Cullen keeps heat on Liberals over Grewal controversy

The controversy swirling around Toronto area
MP Raj Grewal has been the focus for
NDP MP Nathan Cullen for much of this week

It's been a heated week in the House of Commons, with Question Period in particular making for the hottest of discussion as the Opposition takes the Liberals to task over the handling of revelations from Liberal MP Grewal, who represents the Toronto area riding of Brampton East.

The Liberal member has been in the spotlight in recent weeks for a range of themes, the most controversial of them, the concerns related to his losses at Ottawa area casinos and how it may have impacted on his abilities as a member of the government.

At one point Mr. Grewal had suggested that he was to step down from his position in the House owing to personal and medical reasons, however he appears to have backtracked on that in recent days, seemingly intending to ride out what is becoming an ever expanding controversy.

As more of the details began to filter out of the capital, it was noted that the RCMP had become involved, having taken on the file months ago for further investigation.

Grewal has since been removed from the Liberal caucus, but remains a member of the House of Commons currently sitting as an Independent, the latest twist to the story being that the debts were cleared, with assistance from the MP's family, a revelation that has only served to raise more questions than deliver answers.

Skeena-Bulkley Valley NDP MP Nathan Cullen has been carrying much of the debate for the NDP in the House of Commons raising the issue a number of times this week,  starting with a number of questions of Monday related to Mr. Grewal's past behaviour and calling into question the Prime Minister's competence on the file.


Tuesday, with the Prime Minister in the House, Mr. Cullen rose during question period to ask Prime Minister Trudeau to answer questions related to parliamentary privilege and the protections it may be offering the Toronto area MP from the investigation.


Wednesday however, Mr. Cullen added to the list of frustrations with the government, warning of their threats towards potential legal action and intimidation of Members of Parliament, with the Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP  rising on a point of privilege in the House to register his concerns over the government's course of action.


For much of the week,  in answer to the inquiries of the NDP and Conservatives in the House, the Liberals have held firm to their talking points, reminding both parties that they can't comment on the Grewal matter while it is being investigated by the RCMP.

You can review some of the details of the Grewal controversy through the archives of our political blog D'Arcy McGee.