Party falls below the threshold for national status as Liberals and Conservatives dominate polls. In a stunning reversal of fortune, Jagmeet Singh has announced his resignation as leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) after losing his Burnaby Central seat in British Columbia and witnessing his party’s worst electoral performance in over three decades.
Once considered a potential kingmaker in federal politics, Singh’s influence has sharply declined. His party is now projected to win just seven seats, well below the 12-seat threshold required to retain official party status in the House of Commons. In the 2021 election, the NDP held 24 seats.
Singh lost his seat to Liberal candidate Wade Chang, who garnered more than 40% of the vote compared to Singh’s 27%. It was Singh’s third attempt at winning in Burnaby Central.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Singh called the outcome “disappointing” but affirmed his belief in the NDP’s long-standing role in shaping Canada. “New Democrats built the best of Canada. And we aren’t going anywhere,” he wrote, invoking the Sikh concept of Chardi Kala—rising spirits and optimism during adversity. He added that serving as NDP leader had been the “honour of my life,” and confirmed he would remain in his role temporarily until a new leader is selected.
Singh’s political decline follows a series of high-profile and controversial stances. He had played a key role in 2022, entering a power-sharing agreement with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that delivered key social policy wins, including dental care and pharmacare. However, Singh’s positions on India-related issues and his support for expelling Indian diplomats last year drew criticism amid deteriorating Canada–India relations.
NDP national director Anne McGrath acknowledged the loss as devastating and said the party would launch a full internal review. “This campaign polarised the electorate around the Liberals and Conservatives,” she said. “It’s never a win when you lose seats, but we’ll use whatever strength voters give us to continue fighting for Canadians.”
As the NDP regroups and leadership speculation begins, Singh’s departure marks the end of an era—and an uncertain future for Canada’s once-formidable progressive voice.
