The Brampton Filipino Seniors Club issued the following statement today, in support of Brampton-Springdale MP Ruby Dhalla (left). Two Filipino foreign workers say that the Dhalla family mistreated them during while they were employed with them.
Statement from the Brampton Filipino Seniors Club
We are writing in support of Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale, who has been unjustly smeared by the Toronto Star's article released on May 5th 2009 — and by the Canadian media. The Brampton Filipino Seniors Club have known Ruby since she was first elected in 2004 and can attest to her character as being nothing short of the highest integrity. She is one of the hardest working and most dedicated people we have ever known.
We have seen firsthand Ruby's commitment to people, to Brampton and the Filipino community. When ever any one has needed her she has always been there.
In fact, early this year Ruby lent her support to a Filipina live in caregiver who was diagnosed with colon cancer. Ruby went shoulder to shoulder with the Filipino community to fight for the live in caregiver to receive her permanent residency.
As well, earlier this year, when a Filipina resident of Brampton (a former Caregiver) was terminally ill Ruby went above and beyond to comfort this women. She offered help and support to the members of the Filipino community and the members of the Filipino-Canadian Autoworkers Association as they provided care and comfort to this dying woman. When she succumbed to death, Ruby again stood shoulder to shoulder with the community to collect funds for her funeral. Ruby spoke at the funeral with a speech that touched the hearts of everyone in the room.
On several occasions we have had the pleasure of working with her and her office on a number of initiatives to empower women, seniors and the Filipino community. She tabled a petition in the House of Commons to call on the government to stop the political killings and human rights violations in the Philippines and also worked with the Filipino community to support the campaign to demand justice for Comfort Women.
Everyone in the Filipino community in Brampton knows Ruby is always a phone call away when help is needed. She is a champion of women, of immigrants, of seniors and of children. She is seen as role model by our youth and as a compassionate and loving person by our community. Whether it's empowering women, giving youth a voice or advocating for seniors, Ruby has always stood up for the community.
Given Ruby's floving and caring nature and her dedication to people and the community the allegations by the caregivers and treatment in the media is unfair. We don't know what motive the care givers have in making these allegations but anyone that knows Ruby finds it difficult to believe. She is caring and compassionate. The Brampton Filipino Seniors and the entire community stand behind Ruby as she goes through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Brampton Filipino Seniors Club
Aurora G. Villanueva
President
UPDATE: Ms. Villanueva has since retracted this letter.
Actually the count of ill-treated Filipinos is now three. Two nannies and one housekeeper.
Though to be fair, it likely wasn't Ms. Dhalla making life miserable; she'd be in Ottawa or wherever duty demands. By the account of the housekeeper, it was Ms. Dhalla's mom (Tavinder) who had the sky-high expectations.
“floving”?
It would have been nice if the Filipino Seniors Club could have waited for all of the facts to come out before issuing such a stetement. Very disappointing.
It would be equally nice for all those convinced of Ms. Dhalla's guilt to wait for all the facts to come out.
I am not a fan of Ms. Dhalla, simply because she is in the “enemy camp” – i.e. she is a member of the party I oppose. But I prefer to withhold judgment until ALL the facts are in.
Just as I object to a member of my party being raked through the coals before a proper investigation is held, I similarly feel Ms. Dhalla should be given her day in court.
Some fellow conservatives reading my comment may think I've gone over to the “Dark Side.” That is not the case. I simply strive to be consistent. I don't like it when a Conservative is accused of wrongdoing based on allegations, nor do I like it when it happens to anyone else, regardless of party affiliations. Until all the evidence is in, I'm ready to suspend judgment.
So David…you published this alleged letter of support from the Brampton Filipino Senior's Group. Will you now publish the retraction from the person who signed the letter?
That would require journalistic integrity. Something that is truely lacking in 99% of so called Canadian journalists.
Oh chill out. “Journalistic integrity” means we have been busy verifying, interviewing, and acting on the revelations in that letter since late last night. I suspect that, if it turns out to be what it seems to be, you will see substantial coverage from journalistics exercising their integrity. As for me, I've been busy all day learning about nuclear physics …
Thank you for posting the retraction by Ms. Villanueva. I guess you are in the 1% with integrity. 🙂