Ontario residents are reacting after Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama says she plans to seek re-election as an Independent candidate after the NDP rejected her application to re-join.
In a post on X, Jama said the decision came after many months of back and forth with the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP), which ultimately led to her caucus membership application being denied. She says the director of the party cited her intention to run independently if the NDP did not welcome her back and being ousted from the party as reasons why she would be ineligible.
I will be running for re-election in Hamilton Centre as an Independent.
— Sarah Jama (@SarahJama_) January 27, 2025
You can volunteer with us by making calls, knocking on doors, or donating to the campaign.
Reach out to me and my team at https://t.co/rf9eX1qsjt.
See you at the doors, Hamilton Centre! pic.twitter.com/bAU4ttLYpj
“By denying my application to run for the nomination, the ONDP has stripped the people of Hamilton Centre of their fundamental right to a fair and democratic process and their right to choose a candidate they feel will best advocate for the needs of this riding,” Jama said in an online statement.
Jama says she remains “unwavering” in her commitment to the people of Hamilton Centre, and will continue as an Independent.
“I have accomplished so much in collaboration with the Hamilton Centre community as an Independent, and will continue the fight at Queen’s Park,” she said.
Now Toronto reached out to the NDP for comment, but did not receive a response by time of publication.
Known for her advocacy for disability rights, racial justice, and social equity, Jama had been recognized as an outspoken and passionate member of the NDP. She made history in 2022 when she became the first person with a disability to represent Hamilton Centre at Queen’s Park.
However, her relationship with the NDP became increasingly strained in the weeks after the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict, where the party eventually removed her from the caucus following her initial remarks on the war.
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At the time, NDP Leader Marit Stiles said that some of Jama’s actions since making her comments “have contributed to unsafe work environments for staff.”
“Since then, she has undertaken a number of unilateral actions that have undermined our collective work and broken the trust of her colleagues,” Stiles said in an Oct. 2023 statement.
Though Jama expressed her disappointment with the party’s decision, she emphasized her excitement in bettering Ontario, which she stated is “under attack on all fronts.”
“The Premier has made it clear that human rights, worker rights, healthcare, affordable housing, and education are in his sights and, with another majority, he’ll have four more years to erode our public services,” she said.
“Over the last few months, alongside the Hamilton Centre Independent Constituency Association, we’ve talked to thousands of neighbours about issues that they want to see highlighted at Queen’s Park. I’m excited to continue this work.”
Ontarians are expressing their support for Jama entering the race, while some are also calling out the NDP for their unwillingness to make amends.
“Keep fighting the good fight, especially in the former leader’s riding. You know how to actually fight for what’s right, and it’s been disgusting to see the @OntarioNDP cast you aside,” one user said on X.
“So excited for you. You deserve to be in the legislature and the people of Ontario need your voice there,” another user posted.
“Sarah Jama going for the win! Show them how the power of community, leadership and love work together,” an X user said.
“@MaritStiles and @OntarioNDP clearly aren’t serious about making a real push. Never rectifying this decision will haunt them,” another user wrote on the platform.
Premier Doug Ford is expected to call an early election on Jan. 29, which would mean Ontarians would be heading to the polls on Feb. 27.
