The Politics of Exclusion and the Need for Transparency



The recent ousting of Ruby from the Liberal Party’s leadership race has sparked a wave of controversy, raising questions about fairness, evidence, and the integrity of political processes. The party claims her removal was due to financial irregularities and foreign interference, yet the lack of transparency surrounding these allegations has left many skeptical. This incident is not just about one individual; it is about the broader implications for democracy, accountability, and the treatment of marginalized voices in politics.

The Liberals have positioned themselves as a party of high moral standing, yet their handling of this situation suggests otherwise. The absence of publicly disclosed evidence against Ruby stands in stark contrast to the party’s swift action to remove her. This raises legitimate concerns: When did the party become aware of these allegations? Were they known before she entered the race, or only after? And why is Ruby being singled out when there are reportedly 11 sitting Members of Parliament with foreign interference allegations hanging over them? The Conservatives have called for the release of these names, but the government has remained silent—until now, when a woman of colour has been abruptly forced out of the race.

This selective enforcement of accountability reeks of political expediency rather than principled governance. The argument that “we did it because the Conservatives do it” is not only weak but also undermines the very values the Liberals claim to uphold. If the party truly stands for justice and fairness, it must provide clear, substantiated evidence to justify its actions. Otherwise, it risks perpetuating the same tactics it condemns in its opponents.

Moreover, the exclusion of Ruby—a woman of Indian descent—alongside another individual of the same background, sends a troubling message to the diverse communities that the Liberals claim to represent. The South Asian demographic, and indeed all Canadians, are watching. They see a woman of colour being pushed out on what many perceive as trumped-up charges. They see a pattern of exclusion that undermines the promise of inclusivity and representation. As one observer aptly noted, “We have daughters too.” The message this sends to young women of colour is disheartening: that their voices and contributions can be dismissed without due process or evidence.

The Liberals must recognize the damage this incident has caused, not only to their credibility but also to the trust of the communities they seek to represent. Politics should not be a game of convenience, where narratives are shaped to suit the moment and individuals are sacrificed for political gain. The party must rise above the fray and demonstrate that it is capable of upholding the principles it espouses.

This moment calls for transparency. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, it must be presented openly and fairly. If there is none, then Ruby deserves an apology and reinstatement. The Liberals must also address the broader issue of foreign interference allegations within Parliament. The selective targeting of one MP while ignoring others undermines public trust and fuels cynicism about the political process.

In the end, the actions we take in the name of politics have consequences. The exclusion of Ruby and the lack of evidence to support her removal are not just political missteps—they are moral failures. The Liberals must confront these failures head-on if they hope to regain the trust of Canadians and uphold the values they claim to champion. The altar of politics should not be a place where principles are sacrificed for expediency. Otherwise, as history has shown, the evil deeds we justify today will come full circle tomorrow.

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