Brampton Seniors Statement Retracted

Brampton Seniors Statement Retracted

13 May 2009

To whom may it concern:

Ottawa
Ruby Dhalla Inquiry

To whom it may concern:

My name is Aurora G. Villanueva, a member of the Brampton Filipino Seniors Club.

I wanted to clarify my position in relation to the statement made by Ms Dhalla during the inquiry. The letter she presented in the inquiry that was signed by me, but not written by me.. It was prepared by the office of Ms Dhalla.

I signed that letter to indicate my support for her as a friend. I was not at this point representing or speaking for the Brampton Filipino Seniors Club. This club is non-political and we are not affiliated in any political party. It has certainly not taken a position in this matter as the facts are still in question.
I clearly stated to Ms Dhalla’s representative that I am no longer the president and my current position among other past presidents is an advisor, whose sole function is for internal affairs only. That, we have no authority to represent or speak for the club. That what I can do for her is just a friendly gesture.

I never used the name of the club in signing my name. Therefore, I must be understood that I did it in my own way to help a friend. Besides, the letter was well written and there seem nothing is unpleasant for me to extend a little help.

However, when I signed the letter, I was unaware of the seriousness of the allegations of abuse. I was feeling sick at that time and was not properly informed . I was misled by not being provided with sufficient information to make an appropriate decision.

I wish to retract that letter. The implication that I personally, or the club has taken Ms Dhalla’s side is totally false. I hereby request that Ms Dhalla stop claiming that she has the support of the Brampton Filipino Seniors Club and myself. Both claims are false and should not be used in her defense in this inquiry.

Thank you very much.
Aurora G. Villanueva