As national polls signal a historic low for the NDP, leader Jagmeet Singh faces mounting questions—not just about party performance, but about his visibility in his home province.
NDP’s Troubles Mount as Support Dips to 25-Year Low
Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh (Official X account) returned to British Columbia this week with a bold policy promise: a permanent ban on foreign homebuyers. But as media cameras rolled in Vancouver Fraserview–South Burnaby, the spotlight quickly shifted—from housing policy to his party’s rapidly declining poll numbers.
Recent national polling pegs NDP support at just eight per cent, with some analysts calling it a collapse not seen since the 2000 federal election. Singh’s response? Cautious optimism.
“I’m absolutely confident I’ll be able to serve the people of Burnaby Central,”
said Singh, referring to his new electoral district following boundary changes.
Housing Message Overshadowed by Leadership Concerns
Though Singh’s Tuesday press event aimed to push housing reform—specifically cracking down on foreign investment inflating Canadian real estate—questions kept circling back to party viability.
Singh criticized Liberal candidate Mark Wiens for embracing “big money investors,” claiming that only New Democrats are serious about making housing affordable for Canadians.
But Singh avoided directly addressing concerns raised by former NDP MP Murray Rankin, who recently endorsed a Liberal candidate in Vancouver. Instead, he reiterated that Canadians need more, not fewer, New Democrats in Parliament.
Where Are the Rallies? Where Is the Base?
In contrast to the packed events held by Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, Singh’s current swing through B.C. has lacked the mass rallies or visible momentum seen from his competitors. With half of his caucus hailing from B.C., the absence of high-energy events in the province is being noticed.
Pressed on the campaign strategy, Singh said his approach is focused on showcasing policy, not pageantry.
“We want voters to see that they have a real choice in this election—someone who puts workers, families, and seniors first,” Singh emphasized.
Jagmeet Singh’s B.C. Itinerary: Targeted, But Limited
While Jagmeet Singh defended his presence in B.C., his appearances have been mostly low-profile. His April 8 itinerary included a press conference, a meeting with striking LifeLabs workers, and a sit-down with Grand Chief Stewart Philip from the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.
This comes days after Singh accused Carney of being “missing in action” in the province—criticism that’s now being echoed back at the NDP leader himself.
Final Push, or Final Warning?
With just weeks remaining until Canadians head to the polls on April 28, Singh faces a crucial turning point. The NDP’s future, his seat in Burnaby Central, and even the party’s federal relevance may hang in the balance.
Maple News Wire will continue to follow the campaign trail and its twists—from the rally podiums to the pressroom.
