In 2022, Jagmeet Singh stood at the peak of Canadian politics. Bold, charismatic, and a skilled negotiator, he helped prop up Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government, earning the New Democratic Party a central role in shaping federal policy. Three years later, Singh’s political career has taken a dramatic turn. Not only has the NDP suffered one of its worst electoral performances in decades, but Singh has also lost his own seat in Parliament.
Once hailed as a progressive powerhouse and the country’s most stylish politician, Singh now finds himself at a political crossroads. As the NDP faces an identity crisis and the potential loss of official party status, Canada watches the fall of a once-prominent figure unfold in real time.
A Stunning Defeat at the Ballot Box
April 28, 2025, will go down as one of the darkest days in NDP history. The party, which had 24 seats in the last Parliament, is now projected to win only seven—well below the 12 needed to retain national party status. The implications are significant: loss of funding, reduced influence in parliamentary committees, and limited access to speaking time.
But what truly shocked observers was the personal defeat suffered by Singh in his home riding of Burnaby Central, British Columbia. A Liberal challenger, Wade Chang, handed Singh a resounding loss, capturing more than 40% of the vote compared to Singh’s 27%.
This was not just a political defeat—it was a rejection of Singh’s leadership and a blow to a party in dire need of revival.
The Kingmaker Era: How Singh Once Shaped National Policy
Just three years ago, Singh played a pivotal role in keeping Trudeau’s minority government alive. The NDP’s support allowed the Liberals to avoid a snap election, and in return, Singh secured policy wins that included a national dental care program and a framework for pharmacare.
For many, it was a moment of strategic brilliance. Singh didn’t hold the balance of power by seat count alone—he held it by moral positioning. The NDP branded itself as the progressive conscience of Parliament, demanding action on healthcare, housing, and climate justice.
So what changed? How did a leader once courted by Liberals and admired by progressives lose his grip on Canadian politics so quickly?
Style Over Substance? Singh’s Public Persona Under Scrutiny
There’s no denying that Singh had flair. Media outlets regularly praised his fashion sense, and his sharp suits and social media savvy earned him a loyal youth following. Dubbed “Canada’s most stylish politician” by Buzzfeed, Singh managed to build a personal brand few Canadian politicians could match.
But in politics, style must be paired with substance—and this is where critics believe Singh fell short. His message began to feel repetitive, and the party failed to present a bold, distinguishable platform in the 2025 campaign. Voters searching for change either went with the Liberals or, in protest, stayed home.
The election was increasingly framed as a two-party contest between the Liberals and Conservatives, leaving Singh and the NDP sidelined.
Controversy and Criticism: The Khalistan Cloud
Singh’s political record also came with its share of controversy. His vocal criticism of India’s government and his past participation in events supporting the Khalistan separatist movement made headlines—and raised eyebrows.
In 2013, Singh became the first Western legislator to be denied an Indian visa due to his remarks on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which he called a “genocide.” While many Sikh Canadians applauded his stance, it also fed into a narrative that Singh’s priorities were more aligned with international issues than domestic ones.
In 2023, Singh expressed support for expelling Indian diplomats after the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. He called on the government to ban the RSS (a Hindu nationalist organization) and push for sanctions. While bold, these remarks deepened existing divisions in Canada’s already fragile foreign policy landscape.
Some voters appreciated Singh’s firm stance. Others saw it as political overreach.
The Breaking Point: Ending the Liberal-NDP Pact
The Trudeau-Singh cooperation agreement officially unraveled in September 2024. Singh withdrew NDP support, citing unmet promises and a lack of urgency from the Liberals on core social programs. Many assumed this would position the NDP as a true alternative heading into the federal election.
But the strategy backfired.
Rather than gaining momentum, the NDP was caught flat-footed. The party lacked a compelling new vision, and Singh was unable to capitalize on the political vacuum. The Liberals, led by Mark Carney, emerged as a stable center-left option, while the Conservatives focused on cost-of-living concerns.
