A complaint filed by a long-serving Liberal MP and cabinet minister to the federal ethics commissioner has been dismissed as “a sign of desperation” by a spokesperson for Conservative candidate Larry Brock.
Ahmed Hussen, the Liberal MP for York South Weston, has formally requested an investigation into Brock for potential breaches of the conflict of interest code for MPs. The complaint comes after reports from Global News revealed that Brock had liens on multiple vehicles.
In his April 23 letter to the ethics commissioner, Hussen pointed out that MPs are required to disclose any liabilities over $10,000, urging an investigation into Brock’s financial matters ahead of the upcoming election in the newly-formed Brantford-Brant South-Six Nations riding.
“Larry Brock is a critic for the Conservative Party and is well aware of the ethics rules. Like any other MP, he’s expected to adhere to them,” Hussen stated in a Thursday interview. “I’ve asked the ethics commissioner to look into this issue.”
When questioned about the timing of his complaint, Hussen noted the surprise that these concerns were raised just days before the election, especially considering much of the information was already publicly accessible.
Brock, who has represented Brantford-Brant since 2021, declined to comment on the matter. However, his campaign manager, Phil Gillies, dismissed the complaint as “partisan nonsense” and a “desperate” move by the Liberals.
The Global News report also mentioned an unpaid rent issue with Brock’s Ottawa apartment. In response, Brock clarified that all rent payments were directly handled by the House of Commons under its housing allowance policy. He further stated that the rent issue had been resolved through a hearing with the Landlord and Tenant Board, with a document presented confirming that rent payments were up to date before the hearing took place. The dispute, according to Brock, was related to unpaid parking fees — not rent — and had been settled amicably.
Brock acknowledged an outstanding balance of $3,315.23 for the parking space, which was separate from the apartment rent. This amount was due after a hearing on July 5, 2023, and was to be paid by the end of the month.
In his statement, Brock emphasized that he had always complied with the ethics reporting requirements and House of Commons housing policies.
Liberal candidate Joy O’Donnell, who is running against Brock in the election, refrained from commenting directly on the allegations. However, she stressed that ethics and integrity are vital in public service. “The ethics commissioner will determine if any breaches have occurred under the MP Conflict of Interest Code,” O’Donnell said. “Meanwhile, I’m focused on engaging with the public to demonstrate why I’m the best candidate for Brantford-Brant South-Six Nations.”
Brock is projected to win the election, according to 338Canada, but O’Donnell is seen as a strong challenger. As of April 25, Brock is expected to secure 48% of the vote, with a margin of error of plus-minus eight percent. O’Donnell follows closely with 37%, also with a margin of error of eight percent. The NDP, trailing behind, is predicted to garner only 8% of the vote.
