Former MP Calls Allegations “False and Fabricated,” Accuses Party of Favoritism
Former Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla has been disqualified from the Liberal Party’s leadership race, the party announced in a statement Friday. The decision follows concerns over campaign finances and alleged foreign interference—claims Dhalla vehemently denies, calling them “false, fictitious, and fabricated.”
The Liberal Leadership Vote Committee, in conjunction with the Leadership Expense Committee, unanimously ruled on Dhalla’s disqualification after conducting what they described as an extensive review process, including interviews and questionnaires.
According to the party’s statement, Dhalla was found to be in violation of ten leadership rules, including breaches of the Canada Elections Act, election finance regulations, non-disclosure of material facts, and inaccurate financial reporting.
Dhalla Says Decision Was Politically Motivated
Dhalla expressed shock and frustration over the party’s handling of her disqualification, stating that she first learned about the decision from news reports.
“As someone running to be the next prime minister, I would have expected the party to inform me directly, instead of hearing about it from the media,” Dhalla told CTV News.
She suggested that her removal was a deliberate move by the party to prevent her from participating in upcoming leadership debates and to clear the path for former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, widely seen as the frontrunner.
“I was the only outsider in the race advocating for progressive policies that our country needs right now,” she said. “It is clear that the party didn’t want me on the debate stage in Montreal.”
Following the announcement, Dhalla took to social media to denounce the decision, calling it “disappointing” and alleging that it was leaked to the press before she was formally notified.
Campaign Alleges “Orchestrated” Disqualification
Dhalla’s campaign issued a statement late Friday, calling the Liberal Party’s actions “a sad and shameful day for democracy and free speech.” The campaign also accused the party of only raising concerns after Dhalla had already paid her final $350,000 entry fee, of which only $50,000 is refundable.
“The Liberal Party has made false, fake, and fictitious allegations to complete Mark Carney’s coronation,” the statement read.
Dhalla, who has been a member of the Liberal Party since the age of 13, claimed to have recruited 100,000 new members during her leadership bid.
“But today, I realized the party was never with me,” she said. “It will take your money, your support, and your dedication. But if you’re not part of the establishment—if you’re an outsider fighting for real change—they will cast you aside the moment you challenge the status quo.”
Leadership Race Moves Forward Without Dhalla
With Dhalla out of the race, the remaining four candidates are set to face off in two major debates next week, one in French and one in English.
The Liberal Party will choose its next leader—and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s successor—on March 9, 2025.