Liberal Leadership Race: Patrick Brown Refutes Connection to Ruby Dhalla Amid Party Question
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has stated he has “no involvement” in former MP Ruby Dhalla’s campaign for the Liberal Party leadership, following reports that the party is scrutinizing her campaign for potential irregularities and alleged connections to Brown.
According to sources, Dhalla received a list of 27 questions from the Liberal Party on February 17, addressing concerns about her campaign, including possible foreign interference from India and alleged involvement by Mayor Brown. However, a party spokesperson later clarified that “none of the questions put to Dr. Dhalla’s campaign relate to interference by a foreign government.”
In response to inquiries, Mayor Brown emphasized his focus on municipal responsibilities, stating that multiple Liberal leadership campaigns had sought his endorsement, but he declined to participate, asserting, “My sole focus is Brampton.”
Ruby Dhalla, who represented Brampton—Springdale from 2004 to 2011, has faced previous controversies, including allegations in 2009 of mistreating caregivers employed in her family’s home, which she has denied. Her current leadership bid includes a platform promise to “deport every illegal immigrant in Canada” if she becomes prime minister.
The Liberal Party is set to hold French and English leadership debates on February 24 and 25 in Montreal, with the new leader to be announced on March 9.