OTTAWA - Embattled Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla has asked the federal ethics commissioner to review allegations stemming from her family’s treatment of two live-in caregivers.

In a statement this morning, the Brampton-Springdale MP said, “I have been saddened and troubled by the allegations made against my family and I this week. I take these allegations very seriously, and believe that a transparent, third-party evaluation of the facts is required to clear my name.

“I have requested the ethics commissioner to commence a review to ensure that this matter is resolved in a fair and objective manner.”

Commissioner Mary Dawson is responsible for helping MPs avoid conflicts of interest and administering the Conflict of Interest Code for MPs.

Dhalla’s move follows her announcement yesterday that she was resigning as Liberal critic for youth and immigration.

She has kept a low profile, skipping both her party’s weekly caucus meeting and the House of Commons.

The accusations against Dhalla first appeared in the Toronto Star, and included assertions from two live-in nannies that Dhalla’s family had taken their passports, forced them to work long hours and demanded extra duties such as washing cars and cleaning chiropractic clinics run by Dhalla’s brother. None of the allegations has been proven.

In a written statement, she said she wanted to "focus my attention on clearing my name" and pledged to work with officials to clarify the facts.

Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff said in a written statement, “I look forward to a determination of the facts regarding her family’s experience with live-in caregivers.” Dhalla remains a member of the Liberal caucus.

NDP immigration critic Olivia Chow urged Dhalla to be, “upfront and tell us precisely what happened … and make sure the entire investigation is done fast, above board, transparent.”

Liberal MP Bob Rae told reporters Dhalla “feels very strongly that the allegations against her are not true and she has a right to defend herself, and there will be full investigations, I’m sure, at both the federal and provincial level.

“I don’t think we should prejudge the outcome of those investigations.”

Conservative Lois Brown referred to the affair as “nannygate,” and said it represented a “culture of arrogance and entitlement that treats women, immigrant women in particular, like chattel.

“Not one Liberal has come out and stood up for these abused nannies.”

The Dhalla affair is a wrench in the rising fortunes of the party whose leadership Ignatieff formally assumed just five days ago. But Rae said he did not think attacks from other parties would slow the Liberals’ momentum.

“I’ve said many times that politics is more like hockey than it’s like ballet. If you perceive a weakness, it’s no surprise that people would try to take partisan advantage of that.

“The point has to be made, though, that we don’t do public show trials in Canada and we don’t try and hang people on the floor of the House of Commons.”