'Ford is demolishing our democracy': Ontario NDP leader, 16 MPPs booted from legislature for calling government 'liars'

Sixteen Ontario New Democrat MPPs were kicked out from the legislature's daily Question Period for using "unparliamentary language" over the controversial bill to stop the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) from striking.

If passed, the bill will ban education workers from going on strike.

It started with Leader Peter Tabuns, who refused to withdraw his remarks calling Premier Doug Ford's government "liars."

#BREAKING - NDP leader Peter Tabuns gets kicked out of the legislature for calling the Premier a liar pic.twitter.com/z0AFdnckyq

— Richard Southern (@RichardCityNews) November 2, 2022

Leader Tabuns' ejection did not stop other NDP members from making their voices heard, as fifteen other members got kicked out of the Question Period.

This is obviously planned by the NDP. Other members also get kicked out. Here’s one example pic.twitter.com/Voyyaw3vQo

— Lorenda Reddekopp (@CBCLorenda) November 2, 2022

BREAKING: I’ve been ejected from the chamber today because I am FIGHTING for ALL WORKERS RIGHTS and HUMAN RIGHTS across Ontario.

FORD IS DEMOLISHING OUR DEMOCRACY so I’m STANDING UP and FIGHTING BACK. ✊#ONTedSolidarity #ONTed #ONpoli

— Chris Glover (@ChrisGloverNDP) November 2, 2022

#BREAKING: I've been removed from the House just now for calling @fordnation a liar AKA A SPADE A SPADE.

I guess some rules can't be broken in this place. But charter rules (i.e. HUMAN RIGHTS)? The gov't can trample over those nooo problem! SELECTIVITY AT ITS FINEST. #onpoli

— Dr. Jill Andrew, PhD (she/her) (@JILLSLASTWORD) November 2, 2022

According to The Toronto Star, the ejections were planned to draw more attention "to the legislation on a day when dozens of members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation were watching Question Period in the public galleries."

Many Canadians observing the legislation are proud of their representatives for sticking up to Ford's government.

Sometimes people reveal themselves to actually give a shit. Very refreshing. Love @Peter_Tabuns pulling a Peter Kormos here. #onted #Ontario https://t.co/w5NNFUjIN4

— @realSarahPolley (she/her) (@realsarahpolley) November 2, 2022

I’m super proud to have @jamiewestndp as my MPP! 🙌🏻 Today Jamie was kicked out of the Legislature for protesting the @fordnation government’s use of notwithstanding clause to trample on the rights of education workers. Thank you Jamie for always standing up for workers ✊🏻✊🏻 https://t.co/MJS0uHuxk1

— Jessica Montgomery (@jessica_usw) November 2, 2022

Proud of my MPP @JILLSLASTWORD for fighting the good fight, even if it means getting kicked out of the chamber of the legislature. Fighting the destruction of rights can't always (or often) be done politely. #39kIsNotEnough

— Devon Paul (@Devoptimus) November 2, 2022

Good for him. It might be unparliamentary. But stripping the basic rights enjoyed by all Canadians because they can't bully a union of low paid workers into signing a contract is wrong - and they are also lying to everyone, so its more than justified here.

— THarri (@Tomharri) November 2, 2022

Thank you so much @JILLSLASTWORD for your support, kindness and standing up for ed workers rights across the province.

— Sarah (@SL_Robertson_) November 2, 2022

@Peter_Tabuns Thank you for taking the brave stance that few others will in calling out the Premier and his cronies for failing this province's teachers and the public education system as a whole. They deserve better... and this government fears accountability of any kind.

— Brad Lascelle (@BLascelle) November 2, 2022

Some Canadians are disappointed in the representatives who did not take a stand.

I’m disgusted that my MPP @NatalieKPierre is part of the crowd cheering for anyone standing up against this legislature and calling it like it is only to be thrown out of legislature.

— Mary Lynn Futers (@gathertonourish) November 2, 2022

The sixteen ejected NDP MPPs are removed from legislative proceedings until Thursday.

For now, the CUPE still plans to go on strike Friday, despite being advised not to by Ford’s government.