Olivia Chow came in third in the 2014 Toronto mayoral election. John Tory became the new mayor. Where would Toronto be if Chow had won in 2014?
The Toronto of 2023 is in a lot worse shape. The Toronto voters finally leaned progressive in voting for a mayor. Chow is the first POC mayor in Toronto history and the first female mayor in the post-amalgamation era.
Ana Bailao finished second in a contest where there were more than 100 candidates.
"I pledge to you I will dedicate myself to work tirelessly in building a city thats more caring, affordable and safe, where everyone belongs," said Olivia Chow in her acceptance speech. "While I’ve been knocked down a few times over the years, just like you, I always got back up."
Chow is well-known to the people of Toronto. She served as a Toronto city councillor (1992-2005) and NDP MP for Trinity—Spadina (2006-2014). We mentioned the third-place finish in the 2014 election behind Tory and Doug Ford. Chow also ran in the 2015 federal election for the Spadina—Fort York riding, losing to then-Liberal MP Adam Vaughan.
Chow is the widow of the late NDP leader Jack Layton and stepmother of former Toronto city councillor Mike Layton.
"Whether you voted for me or not, we’re united in our love for this great city," said Chow in her acceptance speech.
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Do not underestimate Doug Ford's role in Chow's victory. His destruction of Ontario Place and the Science Centre animated Torontonians and motivated them to seek a new path
— trapdinawrpool (@trapdinawrpool) June 27, 2023
Doug Ford, Ontario premier, was a big loser Monday night. He unofficially backed Mark Saunders for mayor. Ford granted stronger mayoral powers to the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa as well as 26 other Ontario cities as of Canada Day this week. Instead of John Tory, that mayor is now Olivia Chow.
Chow could reverse the move Ford did when first becoming premier by reinstating the wards that Ford eliminated during a city election.
Tory's 2022 election win means Chow will serve until at least 2026. Tory resigned as mayor after admitting to a relationship with a former staff member.
Suddenly really like the strong mayoral powers #FordNation put in place 😂 #Olivia #onpoli
— Kathleen O'Grady (@kathleenogrady) June 27, 2023
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The 1998 amalgamation was a political move by then Ontario premier Mike Harris of the Progressive Conservatives to make Toronto more conservative by bringing in suburbs. The rise of Rob Ford and Doug Ford is a direct result of the amalgamation.
June Rowlands was the first woman elected mayor and served from 1992-1994. Barbara Hall was elected in 1994 and served until 1997 as mayor.
photo credit: @oliviachow
Twitter captures: @trapdinawrpool; @kathleenogrady
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