OLIVIA CHOW

Olivia Chow’s story is one of resilience, public service and the belief that a city is strongest when everyone has a place within it. Her journey – from a young immigrant finding her voice in Toronto to becoming the city’s first woman of Asian descent elected as mayor – reflects a lifetime dedicated to building bridges between people, communities and ideas.

Born in Hong Kong, Chow immigrated to Toronto with her parents when she was 13. Her early experiences shaped a deep understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers, working families and those who often feel unheard. Inspired by the power of community action, she entered public life with a commitment to making government more compassionate, inclusive and responsive.

A graduate of the Ontario College of Art (OCA, now OCAD University), she worked as a sculptor, ESL teacher and counsellor for new immigrants. Her career has spanned more than four decades of advocacy and leadership. 

Beginning as a school trustee for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), where she served for six years, she later became the first Asian-born woman elected as a Metro Toronto Councillor in 1991. As councillor, she created lasting programs that continue to help hundreds of thousands of families in Toronto each year. She went on to serve as a Member of Parliament for Trinity-Spadina in 2006, bringing Toronto’s diverse voices to the national stage. She was re-elected twice, serving until 2014. 

While an opposition MP, she introduced an Early Learning and Child Care bill which laid the legislative foundation for a universal, high quality, affordable and non-profit national child care program. Her bill on a National Public Transit Strategy was widely celebrated by mayors and municipalities from coast to coast.

In 2023, Chow returned to municipal leadership when she was elected as Toronto’s 66th mayor, becoming the first woman to hold office since the amalgamation of Metro Toronto’s six municipalities in 1998.

Learn more about Olivia Chow

Image caption: City of Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow regularly attends events at OCAD U, including the opening reception of its Annual Graduate Exhibition, GradEx