Liberal party denies Ruby Dhalla translator for French debate

By Canadian Press on February 13, 2025.

OTTAWA — The Liberal party says it will not accommodate leadership hopeful Ruby Dhalla’s request for a translator at the upcoming French debate in Montreal.

Party spokesman Parker Lund says only the candidates and the moderator will be allowed on the debate stage and no translation will be provided.

Dhalla said in a recent interview that her campaign planned to ask this week for a translator for the French debate because she is not fluent in the language.

But she plans to attend either way and will make opening and closing statements in French.

The Liberals have two upcoming leadership debates planned, one in French on Feb. 24 and an English debate the following day.

The party will announce the new leader at a convention in Ottawa on March 9.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 13, 2025.

Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press