Singh’s NDP was left squeezed in the middle—ideologically correct, perhaps, but politically irrelevant.
Burnaby Central: A Loss That Cut Deep
Burnaby Central was more than just a riding for Jagmeet Singh—it was his political sanctuary. He had won it twice before and spent significant time cultivating local connections. Losing this seat wasn’t just a numbers game; it was symbolic of how much the political winds had shifted.
Wade Chang, a relatively unknown Liberal challenger, capitalized on national trends and local dissatisfaction. His campaign focused on cost-of-living issues, housing affordability, and infrastructure—concerns that resonated more with voters than Singh’s broader federal platform.
In a night full of stinging results, Singh’s personal defeat may be the one history remembers most.
Resignation and Reflection: Singh Steps Down
On election night, an emotional Singh addressed supporters. He acknowledged the heartbreak of the results but also struck an optimistic tone.
“We are only defeated when we believe those who say we can’t dream of a better Canada,” Singh posted on X. “New Democrats built the best of this country. We’re not going anywhere.”
Invoking Chardi Kala—a Sikh term meaning ‘eternal optimism’—Singh promised to remain hopeful despite the circumstances. He confirmed he would step down as party leader once a successor was chosen.
It was, as Singh himself said, the “honour of [his] life” to lead the NDP.
NDP’s Future: Can the Party Rebuild?
The NDP now faces an uphill battle—not only to rebuild public trust but also to redefine its political identity. With the likely loss of national party status, it will struggle for visibility, funding, and influence.
Anne McGrath, the party’s national director, admitted the campaign fell short, noting the challenges of a “polarized electorate.” Yet she insisted that voters didn’t abandon the NDP out of hostility, but perhaps out of disillusionment.
“It’s never a win when you lose seats,” McGrath said. “But whatever strength voters give us, we’ll use it to fight for them.”
The coming months will involve deep internal review and soul-searching. Some voices within the party are calling for a return to grassroots organizing. Others want to modernize the party with younger leadership and bold environmental policies.
Whoever takes over must rebuild trust from the ground up.
What Went Wrong: Five Key Factors Behind the Fall
- Lack of Message Discipline
The NDP failed to cut through the noise. Their platform lacked sharp contrasts to either the Liberals or the Conservatives. - Leadership Fatigue
After nearly eight years at the helm, Singh’s leadership style had become predictable. There was little new to inspire a shifting electorate. - Strategic Missteps
Ending the pact with the Liberals may have seemed brave, but it left the NDP without a clear fallback strategy. - Polarized Election Climate
As the 2025 election shaped into a Liberal vs. Conservative contest, many voters cast strategic ballots—leaving the NDP out. - Controversial Foreign Policy Stances
Singh’s remarks on India and involvement in Khalistan-related events distracted from domestic issues that mattered most to voters.
Jagmeet Singh’s Legacy: A Complicated Record
Despite this setback, Singh’s contribution to Canadian politics is undeniable. He broke racial barriers, brought new energy to the NDP, and helped put progressive ideas like dental care on the national agenda.
But he also presided over electoral decline, internal confusion, and a loss of political momentum.
His legacy will be debated for years to come, but one thing is clear: Singh made history—not always successfully, but always boldly.
Final Thoughts: A Cautionary Tale for Canadian Politics
Jagmeet Singh’s rise and fall reflect the volatile nature of modern politics. Charisma, idealism, and authenticity are vital—but so are timing, strategy, and policy clarity.
The NDP now faces a defining moment. It can shrink into the shadows, or use this crisis as a catalyst for renewal. Whether the party chooses revival or retreat will depend on the strength of its next leader and the depth of its commitment to real change.
As for Singh, he may have exited the national stage—but his story in Canadian politics is far from over.
Stay with Maple News Wire for exclusive interviews with NDP insiders, leadership race coverage, and analysis on Canada’s new political landscape.
