Liberal MP Chandra Arya, seen in a 2019 photo, had already secured his nomination. However, the party’s national director later sent him a letter stating that new information prompted the campaign co-chair to suggest removing him as a candidate. The Canadian Press
Chandra Arya, a Liberal MP from Ottawa’s Nepean riding, has been removed as the party’s candidate just days before an expected election announcement. Arya, who has held the seat since 2015, revealed the news on his Facebook page, calling it deeply disappointing but expressing gratitude for serving his community.
The party’s national campaign director, Andrew Bevan, informed Arya of the decision in a letter sent on Thursday. The letter stated that the party’s "green light committee" received new information, which led the campaign co-chair to recommend revoking Arya’s candidacy. However, the letter did not share any details about the new information.
The move follows the party’s earlier decision to block Arya from running in the Liberal leadership race in January. At the time, the party also refused to explain why it rejected his candidacy.
In his Facebook post, Arya said representing Nepean in Parliament was the greatest responsibility of his life. Despite the party’s decision, he thanked the residents of Nepean and Canadians for their support over the years.
The removal of Arya from the race creates an opening for Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has not yet announced where he plans to run in the upcoming election. Some speculate he may choose Nepean, as he now lives in Ottawa. Others believe he might run in Edmonton, where he grew up, or Toronto, where the Liberals have strong support.
Carney is expected to visit Rideau Hall on Sunday to ask the Governor General to dissolve Parliament, which would officially trigger the election campaign. Reports suggest the vote could take place on either April 28 or May 5.
