Olivia Chow Biography: Net Worth, Age, House, Children, Spouse, Nationality

Olivia Chow is a Canadian politician and former Member of Parliament who is known for her contributions to public service.

With a distinguished political career, she has served as the 66th mayor of Toronto since July 12, 2023.

Prior to his role as mayor, Chow represented Trinity—Spadina as a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP) from 2006 to 2014.

She also served as a city councilor in Metro Toronto and Toronto.

File

  • Full name: Olivia Chow
  • Date of birth: March 24, 1957
  • Age: 66 years old
  • Female
  • Place of birth: British Hong Kong
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Occupation: Politician
  • Parents: Ho Sze (father) and Wilson Wai Sun Chow (mother)
  • Siblings: Andre Chow
  • Spouse: Jack Layton (d. 1988; died 2011)
  • Children: Not applicable
  • Relationship status: Widowed
  • Net worth: 4 million USD

Early Life & Education

Olivia Chow, now 66 years old, was born on March 24, 1957 in British Hong Kong to parents Ho Sze and Wilson Wai Sun Chow.

She grew up with an older brother, Andre Chow, in a middle-class family in Happy Valley, a residential area in Hong Kong.

At the age of 13, Chau and his family immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto. They initially lived on the third floor of a rooming house in the Annex before moving to a high-rise apartment in St. James.

Her father worked odd jobs to support the family, and her mother worked as a seamstress and maid.

Chow grew up in a Chinese Baptist family and faced early challenges during his education. She had difficulty studying and had to repeat 3rd grade.

However, in the end she excelled in her studies and even failed the 8th grade.

She attended Jarvis Collegiate Institute and pursued studies in fine arts at the Ontario College of Art and philosophy and religion at the University of Toronto.

She graduated with a bachelor of fine arts honors from the University of Guelph in 1979.

After graduating, Chow worked as an artist, owning a sculpture studio and creating works of art for clients. She also taught at George Brown College’s Counseling and Advocacy Program for Battered Women and Children for five years.

Personal life

Olivia Chow is married to Jack Layton, a famous Canadian politician and former leader of the New Democratic Party.

They married in 1988 and shared a loving relationship until Layton’s sudden death in 2011. The couple’s love was admired for their shared dedication to public service.

However, at the present time, it is still unclear whether the couple has children together or not.

Chow showed deep concern for Layton during his battle with cancer, and her grace and dignity at his funeral attracted respect and admiration.

After Layton’s death, Chow ruled out a bid for the NDP leadership and remained neutral in the leadership race that followed.

Career

Olivia Chow’s political career began in 1985 when she was elected as a Toronto school board trustee. She then turned to municipal politics and was elected to the Toronto Metropolitan Council in 1991.

As a city councilman, Chow advocated for a variety of causes, including homelessness, public transportation and sustainable urban development.

She has been recognized for her opposition to the proposed expansion of Toronto Island Airport.

In 2006, Chow successfully ran for the New Democratic Party in the federal election, winning the seat for Trinity—Spadina.

She became a member of the historic husband-and-wife team in Canadian parliamentary history, serving alongside her husband, Jack Layton.

During his time in the House of Representatives, Chow sponsored important movements and participated in debates surrounding issues such as wartime sexual slavery and the rights of resistance fighters during the Iraq War.

Net value

Olivia Chow’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.

Social Media

  • Twitter name: @oliviachow
  • Instagram handle: @oliviachow

Leave a Comment