Toronto's Biggest Cheerleader

Chow talks to the media after her speech

On our second last day in Toronto, we walked from Union station to City Hall, and when we approached, we could see several small booths set up in Nathan Phillips Square.

It turns out Mayor Olivia Chow declared that day, May 29 as Newcomer Day, where those in the booths were many non-profits that offer social services like employment counselling, health and mental health programs, arts and education programs, and shelter and housing supports. 

Chow speaks at Nathan Phillips Square

Kicking off the event was Chow herself, who gave a speech about how she was an immigrant too, as the Hong Kong-born politician immigrated to Toronto with her family in 1970 when she was 13 years old. 

She encouraged the crowd to explore the various booths and take advantage of the non-profits' services to help them settle in Toronto.

Later we spotted Chow talking to the media backstage; one of her assistants indicated that she would be available to meet some fans, but after her media interviews, there was no time and she slipped in a back door into City Hall.

I've heard that Chow is a great cheerleader for Toronto and is very supportive of community events. She apparently goes to almost every one of them, even dressing up in an elaborate purple and pink feathered costume to participate in the Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade last August.

Chow seems quite popular, and has indicated she will run for a second term this October. Chow was elected in 2023 after former mayor John Tory resigned.