Raj Grewal just announced on social media that he plans to stay on as MP in Brampton East.

Back in November Grewal announced he would resign his seat in the House of Commons citing “personal and medical challenges”. Shortly after his announcement, it came to light Grewal had been struggling with a gambling addiction and had incurred significant personal debts into the millions of dollars.

Despite his initial decision to resign, Grewal recanted and announced in a video message that he planned to take some time off to seek treatment and would make a decision in January. Now Grewal says he’s come to a decision.

“I have taken some time away to focus on my health and receive appropriate treatment,” says Grewal. “It has been a time of immense personal growth, an opportunity to gain clarity on my political future.”

Grewal has always been an MP to watch, and despite the drama, he appears to continue to have support in the riding. “I have received countless calls and messages from constituents offering their support and encouraging me to continue to serve,” he says.

In his video statement back in December Grewal explained he had been gambling recreationally since university, and it became a personal problem three years ago. He regularly stayed at a hotel while in Ottawa that was attached to a casino and often participated in high stakes blackjack.

There have been questions about the origins of the millions Grewal used to gamble over the years and he says it was all accumulated through personal debt and money he borrowed from friends and family.

Grewal says he revealed the problem to his family, including his wife, in early November. He also says all of the personal loans have been paid back, emphasizing that nothing “sinister” has been going on behind the scenes.

Grewal is no longer a member of the Liberal caucus so he will continue to serve as an independent. He hasn’t said whether he plans to run in the upcoming federal election to keep his seat.

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