Olivia Chow: Stronger together
New memoir from Toronto NDP MP and Jack Layton’s widow outlines her views on investing in children and infrastructure
Olivia Chow, Member of Parliament and widow of former NDP leader Jack Layton, has written a memoir, My Journey. Her story begins in Hong Kong as a young girl, continues through her move to Canada at the age of 13, through her discovery of politics, her marriage to Layton, his death, and her dreams for their grandchildren. Chow was in Vancouver recently for an appearance at the Vancouver Writers Fest and we sat down to discuss her book. ( This interview has been condensed and edited.) Q How important is your experience as an immigrant to your work as a politician? A As an immigrant, I learned how struggling families feel. It taught me what adversity is like, and ( the value of) hard work and saving every penny. It taught me what government can and should do, which is provide support to those who need it and make life affordable for everyone. It also taught me the importance of investing in children.
Q You say in your book that it is important for newcomers to Canada to understand our country’s history as a stronghold for human rights. Can you explain that further?
A Well, this is especially important today with gays and lesbians being discriminated against in Sochi. I believe in equality, and when the government discriminates, for example, we get the Chinese Head Tax just after they had built the railroad that united Canada. That kind of discrimination — not treating everyone equally and not respecting their rights — it doesn’t matter who you apply that to, but the minute you apply it, it will lead to things like the Japanese being interned or gays and lesbians not receiving equal rights. I think for new immigrants — if they come from a country that doesn’t necessarily have the same values as we do on human rights and equality — then those are important values for them to learn. It’s the law in this country, but it’s the values behind the laws that are the most important. Q Using your experience as a school trustee, how would you reconcile the need to spend wisely with the need to give kids a good education?
A I find investing in children is the best investment we can make. If you ask an economist, the rate of return is very, very high. If we take a longer view, even within just 20 years, a country that invests in its children will produce higher economic growth, more productivity, lower unemployment, place higher on the happiness index, and they do very well in their GDP. There’s no argument if you want to apply pure economics — this is the best investment with a great return.
Q You write in your book that people should not be fooled by politicians who want to lower taxes. Can you explain the danger?
A A country that is growing invests in its people and infrastructure. If you don’t invest in infrastructure, then you will have gridlock that costs the economy billions of dollars — $ 10 billion is the cost of traffic gridlock in this country. Funding for investing in people and infrastructure costs money, and you can’t get something for nothing. Someone has to pay for it. I find people who are obsessed with money often are the ones who end up making deals behind people’s back that end up costing the taxpayer a lot more money.
Q Will you build on your experience as a school trustee and city councillor to run for mayor of Toronto?
A I’m thinking about it. I sure don’t want my grandchildren to have Rob Ford as their role model, and I think many parents feel the same way. I love Toronto, but I also love Canada. I will make a decision in due time. Q How about leader of the federal NDP? A Thomas Mulcair is doing very well — he is strong and he is very principled. He tells it like it is. He quit his cabinet position over an environmental issue. How often do you see a cabinet minister walk away from the limo, the extra pay, the power, the prestige, and say no over a matter of principle? Caucus is very united and he’s holding Stephen Harper to account. Q Did the NDP play a role in allowing the Conservatives to gain power? A No, absolutely not. We lost seats in the West when the Liberal vote collapsed and went Conservative. Q What do you most want the world to remember about Jack Layton? A I would like people to remember his own words. He’s a loving, hopeful and optimistic guy who is committed to changing the world. He wants people to know: “Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.” It’s all possible when we come together to make change happen. The memorial sculpture we have for him is called Stronger Together. ( It’s a tandem bicycle.)