Scarborough Southwest MPP Doly Begum to leave provincial NDP and become Liberal Party candidate in riding’s federal byelection
Longtime provincial NDP MPP for Scarborough Southwest, Doly Begum, will be leaving the party to become the Liberal Party candidate for the riding when a federal byelection takes place.
Begum has been the NDP MPP for the riding since she was first elected in the 2018 provincial election. She also most recently served as a Deputy Leader for the Ontario NDP and the Opposition at Queen’s Park.
The Liberal Party of Canada announced Begum would be their candidate in the byelection, for which a date has not yet been set, in a news release on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 3.
The seat became vacant on Monday, Feb. 2, when Bill Blair, who had been the Liberal MP for the Scarborough Southwest riding since 2015, announced he would be stepping down from the position to become Canada’s new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
“Doly Begum has a strong track record of public service and getting results for her community,” said Sachit Mehra, President of the Liberal Party of Canada in today’s news release.
“This is a moment for our country to come together, to bring strong community voices and leaders to the table and deliver the serious leadership Canadians expect and deserve. Doly is ready to work with Mark Carney and our new Liberal team to build a better future for Scarborough Southwest and all Canadians.”
In the news release, Begum said she wants to work with Prime Minister Mark Carney, leader of the Liberal majority government, to build a strong and independent Canadian economy.
“I’ve had the privilege to earn the trust and fight for the people of Scarborough Southwest for more than seven years as our MPP,” said Begum.
“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. Our country’s future is counting on it. That’s why I’m asking to be your next Member of Parliament — to bring your voice to Ottawa, and to work with Mark Carney to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy, make life more affordable, and empower everyone who calls our community home.”
