A political shift is underway in Scarborough Southwest. Doly Begum, a prominent figure in Ontario’s New Democratic Party, has announced her departure from provincial politics and a surprising move to the federal Liberal ranks.
For eight years, Begum served as the MPP for Scarborough Southwest and held the position of deputy leader within the Ontario NDP. Now, she’s aiming to represent the same community on the federal stage, seeking to fill the seat vacated by long-serving Liberal cabinet minister Bill Blair.
Blair’s departure stems from his appointment as Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, creating a vacancy that Begum is poised to contest. The Liberal Party has enthusiastically welcomed her, citing her established record of community service.
Begum’s decision comes at a pivotal moment for the country, according to her statement released by the federal Liberals. She expressed a belief in the need for unity and collaboration to build a stronger and more prosperous Canada.
This move is part of a larger pattern of the federal Liberals actively recruiting politicians from opposing parties. In recent months, they’ve successfully attracted defections from the Conservative benches, including MPs Chris d’Entremont and Michael Ma.
The Liberal Party’s efforts to bolster its ranks coincide with a period of vacancies in the House of Commons. Beyond Blair’s resignation, former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland also stepped down earlier this year.
Freeland’s departure wasn’t for another political role, but to serve as an unpaid economic advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and to lead the Rhodes Trust. These resignations have created a need for by-elections, the dates for which have yet to be announced.
Doly Begum’s personal story adds another layer to this political transition. Born in Bangladesh and immigrating to Scarborough as a child, she broke barriers by becoming the first Bangladeshi-Canadian elected to public office in Canada.
The Ontario NDP has acknowledged Begum’s departure with well wishes, while reaffirming their commitment to representing the constituents of Scarborough Southwest. The party also expressed gratitude to Begum’s dedicated constituency staff who will continue their work.
The political landscape is clearly in flux, with the Liberals actively seeking to strengthen their position and fill key vacancies. Begum’s decision represents a significant shift, and her campaign will be closely watched as she transitions from provincial NDP leadership to federal Liberal candidacy.
