Hamilton MPP Sarah Jama leaves 'door open' on return to NDP as party looks to next election

Hamilton MPP Sarah Jama, who became an Independent after the New Democrats expelled her from caucus a year ago, saysshe'd be open to returning to the NDPbut the ball is in the party's court.

"While we have a very active Hamilton Independent Constituency Association and I plan to run independently, I have always left the door open to returning," Jama told CBC Hamilton in an email this week.

As previously reported, the Ontario NDP is studying possible "electoral scenarios" in the Hamilton Centre riding Jama represents, including bringing herback into the fold.

"That decision lies squarely with the party," Jama said. "We have more in common than we do differences. Reconciliation would send a great message. Overall, I am willing to do what is best for my constituency."

In a separate email, Jama was asked if she'd definitely acceptreturning to the NDP if asked or would further consider it. A response wasn't received by publication time.

The NDPremoved Jama from caucus in October 2023 over her statements about the Israel-Hamas war. At the time, leader Marit Stiles said Jama had "undertaken a number of unilateral actions that have undermined our collective work and broken the trust of her colleagues."

The MPP, who represents downtown Hamilton, announced in September her intention to run independently in the next election.

As per a motion passed by the Ontario NDP executive in September, Kevin Beaulieu, the party's provincial director, will produce a report on Hamilton Centre this month. Other scenarios it will examineinclude endorsing Jama as an Independent candidate, not running any NDP candidate in Hamilton Centreor running a candidate against her.

"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 previously said in a statement. He added the partyplans to nominatecandidates in all ridings.

Following CBC Hamilton's report,Stiles told journalists the process was "not really anything out of the ordinary" andthe party was not discussing Jama potentially running for them at the time.

'Stronger together than we are divided': Jama

For her part, Jama said,she never intended to get kicked out of the party last year.

AfterHamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostage, according to Israeli tallies Jama posted a statement calling for a ceasefire and an "end to all occupation of Palestinian land." She did not directly mention the Hamas attacks and later apologized.

Some public figures, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, accused Jama of antisemitism.

Since Oct. 7, Israel has killed over 42,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and fighters in its death toll.

Israel has dismissed allegations of genocide, saying the country is defending itself from attackers who want to destroy it.

Ultimately, Jama said, the question of whether or not the party will ask her back "should hinge upon what is best" for Hamilton Centre.

"It's my belief that we're stronger together than we are divided."

NDP riding association wants Jama back

Last month, Tom Baker and David Mivasair, president and vice-president, respectively, of the Ontario NDP Hamilton Centre riding association executive, told CBC Hamilton they support Jama's return.

"It's really eroding support for the NDP to not have Sarah active in the party," Mivasair said, adding the association's "most enthusiastic members and activists" left when Jama did.

It would be hard to find someone to run against Jama for the NDP, Mivasair said, adding, "I don't see how we could mobilize the resources to have an effective campaign."

The MPP said she is "honoured" to have so much support, adding that 600 people in the riding joined the NDP within weeks of her nomination.

"I think people were excited back then about a new way of doing politics and having their voices heard in the Ontario Legislature, and I think that excitement still holds."