New Hamilton-Centre MPP Sarah Jama sworn in at Queen’s Park

History was made at Queen’s Park today, as Sarah Jama was sworn in as the new Hamilton-Centre MPP. The former activist has officially taken over current Hamilton mayor Andrea Horwath’s old seat.

READ MORE: NDP candidate Sarah Jama elected as Hamilton Centre MPP

Jama says, “It’s been many many months of hard work, and to just be surrounded by friends and family was an amazing feeling this morning.” NDP leader Marit Stiles brought her into the chamber to take her place in the house and attend her first question period.

Jama saying she’s feeling the significance of her election today, as a person with a disability and a woman of colour. Stiles says, “to come in here as a woman with a disability, it’s a pretty significant moment.”

Ramps on the house floor allowed Jama to reach her new desk, in the front row, near fellow Hamilton MPPs Monique Taylor and Sandy Shaw. She says she is pleased with the changes made to improve accessibility.

Comments Jama made about Hamilton police and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a video circulating online, comments that she called harmful and apologized for just before election day were jumped on by the PC party today. The PC party has launched a website drawing attention to Jama and three other members of the NDP including Stiles.

READ MORE: One-on-one with incoming Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama

Stiles says, “I wish this government put as much effort into issues like healthcare and education and making sure seniors get the eye care they need as they do with silly websites like this.” Jama added, “people can choose to make that a defining feature about who I am but people in Hamilton Centre know what I’m about, they know what I care about. I’m still pro-Palestinian, I still believe in human rights for everybody including Jewish people, Indigenous people…”

Voter turnout was low with a 22 per cent turnout in the Mar. 16th byelection. Of those votes, Jama won by a landslide. The riding has been an NDP stronghold for years.