The story of Judy Sgro is starting to take on a life of its own. The Liberal MP for York West and former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration first found herself in hot water over the so-called stripper scandal. Alina Balaican came to Canada on a temporary work permit that allowed the 25-yr-old Romanian to work in Canada as an exotic dancer. She later volunteered in Sgro’s campaign office. Under the terms of a special ministerial permit granted to her only 3 days before the federal election, Ms. Balaican can remain in Canada for another 2 years and apply for permanent resident status. All of this was precipitated by a reported meeting between Sgro’s chief of staff and the owner of a strip club who was complaining of having difficulty bringing in dancers from abroad. Despite demands from the opposition Conservatives she resign, Ms. Sgro held firm denying any impropriety.

She once again finds herself in trouble amid new allegations of political interference with the story widening every day. Pizza shop owner Harjit Singh, facing deportation back to India, claims that Sgro offered to aid him in exchange for his help on her campaign. Singh claims the offer was made during a meeting at Sgro’s office, a charge she denies. However, other people are now coming forward to corroborate Singh’s story.

Harmal Virk, Singh’s daughter-in-law, says she too was at the meeting along with Harminder Brar and Sgro’s chief of staff Ihor Wons. Brar concurs and further adds his teenage son was also present. Brar said, “I was there during the meeting. She was saying, as long as you give us volunteers to do the work in our campaign we’ll look after your immigration papers - we’ll see what we can do.” Not only does Sgro deny any such meeting occurred, she denies even talking to Singh at all. For his part, Brar scoffs at her denials claiming he has TV news footage clearly showing both Sgro and Singh standing together. Singh adds that he had to sign in at the campaign office when they met with her there.

Furthermore, in what is the most damning piece of evidence yet, Singh said he was asked by Sgro for a police clearance from India which, according to court documents, was provided to her constituency office.

In yet another development, it has been revealed that election rules may have been broken by the failure of the Sgro camp to declare the food provided by Singh. According to law, candidates must declare in-kind donations, including food and drink, over $200. A check of her campaign donations listed on the Elections Canada website turns up no mention of pizza or chicken, which Singh delivered to Sgro’s campaign office every evening.

It has also been recently revealed and reported that an unknown source claims several people went to the PMO with “firm evidence” of improprieties in Sgro’s election campaign and office as early as last August.

with files from the Toronto Star
CTV News
CNews
National Post

special hat tip to The Blue Maple Leaf