TORONTO — Ontario New Democrat Leader Marit Stiles is under fire from some members of her party for kicking a rookie legislator out of caucus.

Earlier this week Stiles booted Hamilton Centre legislator Sarah Jama out of caucus for insubordination related to her comments on the Israel-Hamas war.

Stiles had originally defended Jama after she issued an apology for her initial statement, but two weeks later kicked her out of caucus after the Hamilton legislator spoke at Queen’s Park where she pleaded for a ceasefire, yet did not condemn the actions of Hamas.

New Democrat Jill Andrew says she does not support Jama’s ouster along with several riding associations and thousands who have signed various petitions.

Andrew says Stiles statement about Jama’s departure from the party called upon “stereotypical tropes” about Black women.

Stiles says there’s no route back to the party for Jama right now.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2023.

The Canadian Press