But
Torontonians can be proud of our many local heroes that have helped to build
the city’s positive reputation over many decades.
Heroes
who have been close to the heart of the city’s needs, listening, caring, acting
— to strengthen the public good.
They
have given us a legacy that helped us build a better Toronto
Think
of Jane Jacobs, the urban planner who fought the Spadina expressway; Charles
Pascal, who helped bring in all-day kindergarten; the late Dr. Sheela Basrur,
who helped to lead the fight against SARS; Reverend Brent Hawkes, who fought
for equal rights, including the right to marry, for lesbians and gays.
I add
Olivia Chow to this list of city builders because she has been at the forefront
of just about every struggle for justice in this city. Talk about public good!
Chow
helped “pave the way” for bike lanes, the TTC student Metropass, and
translation services in over 140 languages for 911 calls.
When a Toronto
She
knew how to access resources like tents and sleeping bags to help convince
street youth to leave their squat in a contaminated silo on the city’s
waterfront.
More
important, she knew the value of the long-term solution — affordable housing.
She
joined me and former Toronto
It was
Chow, as an NDP MP, who helped to ensure $1.6 billion for affordable housing
was added to the 2005 federal Liberal budget.
For
decades, Chow was the mover and shaker at City Hall on child and youth issues,
women’s rights, affordable daycare, student nutrition projects, AIDS grants,
immigration and literacy.
She was
a brilliantly effective leader because she worked across party lines.
This
election has focused mostly on transit and it’s great that people in our city
care about it.
Chow’s
transit plan is the one that reaches out to include economically struggling
parts of the city, where needs are greatest.
She
also recognizes you have to have somewhere to transit to and from.
A
parent needs to be able to get to a childcare spot that is safe and affordable.
A
senior needs to know he or she can still access fitness programs at the
seniors’ centre.
A new
Canadian needs to know the library will still have English as a Second Language
classes to take.
Chow is
not the loudest shouter in macho election debates, but she has always shone in
her unpretentious dedication to social justice, urban progress and equality.
Her
ability to make city hall work has produced results for the citizens of Toronto
We need
her strengths more than ever.
— Crowe
is a long-time street nurse, author of Dying for a Home, Homeless
Activists Speak Out and filmmaker, Home Safe Calgary, Home Safe
Toronto
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