TORONTO, ON — With advance voting set to open, more than 40 representatives from Greater Toronto’s Chinese business, professional, and cultural organizations gathered Saturday, October 3, to publicly endorse Mayor Olivia Chow for a second term.

Co-convened by Gordon Lam, Chair of the Lem Si Ho Tong, and Sophia Sun, President of the Canada-China Investment Association, the meeting offered community representatives an open floor to discuss municipal priorities directly with the mayor.

Addressing the gathering, Chow reviewed key municipal initiatives undertaken during her three years in office. On business operating costs, she highlighted the recent increase in the small business property tax reduction and pledged to continue cutting municipal red tape if re-elected. On public safety and transit, Chow cited the recruitment of Cantonese- and Mandarin-speaking officers, alongside a multi-agency crisis response model on the TTC pairing police and firefighters with mental health professionals and social workers. On community services, she noted extended library hours, new affordable housing starts, and expanded home-support services for seniors, including housekeeping, meal assistance, and mobile medical and dental clinics. Facing potential economic headwinds from U.S. tariffs, Chow emphasized that inter-community solidarity remains vital to the city’s stability.

The floor then opened to representatives across sectors to present community concerns:

Andi Shi, Executive Director of the Chinese Professionals Association of Canada (CPAC), described Chow’s governance as practical and reflective of the traditional Chinese value of moderation (“the middle way”), urging voters to assess municipal leadership beyond partisan lines. Chow agreed, noting that balance remains essential to city administration.

Benson Leung, Chair of Business Networking INternational (BNI) Bradford Chapter, addressed the heavy cost-of-living and business pressures confronting newcomer families, expressing hopes that Toronto can restore its economic vibrancy. Chow acknowledged the burden of rent and mortgage payments, noting that several affordable housing projects are already under construction.

Alice Gao, President of the Lake One Culture Association (LOCA), acknowledged the city’s prompt review of winter snow-clearing services following community feedback, while urging City Hall to tackle chronic construction delays on municipal infrastructure projects.

Winter Liu, Vice President of the Canada Heilongjiang Chamber of Commerce (CHCOC), called on the Chinese community to actively vote and voice their perspectives, stressing that a healthy business climate and improved public safety benefit both local enterprises and everyday families.

Xiaoguang Xu, President of the Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce of Canada (JCCC), pointed to tangible municipal improvements over the past three years and expressed support for Chow’s continued leadership.

Lan Huang, Executive Chair of the Council of Newcomer Organizations, commended Chow’s focus on housing, transit, community safety, and multicultural initiatives, encouraging continued collaboration across ethnic communities to build a stronger city.

In a notable exchange, Cantonese opera playwright Yuan Mei, approaching her 100th birthday, spoke as both a senior and an artist, urging greater municipal support for preserving and promoting Lingnan traditional performing arts in Toronto. Chow offered advance birthday wishes, recalled her father’s ties to Chinese opera, and thanked Yuan for her contributions, expressing hope that Chinese cultural traditions would endure in Canada for generations.

Co-organizers Lam and Sun noted that their support for Chow stems from her record of public service and ability to bridge diverse communities, and urged Chinese Torontonians to remain actively engaged in municipal affairs.

Advance voting runs from Tuesday, October 6, through Sunday, October 11. With two candidates sharing the surname “CHOW” at ballot positions 8 and 9, Chow reminded voters to check candidate details closely and cast their vote for Olivia Chow at No. 9. (All information Provided by Event Organizer)