Hamilton-area MPP Sarah Jama has been censured by the Ontario legislature.

It comes after the NDP removed her from caucus for comments related to the Israel-Hamas war.

However, the NDP did not support the government’s censure motion.

Leader Marit Stiles says barring a member from participating in the legislature sets a dangerous precedent.

“This is an undemocratic move, and Ford’s Conservatives have now disenfranchised the voters of Hamilton Centre,” says Stiles in a statement.

The motion prevents Jama from being recognized by the Speaker of the Legislature.

Before the vote, Stiles had announced Jama’s removal from caucus.
She had been allowed to remain after an initial post about the conflict on October 10.

“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. Since then, she has undertaken a number of unilateral actions that have undermined our collective work and broken the trust of her colleagues. Some of Ms. Jama’s actions have contributed to unsafe work environments for staff,” states Stiles.

In a statement read this morning in the Legislature, Jama reiterated her call for a ceasefire and an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land.