Sarah Jama chosen to be the NDP candidate in Hamilton Centre

HAMILTON — New Democrats in Hamilton Centre have selected community organizer Sarah Jama to be their NDP candidate in the upcoming by-election. Jama has spent the last decade fighting alongside Hamiltonians to improve the lives of people in her community, and she’s ready to take this fight and determination to Queen’s Park.

Jama is currently the Executive Director at the Disability Justice Network of Ontario, which has provided support to hundreds of Hamiltonians through food support, assistive devices, and advocacy. Her lived experience with Cerebral Palsy gives her a unique perspective of the challenges facing Ontarians today.

Quotes

Peter Tabuns, Interim Ontario NDP Leader

“I am extremely excited for Sarah to join the Ontario NDP team at Queen’s Park. Sarah is a dedicated organizer and long-time advocate for Hamilton Centre. She has spent years fighting for the rights of Hamiltonians and people with disabilities. Sarah’s passionate advocacy will be an asset as we push back against Doug Ford’s push to privatize health care, and press for action to tackle the rising cost of living, including the skyrocketing cost of housing.”

Sarah Jama, NDP candidate for Hamilton Centre

“I am honoured and excited to accept the nomination for Hamilton Centre. I’ve been hard at work for the community every day of my life, and I’m ready to fight for action to address the hospital and cost of living crises that are hurting families in Hamilton Centre. We can help people find homes they can afford, including better protecting tenants, and replace Doug Ford’s cuts and low-wage policies with investments in health care and education.”

Biography

• As Executive Director of Disability Justice Network of Ontario, Jama is fighting for the rights and respect of the people with disabilities community across Ontario.
• Jama is a community organizer living with Cerebral Palsy in Hamilton Centre, and a member of CUPE 3906
• Jama's community work spans over a decade in Hamilton, and includes running leadership programming for youth, and running grassroots food delivery programming
• Jama was a sessional faculty member at McMaster University, and taught a course called: Introduction to Disability Justice
• Jama has been a speaker for a variety of organizations including Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), CUPE Ontario, YWCA, the Catholic Teachers Association, SEIU Healthcare, BC Housing, and more.
• Jama has received recognition for her work, such as: A John C Holland Award, a YWCA Young Women of Distinction Award in the Community Leadership Category, and the OFL Young Leaders Award