Sarah Jama

Wednesday October 24, 2023

Ontario legislator Sarah Jama has been removed from the New Democratic caucus following controversial comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to a motion limiting her participation in debates.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 24, 2023

Ontario Legislator Removed from Caucus Following Controversial Comments on Israel-Hamas Conflict

June 18, 2021

In a surprising turn of events, a rookie Ontario legislator found herself ousted from the New Democratic caucus on Monday, just moments before Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives effectively silenced her in the legislature. The controversy stemmed from comments made by Sarah Jama regarding the Israel-Hamas war, leading to a rift within the party.

News: Sarah Jama ejected from NDP caucus over Israel-Hamas comments: ‘This was undermining our work’  

Initially, NDP leader Marit Stiles stood by Jama after she issued an apology for her initial statement. However, Stiles later revealed that Jama had spoken against a motion in the legislature without prior notification. This lack of transparency and collaboration prompted Stiles to make the difficult decision to remove Jama from the caucus, citing the detrimental impact on the collective work of the Ontario NDP official Opposition.

The Progressive Conservative government seized the opportunity to criticize Jama, introducing a motion that limited her participation in debates but still allowed her to vote. This motion, aimed at preventing distractions, was passed on Monday despite Jama and the New Democrats voting against it.

July 25, 2014

Earlier in the day, Jama took the floor in the legislature to voice her opposition to the motion, accusing the Progressive Conservative government of using it as a diversion tactic. Her statement echoed her previous remarks, which condemned the occupation of Palestine without addressing the Hamas attacks. Jama, who has Palestinian family ties, emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of essential resources in Gaza.

The situation escalated when Stiles officially expelled Jama from the caucus, citing her lack of transparency and teamwork. Jama declined to comment following the vote. Stiles clarified that Jama’s initial statement had not received approval from the caucus, further exacerbating the internal conflict.

Opinion: Sarah Jama has deprived herself — and her constituents — of a voice in the legislature 

The relentless conflict in Gaza places both Palestinian and Israeli civilians in a dire predicament. As Hamas, responsible for numerous deadly acts against Israel and hostage-taking, triggers a planned offensive by Israel's IDF in northern Gaza City, it is inevitable that innocent civilians will suffer the repercussions.

October 14, 2023

Adding fuel to the fire, Jama sent a cease-and-desist letter to Premier Doug Ford, alleging defamation based on his comments about her statement. Ford’s lawyer quickly responded, denying the defamation claims and emphasizing the premier’s right and obligation to condemn antisemitism and terrorism. The lawyer further asserted that the public has a corresponding right to hear his stance on these significant issues. If Jama proceeds with a lawsuit, Ford’s legal team vows to vigorously defend against it.

The fallout from this incident highlights the delicate nature of discussing sensitive international conflicts within political circles. It also underscores the challenges faced by lawmakers in balancing personal beliefs, party unity, and public expectations. As the dust settles, the Ontario legislature will undoubtedly continue to grapple with the aftermath and seek to restore harmony and focus on the pressing matters at hand. (AI)

Editorial cartoon printed in the Hamilton Spectator and the Toronto Star.

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

 

Saturday October 21, 2023

 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and NDP legislator Sarah Jama have become embroiled in a political dispute over their respective stances on the Middle East conflict, with Ford condemning Hamas and Jama issuing a cease-and-desist letter, highlighting concerns of politicians straying into international conflicts.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday October 21, 2023

Playing the Blame Game in Ontario’s Legislature: Politicizing the Middle East Conflict

November 20, 2012

In recent days, the Ontario provincial legislature has become an unexpected battleground for opinions and stances on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While it is not unusual for elected officials to express their views on international matters, the situation in Ontario has taken a concerning turn. Rather than fostering dialogue, cooperation, and prioritizing moral leadership, some politicians have chosen to play a game of polarization that goes beyond their jurisdiction and does little to contribute to global peace and understanding.

Opinion: Battered by the Greenbelt scandal, Doug Ford can thank the NDP for changing the channel  

May 16, 2007

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Progressive Conservative House Leader Paul Calandra have drawn sharp lines, explicitly siding with Israel and condemning Hamas in a debate that goes far beyond their roles as provincial leaders. While it is understandable that individuals may have strong personal opinions on global issues, using their positions to push such divisive viewpoints is a dangerous path.

In a legislature session, Premier Ford condemned Hamas’s attack on Israel in strong terms, stating, “Oct. 7th was a tragic day. For Israel, for the Jewish people, for the entire peace-loving world.” His words resonate with many, but they are not the domain of a provincial leader. Such matters fall under the purview of federal and international authorities. It’s crucial that we remind our provincial politicians that their primary responsibility is to the people of Ontario, not to take sides in international conflicts that are far from resolved.

July 16, 2021

The polarization deepened when the Ontario legislature passed a motion to condemn Hamas and affirm Israel’s right to defend itself. While the motion was supported by Progressive Conservative and Liberal MPPs, the NDP abstained, attempting to amend the motion with calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza. This political maneuvering only reinforces the idea that provincial politics should not entangle themselves in complex international conflicts, but should rather focus on issues within their own mandate.

The situation escalated further as the legislature considered a motion to censure NDP MPP Sarah Jama for her social media post related to the conflict. While her comments are certainly divisive, attempting to silence an elected representative is a drastic step that should be used with great caution. The public discourse should remain open and respectful, even when discussing contentious topics.

News: NDP MPP Sarah Jama accuses Doug Ford of libeling her and demands an apology

June 20, 2019

Furthermore, the cease-and-desist letter issued by Jama to Premier Ford underscores the divisive nature of the debate. Accusations of defamation and labeling individuals as racists and supporters of terrorism are not conducive to constructive dialogue. Such actions divert the attention away from addressing the root causes of the Middle East conflict and instead create an atmosphere of hostility.

January 15, 2002

In these tumultuous times, it’s essential that our provincial leaders prioritize their primary responsibilities, which include addressing the needs and concerns of Ontarians. Playing the blame game in international conflicts only serves to further polarize our communities and undermines the principles of dialogue, cooperation, and moral leadership. Ontario’s elected officials should remember that their role is to represent the interests of the people of Ontario, and their actions on the international stage should be measured, respectful, and conducive to peaceful coexistence. (AI)