Matthew Green NDP Departure from Hamilton Centre: The End of a Misguided Era

For the first time in what feels like generations, Hamilton Centre may finally get the federal representation it deserves. With Matthew Green, MPP of the NDP party, officially out, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism that’s long been absent in our community. This isn’t just a political change—it’s a reset button for a riding that has been overlooked, underrepresented, and politically stunted under decades of legacy NDP control.

Let me be blunt: Matthew Green’s tenure as a federal representative was, in my opinion, a failure for Hamilton Centre. While his rhetoric may have resonated with activist circles, the results tell a different story. Rather than focus on urgent issues like homelessness, housing, and small business support—issues that directly affect the daily lives of Hamiltonians—he prioritized international affairs like the crisis in Palestine and Gaza. As critical as those global concerns are, they took precedence over the real, tangible challenges right here in our own backyard.

As a small business owner, I never once felt supported by Green’s office. In fact, his track record reflected a mindset that appeared hostile to entrepreneurship and economic growth on a local level. He was most visible when there were TV cameras and protest banners—standing at factory gates with union crowds, chanting for change, while neglecting the hard-working people and business operators who keep this city alive every day.

The NDP’s fall from grace, and their recent loss of party status, isn’t a surprise. It’s a consequence. By aligning with the Liberal party in a coalition that accomplished little beyond optics, they alienated their base and exposed their inability to lead with independence. Canadians noticed. Hamiltonians noticed. Many voters shifted from NDP to Liberal and Conservative not because of partisanship, but because they were tired of noise without progress.

Now, with Aslam Rana elected to represent Hamilton Centre, there is real potential for change. Yes, he may not be born and bred in the city, but sometimes it takes fresh eyes to see clearly what’s been missed. If he brings integrity, action, and a willingness to listen, then he’s already doing more than his predecessor.

Let’s be honest—Matthew Green’s exit is not a loss for Hamilton. It’s an opportunity. One I hope we seize with both hands.

Here’s to new beginnings and better representation in Ottawa. Finally.