Profile: Olivia Chow’s push for Toronto’s top job Profile: Olivia Chow’s push for Toronto’s top job
Olivia Chow, a longtime NDP MP, Toronto city councilor and the widow of former NDP leader Jack Layton, is one of the leading candidates... Profile: Olivia Chow’s push for Toronto’s top job

Olivia Chow, a longtime NDP MP, Toronto city councilor and the widow of former NDP leader Jack Layton, is one of the leading candidates seeking to replace Mayor Rob Ford.

As the mayoral election comes to a close, the race to be Toronto’s future mayor couldn’t be more heated, especially when it comes to transit policy.

Chow said she would pay for her TTC plan by bringing in more progressive taxes and increase land transfer tax on homes over $2-million, according to her campaign web site. Chow said “people who can afford 2 million dollar homes can also afford tax increase,” during her second-last debate at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus.

Chow also talked about the tragedy of unfinished TTC constructions. She said “all of the studies have been done and wasted in the [last] four years.”

“Get on with the construction right now, get it done, get it done before 2020,” said Chow.

Chow also plans to tackle gridlock, plant more trees to decrease pollution and invest in arts and culture, according to her campaign web site.

During the debate, Chow said “everyone matters,” and that’s why she is running for a mayor.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP0tfVvj1z4

Anika Durisova