Ruby Dhalla Out of Canada’s Liberal Leadership Race Amid Alleged Violations

Vancouver (The Uttam Hindu): Ruby Dhalla has been disqualified from the race to become the leader of Canada's ruling Liberal Party, with the party's high command rejecting her candidacy ahead of the leadership election on March 9. This decision effectively eliminates her from the race to become Canada's next Prime Minister. Dhalla faced accusations of undeclared and unaccounted expenses, questionable campaign funds, seeking external support, and violating the party's electoral code of conduct. Following her disqualification, four candidates remain in the race, with a public debate scheduled in both English and French in Montreal on February 24 and 25. Dhalla, who had been away from politics for several years and was running her own business ventures, faced scrutiny from the outset of her unexpected return to politics and candidacy. The party had sent her 27 questions last Monday, seeking clarification, but it is unclear if she responded. Despite this, the party announced the rejection of her candidacy.

Reacting to the decision, Dhalla expressed surprise on social media, questioning how the party's decision was leaked to the media before she was formally informed. She denied the allegations against her, calling them unfounded, and expressed concern that her disqualification might be due to her foreign background. Dhalla also suggested that the Liberal Party's rejection of her candidacy was a move to prevent former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney from becoming the leader, as she believes his progressive ideas might challenge the party's direction. She speculated that the party feared she would bring similar views to the leadership debate in Montreal. The Liberal Party stated that Dhalla's candidacy was rejected due to ten irregularities, including findings from a 10-member committee regarding leadership expenses, non-compliance with election rules and soliciting external support. With Dhalla now out of the race, four candidates remain and their debate will take place in Montreal this weekend.