Trinity–Spadina

Olivia Chow

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Biography

• Elected the Member of Parliament for Trinity—Spadina in 2006
• Originally from Hong Kong, Olivia has been a sculptor, a social services worker and a school trustee; she has also taught ESL and Cantonese
• Was the first Asian woman elected as a Metro Toronto Councilor in 1991
• Since Toronto's amalgamation in 1997, was voted best City Councilor seven times by the readers of NOW magazine and best local politician four times by the readers of Eye magazine
• Served as Toronto's first Children and Youth Advocate and spearheaded efforts to create children’s nutrition programs (now feeding over 70,000), free dental care for poor children and expanded pre- and post-natal services
• Following a successful personal battle with thyroid cancer early in 2005, become a spokesperson for cancer awareness and health issues
• In 1988 married Jack Layton, now Leader of Canada’s NDP; they have two children

Contact Olivia Chow

oliviachow@ndp.ca