.
As she enters her third decade in public life, and assumes her new role on the national stage as a Member of Parliament, Olivia Chow is just beginning to hit her stride. The journey is ongoing – Olivia’s quest for a better society and her determination to make a difference continue.
|
 | BOOKS |
 |
|
| Title |
Purchase |
Contributor |
|
| Start Date |
End Date |
Type |
Title |
Contributor |
|
| Date |
Category |
Headline |
Article |
Contributor |
|
| INFORMATION LINKS |
|
|
|
