Angry in the Great White North

Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla
Image via Wikipedia

Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla is in a lot of trouble.  The questions regarding her treatment of live-in caregivers in the Dhalla family home is now being called a scandal in media reports.

Just one day after the story burst onto the scene, Ruby Dhalla has quit her position as Youth and Multiculturalism Critic:

Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla has stepped down from her position as the Liberal party's multiculturalism and youth critic, in an effort to address allegations by two former nannies who have claimed they were mistreated by members of her family.

Dhalla released a statement Wednesday explaining her reasons for stepping down.

"This morning I called the leader to personally tender my resignation as Multiculturalism & Youth Critic in order to focus my attention on clearing my name," Dhalla said in the statement. "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."

In response to Ruby Dhalla's resignation, Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff issued this statement:

This morning I accepted Ruby Dhalla's resignation as Youth & 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.

That's the entire statement. 

I look forward to the determination of the facts? 

What about something a bit more positive and upbeat, like "I look forward to a resolution of this matter and Ruby Dhalla's return to her role as critic" or "I have always known Ruby Dhalla to value integrity, and I have every confidence that her integrity will serve her well during this challenging time"?

Michael Ignatieff couldn't even bring himself to say that he "stands by" Ruby Dhalla.

I mean, it's a bit of fluff, to be sure, but it's the sort of fluff that says the team is behind you and takes you at your word and so on.  It's the sort of fluff that is aimed as much at the rest of the caucus as it is at Ruby Dhalla.  Michael Ignatieff's statement makes me wonder just what he knows, or thinks he knows, about what happened to those nannies in the Dhalla household.