Image via flickr /Tania Liu

Olivia Chow has signed a deal with HarperCollinsCanada to publish her memoirs. The politician and widow of former NDP leader Jack Layton will use the book as a vehicle to share the story of her upbringing and move from Hong Kong to Canada at age 13, where the now famous public servant struggled to adapt. Her family, well off in Hong Kong, faced employment difficulties but Chow persevered, completing a degree in fine art and philosophy at the University of Toronto and going on to become a Schoolboard Trustee, City Councilor, and now Member of Parliament.

The book, which is set to come out in early 2014 is bound to raise speculation about Chow’s next political move. Rumours of a possible run to replace Rob Ford as the mayor of Toronto in October 2014 have circulated and a recent poll by Forum Research indicates Chow would be successful in a match up against Ford and Bob Rae.

In a statement released by HaperCollinsCanada, Chow explained that her story was like those of many Canadians. “It’s a story of challenges and loss but also the story of finding my home in a country and community that has given me so much.” Sounds like the start of a campaign to us. 

[via Globe and Mail]

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Eva Voinigescu is an intern at Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter @EvaVoinigescu.

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