Olivia Chow is a Canadian politician and former member of Parliament who is widely admired 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 becoming mayor, Chow represented Trinity—Spadina as a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP) from 2006 to 2014.
She has also served as a city councillor in Metro Toronto and Toronto.
File
- Full name: Olivia Chow
- Date of birth: March 24, 1957
- Age: 66 years old
- Gender: 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 (married 1988; died 2011)
- Children: None
- Relationship status: Widowed
- Net worth: $4 million
Early life and education
Olivia Chow, now 66, was born on March 24, 1957 in British Hong Kong to parents Ho Sze and Wilson Wai Sun Chow.
She grew up with her brother, Andre Chow, in a middle-class family in Happy Valley, a residential area in Hong Kong.
At the age of 13, Chow and his family immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto. They initially lived on the third floor of a boarding house in the Annex before moving to a high-rise apartment in St. James Town.
Her father worked many odd jobs to support the family, while her mother worked as a seamstress and maid.
Chow grew up in a Chinese Baptist family and faced early challenges in her education. She struggled academically and had to repeat the third grade.
However, she ended up excelling in school and even skipped 8th grade.
She attended Jarvis Collegiate Institute and studied fine arts at the Ontario College of Art, and philosophy and religion at the University of Toronto.
She graduated with an honours bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Guelph in 1979.
After graduating, Chow worked as an artist, owning a sculpture studio and creating artwork for clients. She also taught at George Brown College’s Assaulted Women and Children Counseling and Support Program for five years.
Personal life
Olivia Chow is married to Jack Layton, a prominent Canadian politician and former leader of the New Democratic Party.
They married in 1988 and were in a loving relationship until Layton’s death in 2011. The couple’s love was admired for their shared dedication to public service.
However, it is currently unclear whether the couple have children together.
Chow showed tremendous care for Layton throughout his battle with cancer, and her grace and dignity at his funeral earned respect and admiration.
After Layton’s death, Chow ruled out running for the NDP leadership and remained neutral in the subsequent leadership race.
Career
Olivia Chow’s political career began in 1985 when she was elected as a Toronto school board trustee. She then moved into municipal politics and was elected to the Toronto Metropolitan Council in 1991.
As a city councilor, Chow has championed a variety of causes, including homelessness, public transportation and sustainable urban development.
She is recognized for opposing the proposed expansion of the Toronto Island Airport.
In 2006, Chow successfully ran for the New Democratic Party in the federal election, winning the seat of Trinity—Spadina.
She became part of a historic couple in Canadian parliamentary history, serving alongside her husband, Jack Layton.
During his time in the House, Chow sponsored several major motions and participated in debates surrounding issues such as wartime sex slavery and the rights of those who opposed the Iraq War.
Net worth
Olivia Chow’s net worth is estimated at $4 million.
Social media
- Twitter Username: @oliviachow
- Instagram Name: @oliviachow
