New Democrats paid homage to former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh on Friday, just ahead of the announcement of his successor. Addressing the convention attendees, ex-NDP MP Laurel Collins praised Singh for the significant impact he had on the party. She highlighted his approach of facing challenges with courage and optimism, turning them into tangible changes under his leadership.
Singh, the first racialized Canadian to lead a major federal party, was commended by Collins for advocating NDP priorities within the Liberal government. In 2022, Singh struck a deal with Justin Trudeau to support the minority Liberal government on confidence votes in exchange for advancements in key policies like dental care, “anti-scab” legislation, and housing funding.
At the convention, many New Democrats spoke to CBC News about Singh’s policy achievements, with some acknowledging the complexities of his legacy. Despite securing policy wins, Singh struggled to translate them into electoral success, resulting in the party’s historic low of only seven MPs in the previous year’s Parliament.
As Singh steps down, questions arise about the party’s future and the upcoming leadership transition. Philippe Fournier, a polls analyst, noted the party’s stagnant polling numbers and significant debt post-election. Five candidates have emerged as contenders for the party’s top position, setting the stage for rebuilding efforts and regaining voter trust.
While opinions vary on Singh’s tenure, supporters like Charlie Fairbank recognize his role in pushing progressive policies and forging a path as the first racialized leader of a major federal party. Looking forward, the NDP aims to reconnect with its base, communicate effectively with Canadians, and uphold unapologetically progressive values to potentially improve its standing in the polls under new leadership.