Ex-mp Treated For Gambling Problem
Racked up debt, subject of RCMP conflict probe
The Ontario MP who abruptly resigned his seat this week is being treated for a gambling problem that caused him to rack up considerable personal debt, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office confirmed Friday.
Raj Grewal has also been looked at by the RCMP over an alleged conflict of interest being examined by the federal ethics commissioner, Trudeau press secretary Chantal Gagnon told the National Post.
The MP announced Thursday he was stepping down as MP for the Brampton East riding, citing “personal and medical reasons.”
But it appears there is more to the story of his sudden departure.
“Earlier this week, Mr. Grewal told us that he is undergoing serious personal challenges, and that he is receiving treatment from a health professional related to a gambling problem that led him to incur significant personal debts,” Gagnon said in a statement.
“Based on these circumstances, we agreed that his decision to resign as Member of Parliament for Brampton East was the right one. We hope he receives the support he needs.”
Meanwhile, asked about a possible investigation into Grewal’s financial activities, a spokeswoman for Peel Regional Police, which encompasses Brampton, said the force could not discuss any active probe.
“We are not in a position to confirm details about any ongoing investigations and/ or to release information about individuals who are under investigation … due (to) privacy considerations and to maintain the integrity of our investigations,” said Const. Danny MarttiniChapman.
Gagnon said the prime minister’s office was not aware of an investigation by Peel Police.
Grewal himself could not be reached for comment, but a friend said he does not believe the MP has any kind of gambling issue.
“He’s a vegetarian guy, he never drinks, no gambling,” said Andy Grewal, president of Everest Transport, but no relation to the Liberal legislator. “I know him a long time. He’s a good guy.”
The friend said he has “no idea” why Trudeau’s office would suggest the member had, in fact, gone into hock with his wagering.
In an apparently unrelated matter, New Democrat MP Charlie Angus complained about Grewal earlier this year to the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner. Angus said the Liberal had invited a businessman from the Brampton area to a number of receptions in India with Trudeau and his delegation.
The developer’s company, ZGemi Inc., was listed on Grewal’s ethics filing as a source of income, Angus noted.
Now it appears the police have also cast an eye on the matter.
“We are aware of inquiries by the RCMP regarding the circumstances that were the subject of a complaint to the Ethics Commissioner about Mr. Grewal earlier this year,” Gagnon said.
Grewal gave no indication of gambling or financial difficulties when he announced his decision to leave Parliament.
“Yesterday, I informed the chief government whip that I will be resigning my seat as member of Parliament for Brampton East due to personal and medical reasons,” he said in a Facebook post. “To the people of Brampton East, serving as your MP has been the greatest privilege of my life. This has been a decision I’ve struggled with for some time now and one I made with great difficulty and real sadness. But I feel I need this time to focus on my health and family.”
In a Tweet about the resignation Thursday, the prime minister also failed to mention anything about gambling or large debts, saying only that he had learned Wednesday that Grewal “is facing serious personal challenges.”
“While it may have been a difficult decision, it was the right one. I hope he receives the support he needs,” Trudeau said.
THIS HAS BEEN A DECISION I’VE STRUGGLED WITH FOR SOME TIME ... AND ONE I MADE WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY AND REAL SADNESS.