09/18/2013
ONLY A FEW DAYS UNTIL THE CONFERENCE! This year, we are honoured enough to have a keynote speaker that, some may say, is the epitome of success!
Driven by the benefits of citizens, influential and directly affecting youth like you, passionate about what she believes in and SUCCESSFUL in both the political and social realm. Who might we be describing, you may ask? Well, it must be none other, than the MP Olivia Chow!
In a political career that began in 1985, Olivia Chow has been one of Toronto’s most effective leaders – on the Board of Education, at Toronto City Hall, in Parliament, and on the national stage.
In 1991, Olivia was the first Asian woman elected as a Metro Toronto Councillor. She was reelected five times, serving with distinction for 14 years before winning election to Parliament in 2006.
Olivia gained national recognition for her innovative approaches to programs for children and youth as Toronto’s first Children and Youth Advocate.
She also empowered and engaged youth by creating the Toronto Youth Cabinet, establishing after-school activities and anti-gang initiatives.
Olivia has been in Parliament as MP for the riding of Trinity-Spadina since 2006. In Parliament, during the time she served as the NDP’s advocate for children, her Early Learning and Child Care Bill laid the legislative foundation for a universal, high quality, affordable and non-profit national child care program. It received support from Parliament twice.
Outside the political sphere, Olivia is known as a tireless spokesperson, fundraiser and champion of numerous charities.
Olivia’s contribution to her city and its diverse communities has been broadly recognized:
Olivia has had the rare distinction of being voted “Woman of the Year” from Consumers Choice of Canada, the top Torontonian with a Toronto Sun Readers’ Choice Gold Award, best City Councillor seven times and best MP by the readers of NOW magazine, best local politician four times by readers of Eye magazine.
She is also the recipient of numerous recognitions including one of Canada’s top 25 immigrants by Canadian Immigrant magazine, and an Honourary degree from Ontario College of Art and Design.
Olivia married Jack Layton in 1988, and together they forged one of Canada’s most remarkable political partnerships, sharing a passion for life and a commitment to change. Since Jack’s death in 2011, Olivia has continued the quest to make Toronto a better city and Canada a better country for all.
RSVP now at c3talks.eventbrite.com!
