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Hamilton MPP Sarah Jama removed from NDP caucus
Sarah Jama represents the Hamilton Centre riding

CBC News · Posted: Oct 23, 2023 11:43 AM EDT | Last Updated: 24 minutes ago

Ontario New Democrats have kicked Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama out of caucus.

NDP Party Leader Marit Stiles said in a statement Monday that while the caucus allow different viewpoints, Jama's actions "have contributed to unsafe work environments for staff."

"Ms. Jama and I had reached an agreement to keep her in the NDP Caucus, which included working together in good faith with no surprises. Our caucus and staff have made significant efforts to support her during an undoubtedly difficult time," Stiles said.

"Since then, she has undertaken a number of unilateral actions that have undermined our collective work and broken the trust of her colleagues."

The news comes after a tumultuous couple of weeks for the first-time MPP following a controversial statement she made in support of the people of Gaza in the Hamas-Israeli conflict. Premier Doug Ford called for Jama's resignation and she threatened to sue him for defamation.

Jama's office served a cease and desist letter to Ford on Thursday, said a statement from her lawyer Stephen Ellis and the Legal Centre for Palestine. The letter says if Ford does not remove his social media post, and publicly apologize, Jama would pursue legal action for defamation.

"Ms. Jama maintains the post was reckless and malicious," the statement said. "Ms. Jama will not tolerate Premier Ford's attempts to tarnish her reputation in such a public manner."
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https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamil...ucus-1.7005056