Troubled Sikh woman MP in Canada quits top job
May 6th, 2009 - 11:56 pm ICT by IANSToronto, May 6 (IANS) High-profile Indian-origin MP Ruby Dhalla, who faces charges of mistreatment of her two nannies, Wednesday resigned as critic for youth and multiculturalism for the opposition Liberal Party.
In Canada, ‘critics’ constitute the shadow cabinet for the opposition party.
A former beauty queen, 35-year-old Dhalla represents the Indian-dominated constituency of Brampton-Sprindale on the outskirts of Toronto. Her two nannies - Magdalene Gordo, 31, and Richelyn Tongson, 37 - have publicly alleged that they were mistreated while working as live-in caregivers for Dhalla and her family.
In a statement, the Sikh MP said: “This morning I called the leader (Michael Ignatieff) to personally tender my resignation as multiculturalism and youth critic in order to focus my attention on clearing my name.
“I will work with the appropriate officials to ensure the facts of the matter are clarified and corrected regarding my family’s experience with live-in caregivers and will work vigorously to defend my reputation. I am honoured to represent the people of Brampton-Springdale and I will continue to do so. My constituents remain my first priority.”
Accepting her resignation, party leader Michael Ignatieff said, “This morning I accepted Ruby Dhalla’s resignation as youth and multiculturalism critic. Ms. Dhalla will continue to serve as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale. I look forward to a determination of the facts regarding her family’s experience with live-in caregivers.”
A three-time MP, Dhalla became the first Sikh woman parliamentarian in Canada in 2004.
- Indian Canadian MP rethinking her career after nanny abuse scandal - May 07, 2009
- After steamy scenes, world's 'third hottest' MP now in nanny row - May 05, 2009
- Canadian parliamentary body clears Indian-Canadian MP Dhalla of maid exploitation charges - Jun 17, 2009
- Call for probe against Indian Canadian MP over nanny abuse (Lead) - May 06, 2009
- Canada's Sikh woman MP faces accuser nannies - May 13, 2009
- Ruby Dhalla now faces multiple probes over nannies - Jun 06, 2009
- Indo-Canadian MPs defeated in Canadian polls - May 04, 2011
- More trouble for Canada's Sikh woman MP - May 15, 2009
- Indian Canadian MP 'cleared' of nanny abuse charges (Lead) (With Image) - Jun 17, 2009
- Ruling party set for comfortable majority in Canadian polls - May 03, 2011
- Canadian Indian origin MP cites political conspiracy behind nanny scandal - May 09, 2009
- Top Indo-Canadian MPs lost in Canadian elections - May 04, 2011
- It's Punjabi versus Punjabi in Canadian polls - Apr 28, 2011
- Canadian parliament may see more Indian-origin MPs - Apr 26, 2011
- Sikh woman MP accuses Canadian immigration minister of lying - Apr 29, 2011
Tags: beauty queen, constituency, indian origin, liberal member, liberal party, live in caregivers, member of parliament, michael ignatieff, multiculturalism, nannies, opposition party, outskirts, parliamentarian, party leader, resignation, ruby dhalla, shadow cabinet, sikh woman, top job, woman mp