From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Olivia Chow is a popular Canadian politician and city councillor in Toronto.
Born in Hong Kong, Chow emigrated to Canada when she was thirteen years of age. This has given her the benefit of fluency in two of her constituency's dominant languages, Cantonese and English.
Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina, has long been home to a diverse group of communities in the core of Canada's largest urban centre. Olivia's moderate Socialist values have helped elect her to city council since 1991.
In 1997, her affiliation with the NDP led to her campaign for a seat in Canada's Parliament. She was narrowly defeated by her Liberal Party competitor, Tony Ianno. Many had expected Olivia to easily win the seat for her left-leaning party, since the riding consisted of the same boundaries as the municipal constituency she had represented for six years.
Chow has been an advocate for the homeless, public transit, and many other urban issues which promote Sustainable Development. She has also been a vociferous opponent of the proposed Toronto Island Airport expansion, a controversial plan by the Toronto Port Authority that would increase air traffic over Ward 20.
She has recently been criticized by former mayor, John Sewell, for her failure to prevent rampant condo and high-rise development in her ward.
In the years since the amalgamation of Metropolitan Toronto, she and husband Jack Layton, were among the most high-profile members of the council. They were noted for their outspoken criticism of mayor Mel Lastman and other suburban councillors. Layton has since left his seat on council to become leader of the NDP.
Chow is renowned for her trademark bicycle, decorated with flowers and bright colours. Riding every day to Toronto City Hall, carless commuting is consistent with the values of her constituents.
Chow has been voted "Best City Councillor" on numerous occasions by Now Magazine and Eye Weekly.
