Hundreds gather for 2nd day of federal NDP convention in Hamilton

Hundreds of people decked out in orange gathered at the Hamilton Convention Centre for the second day of the federal NDP convention.

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh addressed his supporters today, focusing on affordability for Canadians, but the war between Israel and Hamas was also a major focus.

This is the first convention to be held in person in around 5 years, and you could really feel the energy of the crowd.

But it wasn’t without its tense moments, with protesters in the halls and delegates standing up and shouting during some talks when the war between Israel and Hamas was discussed.

READ MORE: NDP policy convention kicks off in Hamilton on Friday

Singh walked through the orange-clad crowd this morning, making his way to the stage with affordability on the agenda for his speech.

“If you’re a renter, you’re living in constant fear that your landlord could just throw you out to make more money,” Singh said in his speech.

Singh will stay the leader of the party with 81 per cent of delegates voting against triggering a leadership race.

That is down slightly from the 87 per cent support Singh claimed at the last convention in April of last year.

“I received a strong mandate which makes it clear that our work is appreciated, and we need to keep on working hard,” Singh said.

“But it also shows us that new democrats always want more, I also want more. I feel empowered now to go out there and demand more of this Liberal government.”

READ MORE: Hamilton police respond to group of protestors at NDP convention

Around 30 protesters voiced their dissent in the hall, chanting to free Palestine from the Israeli military siege and forced evacuation, in retaliation for last weekend’s brutal Hamas attack.

Hamilton police say a security guard was assaulted and officers are investigating. No one has been arrested.

READ MORE: NDP MPP Sarah Jama apologizes following Israel-Hamas war post

Local NDP MPP Sarah Jama has come under fire for her statements on the war, calling for Israel to “end the occupation of Palestinian land” earlier this week.

She has since apologized, but Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling for her to resign from the party. Her riding association is standing behind her.