Ruby Dhalla disqualified from Canada’s Liberal leadership race

Toronto: Punjabi-origin Ruby Dhalla is out of the race to become Canada’s Prime Minister after the Liberal Party of Canada disqualified her from the leadership contest. A party committee voted unanimously on Friday to remove the former MP, citing multiple rule violations.

According to CBC, the party’s national director, Azam Ismail, stated that Dhalla had violated ten different rules, including those related to party leadership and spending. The decision followed a detailed review in which Dhalla was questioned.

“The Leadership Vote Committee determined that the violations committed were very serious,” the report said, listing infractions such as breaching the Canada Election Act, providing false financial information, and withholding facts.

On Thursday, the party confirmed that $21,000 in contributions to Dhalla’s campaign had been withheld after an investigation found that 12 donors had exceeded the funding limit. Concerns about irregularities in the funds were also raised.

Dhalla has denied all allegations, calling the decision “shocking and extremely disappointing.” She claimed the disqualification was politically motivated.

“The allegations against me are false and fabricated,” Dhalla said. “The tactics used to remove me from this race prove that our message was resonating, we were winning, and the organization felt threatened.”

She further alleged that shifting accusations—ranging from foreign interference to campaign violations—were part of an effort to block her from competing against Mark Carney.

“I will stand up for Canadians and fight for Canada,” she added.