Messages of support are pouring in for Sarah Jama online after her removal from the Ontario NDP caucus in what has now left the Hamilton MPP without the backing of a political party.
Jama was removed by Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles recently after a turbulent couple of weeks that began with her controversial comments over the ongoing Israel-Hamas fight in the Middle East.
Jama, who was also voted by Doug Ford’s PCs to be censured in the House and is currently an independent MPP, declared support for Palestine in the current by referring to the struggle of Palestinians under occupation as ‘Israeli apartheid’ while demanding immediate ceasefire and restoration of food, water, fuel and electricity to Gaza.
Jama’s supporters, especially Black and Muslim Canadians as well as former NDP MPPs, are not happy with the decision that was by the Ontario NDP leadership.
The Trillium reporter, Jack Hauen, tweeted: “Two former NDP MPPs, one riding association president and a slew of volunteers have condemned Marit Stiles’ decision to kick Sarah Jama from caucus. Party execs are discussing how to push back internally.”
While denouncing the removal of Jama for the caucus, Dr. Jill Andrew, MPP for Toronto-St. Paul’s, a staunch advocate of Body Equity and Fashion Diversity, tweeted:“It’s been brought to my attention that many Ontario NDP members and members of other communities are under the impression that there was a vote, consensus, or agreement between leadership & the Ontario NDP Caucus, of which I am a member, to remove MPP Sarah Jama from caucus.
“It’s also been brought to my attention that people have been specifically told by leadership in various conversations that I supported the decision to remove MPP Sarah Jama from the Ontario NDP Caucus. I did not support this decision for a variety of reasons.”
Andrew also criticized their party’s statement that, in their point of view, paints Black women badly.
He said: “The release went on to conjure what I feel were stereotypical tropes often used to communicate about Black people, especially Black women, who are perceived as difficult. I expressed my concerns about this release to the leadership team and to my caucus members.”
In the wake of the fallout, reports of mistreating Sarah Jama by NDP bosses also surfaced online.
Ahmar Khan of Global News reported: “Spoke to sources close to Sarah Jama: They claim there was a level of mistreatment from the NDP toward Sarah Jama, especially in how she was communicated to by top levels of ONDP brass. They say Marit Stiles was aware of what Jama possibly suing the Premier.”
In the same vein, Ontario New Democratic Youth Chair Avreet Jagdev accused the NDP of mistreating women of colour. Jagdey tweeted:“Outing myself as the current ONDY chair, although it hasn’t yet been updated on the website. While I don’t speak for the exec, I am horrified by the decision to remove @SarahJama_ from caucus. It is indicative of how the party would treat me & every other WOC on this list.”
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