As if the Liberal Party needs more uncertainty than before, MP Chandra Arya has been disqualified from running for the party’s leadership under a broad clause deeming him “manifestly unfit for office.”
Parker Lund, a spokesperson for the Liberal Party, confirmed Arya’s disqualification on the basis of a section in the party’s leadership rules allowing prospective candidates to be barred if they are deemed “manifestly unfit for the office” of leader—this can cover a broad range of factors like “public statements, past improper conduct, a lack of commitment to democracy, or other reputational or legal jeopardy.”
Despite citing the party rule, Lund did not clarify what exactly disqualified Arya.
Earlier, Arya expressed frustration, stating that the decision “raises significant questions about the legitimacy of the leadership race and, by extension, the legitimacy of the next prime minister of Canada.” The Ontario MP was the first of the seven individuals who had submitted the necessary paperwork and a refundable $50,000 deposit to run for the Liberal leadership, aiming to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Unfit for the office”
Despite the vagueness of Arya’s disqualification, the party rule cited seemed grave enough to take his name out of the running since he’s deemed “unfit for the office”.
However, an argument can be made that the same reason might be applicable even to his current office as a Member of Parliament. Otherwise, it seemed that whatever infraction the party sees in Arya’s background is not serious enough to warrant removal as a sitting MP. This column would argue that there is an irony in the idea that an individual considered ‘manifestly unfit’ to lead the country can continue to shape legislation and national policy from the government benches.
Between July 2020 and September 30, 2022, Arya allegedly spent roughly $21,931 of taxpayer money on more than 1,000 plaques to honor constituents, all procured through a single vendor—SINIX Media Group. The firm reportedly received 53 contracts from Arya’s office amounting to $53,681.50 during the same period.
Arya confirmed that the plaques were indeed intended for constituents but declined to clarify his relationship with SINIX Media Group’s CEO. To date, there has been no formal investigation or finding from the Ethics Commissioner regarding these expenditures.
The MP also drew criticism in November 2022 when his private member’s bill designating November as Hindu Heritage Month led to a controversial flag-raising ceremony on Parliament Hill. Although Arya insisted the flag merely represented the Hindu faith, some academics and groups such as Hindus for Human Rights contended it resembled the banner of the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization that has faced global scrutiny for extremist views. The Ontario MP defended his stance by stating that the flag “represented the Hindu faith” and “not support for any political organization”.
Arya’s removal from the list narrows the race to former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, former Government House leader Karina Gould, MP Jaime Battiste, and former MPs Ruby Dhalla and Frank Baylis.
Recently, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne publicly endorsed Carney, citing their “shared economic vision.”
Information for this briefing was found via Castanet and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
One Response
Good…he should nof be allowed to sit as he is favouring a religion plus who knows what else. All liberals should be inspected to assure ethically they are fit to serve Canada.There has been way too much questionable behaviour ethically starting with the PM.
Indeed all leaders should be audited now. All key MPs provide evidence of their spending including the Gov General.