Liberal Party Denies Ruby Dhalla’s Request for Translation at French Leadership Debate
Former Brampton MP Ruby Dhalla will take the stage at the upcoming Liberal leadership debate in Montreal without a translator, after the Liberal Party denied her request for interpretation services.
A party spokesperson confirmed that only candidates and the moderator will be allowed on stage, with no translation provided for any participant. Despite not being fluent in French, Dhalla remains committed to participating, stating that she will deliver her opening and closing statements in French.
The Liberal Party of Canada has scheduled two leadership debates—the French debate on February 24, followed by the English debate on February 25.
While Dhalla acknowledged her lack of fluency in French, she emphasized that she is actively learning the language.
“I have studied French up to Grade 12 and am currently working with a teacher,” Dhalla said in a statement. “As leader, I will always stand up for a Canada where every citizen, regardless of language, is included in the debates about our future. While I recognize the Liberal Party’s decision, I see this as an opportunity to demonstrate my commitment to representing all Canadians.”
If elected, Dhalla would become Canada’s first Prime Minister of Indian origin and the first woman of Indian descent to lead the Liberal Party.
Dhalla, who represented Brampton—Springdale as a Liberal MP from 2004 to 2011, has been a polarizing figure in the leadership race. Her campaign has focused on domestic reforms and strict immigration policies, including her pledge to deport all illegal immigrants in Canada.
Her political career faced turbulence when she was accused of mistreating caregivers hired for her mother’s home in Mississauga. Though she stepped down from her role as Liberal Youth and Multiculturalism Critic in 2009, Dhalla has maintained that the allegations were part of a smear campaign.
The Liberal leadership race will conclude with the announcement of a new leader on March 9, 2025. Advance voting begins on February 26, with members casting votes online ahead of the party convention.
As the leadership contest intensifies, Dhalla’s presence at the French debate despite language barriers may test her ability to connect with Quebec voters and bilingual Canadians, a crucial factor for any Liberal leader aspiring to lead the country.