Doly Begum sets priorities as new Liberal MP for Scarborough Southwest

By MATTHEW STEPHENS

As she transitions from Queen’s Park in Toronto to the House of Commons in Ottawa, newly elected Liberal MP Doly Begum said her efforts to support Scarborough Southwest constituents will be best served at the federal level.

“I have had the honour of serving our riding for nearly eight years as the Member of Provincial Parliament at Queen’s Park, where I focused on delivering meaningful results,” Begum told Beach Metro Community News in a statement sent the week after she won the Scarborough Southwest federal byelection on Monday, April 13.

“That approach remains the same as I head to Ottawa, but what has changed now is my ability to deliver from within the government. At this pivotal moment for Canada, I believe that I can make the greatest difference for the people of Scarborough Southwest as a member of (Prime Minister) Mark Carney’s Liberal team.”

Since 2018, Begum served as Scarborough Southwest’s MPP for the New Democratic Party (NDP). She was also a deputy leader for the Ontario NDP and the opposition at Queen’s Park.

In February, Begum announced her transition to the Liberal Party, where she would be running in the federal byelection to fill the vacant seat left by the former Liberal MP Bill Blair, who stepped down to become Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Begum secured a landslide victory over her fellow candidates with 20,114 votes (69.9 per cent of the total votes) in the byelection.

Her victory, alongside Danielle Martin and Tatiana Auguste – newly elected Liberal MPs for University-Rosedale and Terrebonne, Quebec – propelled the federal Liberals into a majority government position, bringing the party’s total seats in the House of Commons to 174.

Begum said she is committed to working in the Carney government to help build a “strong, resilient economy while delivering real improvements in people’s everyday lives.”

“At a time of growing global uncertainty and real challenges at home, Canadians are looking for steady leadership and a stable government, which Prime Minister Carney represents,” said Begum. “My primary responsibility now is to turn that trust into action by ensuring that communities like ours see the real, visible results of the decisions made federally.”

In her statement, Begum listed a number of federal initiatives expected to address issues impacting Scarborough Southwest residents, including cost of living, housing, and accessible transit.

“These are all issues I care about deeply — and areas where our government can deliver real change. I am proud of the work that the Prime Minister and the new Liberal team have done over the past year to address these important issues,” she said.

According to Begum, the Build Canada Homes initiative has already taken action in Scarborough Southwest, with “over $291 million invested at 777 Victoria Park Avenue” to provide 705 rental units, including 256 affordable homes, as well as an “additional $137 million” invested to provide 245 rental homes at 2 Dunelm St.

Addressing the country’s cost-of-living crisis, Begum said she will support initiatives such as middle-class tax cuts, federal funding initiatives to increase housing supply, and the latest Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which rolls out in July of this year.

Begum also announced her support for an increased allocation of federal funding to support TTC infrastructure in Scarborough Southwest.

“On public transit, I will advocate for specific TTC funding for Scarborough – building on the $183 million the federal government has just given to the City of Toronto for the 2025-26 fiscal year through the Community stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund,” said Begum.

She added that the Liberal government is also working to improve public safety across the board by introducing new legislation to “make bail stricter and toughen sentencing laws.”

Begum also said working with the federal leadership will allow her to advocate for creating more jobs, protecting workers, and strengthening the economy. “As I have said before, the Prime Minister and our new Liberal government are working to make sure we are building a resilient economy that creates good-paying jobs and real opportunities for people here at home.”

When asked if she would be seeking appointment as a cabinet minister in Carney’s government, Begum said she would be ready if the opportunity presents itself.

“If I am given the opportunity to take on greater responsibility, I will be ready to do so,” said Begum. “But regardless of the role, my priority remains the same: to ensure the voices of my community are heard and reflected in federal decisions, while working together as part of Team Canada.”

Now serving her constituents at the federal level, Begum said it is important for Scarborough Southwest residents to feel the impact of her voice in the House of Commons.

“In Scarborough Southwest, residents gave me a strong mandate in the recent byelection to represent them in Ottawa and to get things done. My primary responsibility now is to turn that trust into action by ensuring that communities like ours see the real, visible results of the decisions made federally.”