Motion to reinstate Sarah Jama into Ontario NDP voted down: ‘What a pathetic party’

Supporters of Hamilton MPP Sarah Jama are fuming after the Ontario NDP voted down a motion aimed at reinstating her during the party’s triannual provincial council over the weekend.

Jama was kicked out of caucus in October by Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles with support from fellow party MPPs following her remarks on the Israel-Hamas war.

The motion, which was presented by the Hamilton Centre Riding Association and called on Stiles to reinstate Jama to caucus, was defeated by a vote of 130 to 60.

However, a motion to fight the legislature's official censure of Jama helmed by Doug Ford's PCs, which removed her ability to speak in parliament, was approved.

Supporters react: 'They've just reiterated that they don't care'

Jama’s supporters were left disappointed with some even questioning the “progressive” nature of the New Democrats.

Ousted MPP Sarah Jama speaks out

The same day the Ontario NDP voted against bringing her back, the Hamilton MPP took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say she is open to having a “conversation,” but no one from Stiles' team reached out.

According to an email shared with publication The Trillium by a "party source," Stiles wrote to Jama the previous Wednesday in response to a letter by Jama sent a week before.

"While we do not agree on all of the points raised in your letter, the Ontario NDP Caucus has consistently opposed the censure motion brought by the Conservative Party. We have been unequivocal in our position that it was an extreme measure to bar you from participating in the legislature on behalf of your constituents. We maintain that position," according to the letter cited by The Trillium.

Federal NDP stance on ceasefire catching up to Jama's from last month

Since her ouster, Jama has been operating as an Independent and continues to stand firmly in voicing support for the people of Gaza.

Jama’s stance over the issue has been consistent over demanding an immediate ceasefire to cut the loss of civilian lives from day one, unlike the federal NDP, which only called for a ceasefire on Nov. 2, almost four weeks after Hamas’ attack on Israel.

Despite Jama’s stance being in line with that of the federal wing of her former party, the recent turning down of a motion aimed at reinstating Jama confounds some.