Media Statement
OTTAWA June 27, 2023— Last night, Toronto elected their first racialised mayor, Olivia Chow, who is also
Toronto’s third female mayor. Equal Voice is pleased to see the presence of women increase across
various levels of government, particularly in Canada’s largest city, Toronto. Mayor-Elect Chow’s election
is ground-breaking: she is the first Asian woman to be elected and brings her own experience as an
immigrant to this municipal office.
Torontonians overwhelmingly cast ballots for the top women candidates: more than 75% of the votes
went to Olivia Chow (37.2%), Ana Bailao (32.5%), Mitzie Hunter (2.9%) and Chloe Brown (2.6%). This
strong endorsement of women’s leadership ends the notion that women are not electable: voters are
ready to choose women to lead.
Equal Voice will continue to advocate for the election of women and gender diverse representation at all
levels of government. Chow’s election proves as a reminder that federally elected politics is not the only
realm that requires increased representation efforts. Equal Voice is thrilled to congratulate Chow on this
historic victory and looks forward to seeing what the future of her term will hold.
Chi Nguyen, Executive Director of Equal Voice is available for interviews.
-30-
Founded in 2001, Equal Voice is a national, bilingual, multi-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to electing more women to all levels of political office in Canada.
For media requests, please contact: Hana Sabah
514.834.8841 [email protected]