Since the news of the unceremonious and cunny ousting of Kevin Yarde, Brampton NDP MPP erupted, tongues have been wagging as to why this was done, especially among the good people of Brampton.
For clarity, Yarde, a sitting Brampton member of provincial parliament in Ontario will not be on the ballot for June’s provincial election after losing his spot to a rival candidate during a nomination meeting.
Kevin Yarde, the Ontario NDP MPP for Brampton North, was replaced by Sandeep Singh in a nomination meeting in Brampton.
It would be recalled that Yarde took the seat from the Ontario Liberals in 2018, winning with 38 per cent of the vote. He made history by becoming the first Black member of the legislature in the Peel region.
In the last four years as the MPP for Brampton North, he has demonstrated a high level of competence as evident in his track record. This is also summed up in the words of the leader of the Official Opposition in Ontario since 2018 and leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party since 2009, Andrea Horwath, who tweeted “I want to thank @KevinYardeMPP for everything he’s done in the last 4 years, fighting hard for folks in Brampton North and for a more affordable, equitable, just province for all. He’s been a strong voice in our caucus and he will always be an important part of our team.”
It’s often said that the reward for good work is more work; and as the Biblical statement has it, when one is faithful over a little, more will be entrusted in his hands. In an interview with newsmen, Yarde stated that in the last four years, there were no complains from the party over his performances, so it’s shockingly befuddling to oust him unceremoniously even when he has never exhibited any form of anti-party politics or even let his constituents down – Horwath admitted that Yarde has been fighting hard for the good of his people.
So many questions are currently begging for answers. Yarde stated that he was informed a few days to the nomination meeting so he didn’t have enough time to sign up people – Was this premeditated? Again, it’s in the news that Sandeep Singh, who has replaced Yarde in the coming election has family ties with some inner caucus members. That leaves the public with the crucial question – Was the nomination meeting premeditated to oust Yarde? Has politics in the party become a family affair? Is the voting behavior of our civilized people now being influenced by family ties?
Another major question that comes to mind is the manner in which the nomination was done and why Brampton North was targeted. Though Andrea Horwath explained that challenging serving MPP is allowed in the party’s constitution, why Brampton North was particularly victimized and the candidate expertly ousted becomes a source of worry for well-meaning residents of the region. Why wasn’t the same done in Brampton East and other districts that the party is controlling? This is a clear indication that there is more that meets the eye.
As a leader, Andrea Horwath commitment to diversity becomes another source of worry. Perhaps, only her can vividly explain why she has let the NDP’s Black caucus disintegrate. It would be recalled that Ontario’s first NDP Black caucus made history four years and from all indications, it is headed into extinction. Recall that in 2018, five new BLACK MPPs ceremoniously took their seats alongside NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, a development that was hailed as the turning point of diversity. Today, the story is sad to tell.
The Black Caucus has lost two of its most prominent members in recent weeks – all thanks to party infighting. Two more face almost impossible odds of re-election. Horwath had in 2019 proclaimed the party’s triumph by promising to follow the Biblical Joshua’s way by leading the way: “Black Canadian leaders must be at the table when every decision is made. It’s the first time any party has elected enough Black members to form a caucus”.
She had excitedly added that “The Ontario NDP Black caucus will continue after generation, growing after election”. Today, that proclamation is in the mud.
On the heel of Yarde’s infamous axing, Horwath has insisted that “Our process is wide open and very democratic,” adding that “As a leader, I really have nothing to do with that”. While her assertion may have some element of truth, it’s not clear if she is also oblivious of the disintegration of the Black caucus she had said would continue from generation to generation.
Recent happenings in the political space crystally show that Blacks are being targeted. Why this is so, remains a conundrum.
In the aftermath of the ousting, a disappointed Yarde, in a Twitter post, wrote: “After careful discussion with my family I have decided to sit as an Independent member in the Ontario legislature. I will continue to represent the people of Brampton North until my term of office ends June 2, 2022. I want to thank my constituents for their support.
— Kevin Yarde (@KevinYardeMPP)”.
