FAQ 2c. Who is Tim Murphy and why was he involved?

Tim Murphy is the chief of staff in the Prime Minister's Office. From 1993 to 1995, he was Liberal MPP for the constuency of St-George-St. David in the Ontario Parliament, following which he had practiced law and served as president of the Ontario Liberal Party.

From 2001, he was a senior political advisor for Paul Martin, who was then Finance Minister. After Martin became Prime Minister in late 2003, Murphy was chosen as his chief of staff.

Since any negotiations about Grewal's changing parties and joining the Liberal caucus would require Paul Martin's approval--as would any 'understanding' by which Grewal took any formal role within the government--it was natural that he would send someone to represent him. (On the question of whether it was appropriate for him to be involved, see the article in the Hill Times archived here.)

On Murphy, see the Wikipedia entry under his name.

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