NDP reflecting on decision to split ties with Jama

The Ontario NDP may be regretting its decision to sever ties with its former caucus member-turned-Independent MPP Sarah Jama in Hamilton Centre.

Queen’s Park Today obtained an internal motion crafted by the party’s executive asking for a report on “the outcomes of various electoral scenarios in Hamilton Centre,” including bringing Jama back to the NDP, endorsing her as an Independent, or not running an alternative candidate in the riding.

The report should take past and present polling into account, as well as fundraising information, media interest, and the feedback of trade unions and activists, as well as party members. It also asks for an analysis into the “relative strengths and weaknesses of likely or possible opposition candidates.”

Provincial director for the Ontario NDP Kevin Beaulieu said the executive often requests reports on “important matters such as local byelections, changes to campaign financing, candidate status, etc.”

“It is not unusual for the executive to request a report from staff on any number of matters, including the electoral impact of an incumbent MPP running for a different level of government or running independently,” Beaulieu said in a statement to Queen’s Park Today.

At the same time, Beaulieu said the NDP “is committed to nominating candidates in all 124 ridings across the province for the next election.”

This is the first time since 1990 that the NDP hasn’t had an incumbent in Hamilton.

MPP Monique Taylor announced two weeks ago that she would be seeking the federal nomination in Jama’s neighbouring riding of Hamilton Mountain.

Jama has already said she will be running as an Independent candidate in Hamilton Centre after being ousted from the NDP a year ago, kicking off her campaign with a series of local events.

However, in a statement to Queen’s Park Today, Jama noted that while she is prepared to run independently, she is “happy to explore all possible options should they present themselves.”

“I have maintained since October that I am open to all options on the table, and have reached out to the leadership team, through staff on multiple occasions and with no response, to try and discuss what happened,” she said.

“I did not kick myself out of the party, and would very much like to come to some sort of agreement on next steps that is best for Hamilton Centre.”

The NDP was highly criticized for its decision to kick Jama out of the party, with multiple local riding associations calling for leader Marit Stiles’ resignation amid what they argued was a “betrayal” and “an attack on democracy.”

The executive noted this frustration in its motion, saying “the impact of the expulsion of MPP Sarah Jama has had an impact on candidate recruitment, volunteer retention, fundraising, and solidarity with our allies in labour and community across the province.”

As such, the party says it does not have enough information to make a decision about nominating a new candidate for the riding.

Despite cutting party ties, the NDP have been relatively supportive of Jama in the legislature after she was censured over social media comments about the Israel-Gaza war, including participating in a joint walkout in defiance of the keffiyeh ban at Queen’s Park.

The Official Opposition appears to believe that Jama would consider coming back into the fold, not taking her Independent nomination — which officially took place on Sept. 12 — as a sign that she has moved on, noting in the motion that she has “maintained publicly her desire to run as an ONDP candidate in the next election.”

Speaking with reporters Wednesday, Stiles appeared less inclined to bridge the ties between the NDP and its former caucus member, saying the report was “not really anything out of the ordinary” and was part of a “normal process.”

“She’s been nominated as an independent. She’s chosen that,” she told reporters at Queen’s Park.

“We will be running an NDP candidate in every seat, as is our responsibility to the people of Ontario and to our members.”