Backbencher who was kicked out of caucus after controversial meeting criticizes Ford

TORONTO — A former member of the Progressive Conservative Party in Premier Doug Ford’s government says she is disappointed by his “unilateral decision” to kick her out of caucus.

Goldie Ghamari, who represents Ottawa-area Carla Carleton, was removed from the caucus Friday for what Ford called repeated lapses in judgment.

Ghamari came under fire last week after a virtual meeting with Tommy Robinson, the former leader of the far-right English Defense League.

Ghamari said he did not know Robinson’s history before the meeting.

She says she spoke to him because she is an Iranian Canadian immigrant and he wanted to discuss the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which was recently designated a terrorist organization in Canada.

The meeting sparked outrage, with the National Council of Canadian Muslims asking Ford to remove her from the caucus.

Ghamari says he will continue to support conservative policies and affirmed his commitment to his constituents.

“I don’t know what the future holds yet, but I feel very hopeful and optimistic,” Ghamari wrote on social media.

“I will take some time to reflect on my next steps. When one door closes, another door opens.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 2, 2024.

The Canadian Press