Ontario NDP MPP Doly Begum Crosses Floor to Run for Federal Liberals
In a significant political development, Ontario New Democratic Party Member of Provincial Parliament Doly Begum has been recruited by the federal Liberal Party to run in an upcoming byelection for the Scarborough Southwest riding. This move represents a notable defection from provincial NDP ranks to Prime Minister Mark Carney's federal Liberal caucus.
Controversial Positions on International Conflict
The Scarborough Southwest representative brings with her a history of controversial statements regarding Canada's foreign policy, particularly concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict. Begum has previously accused Israel of committing "genocide" in the ongoing war, positioning that has drawn criticism from various political quarters.
In her statement announcing the political transition, Begum emphasized that Canada requires "collaboration and unity to ensure its prosperity" at what she described as "this crucial moment" in the nation's history. She expressed inspiration for Prime Minister Carney's vision for Canada, which she characterized as being "rooted in resilience, inclusion and responsibility towards our nation."
Background and Political Journey
Born in Bangladesh's Moulvibazar district, Begum immigrated to Canada with her family as an infant. Her educational background includes a political science degree from the University of Toronto followed by a master's degree in development, administration and planning from University College London in the United Kingdom.
Before entering electoral politics, Begum established herself as a community advocate through several leadership roles:
- Co-chair of the Scarborough Health Coalition
- Vice-chair of the Warden Woods Community Centre in Toronto
- Research analyst for the Society of Energy Professionals
- Co-chair of Keep Hydro Public, an Ontario-wide campaign to maintain public ownership of utilities
Provincial Political Career
Begum made history in 2018 when, at age 29, she became the first Canadian citizen of Bangladeshi origin to win a provincial election in Ontario. Her victory in Scarborough Southwest unseated 15-year Liberal incumbent Lorenzo Berardinetti and defeated Progressive Conservative challenger Gary Ellis, a retired police officer.
Re-elected in July 2022, Begum rose through NDP ranks to become deputy party leader alongside Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, first under interim leader Peter Tabuns and continuing under current leader Marit Stiles. At the time of her departure from provincial politics, she served as the NDP's shadow minister for public transit, equity and anti-racism.
Her previous opposition critic roles included citizenship, foreign credentials, immigration services, and international credentials, demonstrating her focus on newcomer and equity issues throughout her provincial tenure.
Personal Life and Community Standing
Begum was married to lawyer Rizuan Rahman, a respected figure in Toronto's Bangladeshi Canadian community, until his cancer-related death in September 2024. His passing prompted condolences from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, highlighting the couple's standing within municipal political circles.
The 37-year-old politician now seeks to transition from provincial to federal representation, aiming to retain the Toronto-area seat long held by Bill Blair, who recently resigned to become Canada's new high commissioner to the United Kingdom.
This political move comes at a time of shifting alliances in Canadian politics, with Begum's defection representing a significant gain for federal Liberals in a traditionally competitive Toronto riding while creating a vacancy in Ontario's provincial legislature that the NDP must now address.
