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A standing room only crowd gathered at Trinity-St. Paul United Church for the launch of Olivia Chow’s My Journey, on January 22 in Toronto.   While all attention was on the book and the remarkable story of Chow’s life and public service, the much anticipated decision on whether she will run in the upcoming mayorality race in Toronto was the buzz of the evening.  Chow chose not to indulge in speculation on her mayorality aspirations (however, if you want to discuss your views on whether she should run, join our discussion on babble.

Chow’s dedication to social change, her remarkable political life and deep roots in the community were reflected in the outpouring of support at the event. 

The Toronto event was one of the first stops on a national tour. Details here.

Following are photos from the evening taken by Toronto photographer, Mitchel Raphael.

 

  Long time friend and political advisor Bob Gallagher with Olivia Chow backstage.

 George Smitherman was among the many Toronto politial guests at the event.

 Linda McQuaig arrives at the book launch.

 Lorraine Segato, lead singer of the Parachute Club is a long-time friend and supporter of Olivia Chow, and performed at her wedding to Jack Layton.

 Sarah Layton with her youngest daughter.

 Sook-Yin Lee, who portrayed Chow in the Jack Layton movie, interviewed Chow at the Toronto launch. 

 Doris Layton, Jack Layton’s mother, was in attendance.

 Trinity-St. Paul United Church, a popular local for large events in Toronto, was full to capacity

 Ho Sze Chow, Olivia Chow’s mother.

 Little Mosque on the Prairie star Zaib Shaikh with Joe Cressy.

  Sook-Yin Lee interviews Olivia Chow about her new book, My Journey