Ontario NDP MPP Makes Political Shift to Federal Liberal Party
In a significant political development, Scarborough Southwest MPP Doly Begum has announced her departure from the Ontario New Democratic Party after eight years of service. The former deputy leader of the Ontario NDP revealed on Tuesday that she will be seeking to represent the federal Liberal Party in the upcoming election.
From Provincial to Federal Politics
Begum, who has represented Scarborough Southwest since 2018, will be leaving Queen's Park to pursue a federal political career. Her decision comes as she aims to replace outgoing Liberal MP Bill Blair, who recently announced his resignation from Parliament to become Canada's High Commissioner for the United Kingdom.
In a statement released by the federal Liberals, Begum expressed her motivation for the party switch, stating: "I understand the priorities of our community, and at this crucial moment for our country, I believe we must come together to build a stronger, more united, and more prosperous Canada."
Liberal Party Welcomes New Candidate
Liberal Party of Canada president Sachit Mehra welcomed Begum's candidacy, highlighting her record of public service in the community. "Doly is ready to work with Mark Carney and our new Liberal team to build a better future for Scarborough Southwest and all Canadians," Mehra stated in an official announcement.
Begum's political journey is particularly notable as she became the first Bangladeshi-Canadian elected to office in Canada. Born in Bangladesh, she emigrated to Scarborough as a child and has since established herself as a prominent political figure in the region.
Reaction from Ontario NDP Leadership
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles responded to Begum's departure with a statement wishing her former deputy leader well. "Our party has been proud to represent the good people of Scarborough Southwest for the past eight years and look forward to continuing that representation," Stiles said, while also acknowledging the ongoing work of Begum's constituency staff who remain with the NDP.
Broader Political Context
This political shift occurs within a broader context of party realignment at the federal level. Over recent months, the federal Liberals have actively courted opposition politicians to strengthen their position in Prime Minister Mark Carney's minority government.
The trend of political defections has been particularly noticeable in recent months, with two high-profile Conservatives crossing the aisle to join the Liberals in late last year:
- Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d'Entremont switched from Conservatives to Liberals in November
- Markham-Unionville MP Michael Ma made a similar move in December
Blair's departure creates the second resignation-related vacancy in the House of Commons this year, following former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland's resignation last month to take a position as an unpaid economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and become CEO of the Rhodes Trust.
The Prime Minister's Office has yet to announce a date for the byelection that will fill the vacancies created by these resignations, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched political contest in Scarborough Southwest.
