Expelled Ontario PC Backbencher Criticizes Premier Doug Ford

A former Progressive Conservative backbencher in Premier Doug Ford’s government has expressed disappointment with his “unilateral decision” to expel her from caucus.

Goldie Ghamari, who represents the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton, was removed from caucus on Friday due to what Ford described as repeated lapses of judgment.

Ghamari faced criticism last week after participating in a virtual meeting with Tommy Robinson, the former leader of the far-right English Defence League. Ghamari stated she was unaware of Robinson’s controversial history prior to the meeting.

According to Ghamari, she agreed to the meeting because, as an Iranian Canadian immigrant, Robinson wanted to discuss the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, recently listed as a terrorist organization in Canada.

The meeting led to outrage, with the National Council of Canadian Muslims urging Ford to expel her from caucus.

Ghamari has pledged to continue supporting conservative policies and reaffirmed her commitment to her constituents.

“I don’t yet know what the future holds for me, but I am feeling very hopeful and optimistic,” Ghamari wrote on social media. “I will be taking some time to reflect on my next steps. When one door closes, another door opens.”