The Liberal Party of Canada has upheld its decision to disqualify former Brampton MP Ruby Dhalla from the party’s leadership race, rejecting her appeal just hours before Monday’s French-language debate.
In a statement, Liberal Party national director Azam Ishmael confirmed that the permanent appeals committee had reviewed and upheld the leadership vote committee’s decision to remove Dhalla from the contest.
The former MP was disqualified on Friday after the vote committee found she had violated multiple party rules. While the specific details of the infractions have not been disclosed, Dhalla has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
“The allegations against me are false and fabricated,” Dhalla said, accusing the party of deliberately blocking her candidacy.
Despite appealing the decision on Monday, her request was ultimately denied, solidifying her removal from the race.
The Liberal Party will select its next leader on March 9, with frontrunners Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland expected to dominate the contest.