The Prime Minister’s Office announced Friday that Grewal resigned from the Liberal caucus and his seat in the House of Commons over a gambling addiction and significant personal debts. “Earlier this week, Mr. Grewal told us that he is undergoing serious personal challenges, and that he is receiving treatment from a health professional related to a gambling problem that led him to incur significant personal debts,” said PMO spokeswoman Chantal Gagnon. “Based on these circumstances, we agreed that his decision to resign as Member of Parliament for Brampton East was the right one. We hope he receives the support he needs."

OTTAWA – Liberal MP for Brampton East Raj Grewal announced this week that he is resigning his seat in the House of Commons for "personal and medical reasons."

The Prime Minister’s Office announced on Friday that Grewal resigned from the Liberal caucus and his seat in the House of Commons over a gambling addiction and significant personal debts.

“Earlier this week, Mr. Grewal told us that he is undergoing serious personal challenges, and that he is receiving treatment from a health professional related to a gambling problem that led him to incur significant personal debts,” said PMO spokeswoman Chantal Gagnon. “Based on these circumstances, we agreed that his decision to resign as Member of Parliament for Brampton East was the right one. We hope he receives the support he needs."

In addition, the PMO said it was aware that the RCMP had made “inquiries” in relation to a complaint to the Ethics Commissioner about Grewal earlier this year.

In that case, NDP MP Charlie Angus asked the commissioner to investigate whether Grewal violated the conflict-of-interest code for bringing a business associate with him as part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s delegation to India.

In a post on his Facebook page Thursday, Grewal said it’s a decision he has struggled with and made with "great difficulty and real sadness."

Commenting on the departure of one of his Ontario MPs, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he learned Wednesday that Grewal was facing “serious personal challenges,” and that while it may have been a tough decision, it was the right one, reported CTV News.

 “I hope he receives the support he needs,” Trudeau said in the statement.

Grewal has informed Chief Government Whip Mark Holland that he intends to leave, which, according to The Canadian Press, is effective immediately. Holland confirmed to CTV News that Grewal will be departing.

"To the people of Brampton East, serving as your MP has been the greatest privilege of my life…. I feel I need this time to focus on my health and family," Grewal said.

The rookie MP was first elected in 2015 and has held roles as a committee member on the House of Commons Health, Finance, and Government Operations committees.

Grewal had been re-nominated by the Liberal Party to seek re-election in 2019.