OTTAWA, Canada (Diya TV) — NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is fighting to keep his party politically relevant in Canada during an election year defined by upheaval, shifting allegiances, and a transformed political landscape.
Once hailed as a fresh progressive voice in federal politics, Singh now finds himself struggling to capture voter attention, even as he works tirelessly on the campaign trail. The New Democratic Party’s polling numbers have slipped into the single digits, down from nearly 20% in January, as Liberal leader Mark Carney reinvigorates his party and positions himself as the moderate alternative to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
Much of Singh’s challenge stems from his past political alignment. The NDP’s supply and confidence agreement with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau allowed key wins like national dental care and pharmacare, but it also gave Conservatives ammunition. Poilievre seized on Singh’s continued support for a flailing Liberal government, framing him as a hypocritical “sellout” — a leader attacking the very government he was propping up.
The Conservatives even launched an ad campaign last summer portraying Singh as a self-interested politician clinging to power for a $2-million pension. The ad mocked his designer lifestyle—complete with Rolex watches and luxury fashion—as out of touch with everyday Canadians, dubbing him the face of “Luxury Pensioner Monthly”.
Singh has never shied away from style, which he says is a tribute to his father, a self-made immigrant who taught him that presentation commands respect. “My dad was always well-dressed… He thought, ‘You got to look the part if you want to get a job, if you want to be treated with respect,’” Singh told The Canadian Press in a recent interview.
But the image hasn’t translated to electoral momentum. As the campaign has progressed, Singh has ditched his sharp three-piece suits for sweaters and jeans to reconnect with disillusioned voters.
After Trudeau’s resignation and the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian politics entered uncharted waters. Trump’s trade rhetoric and suggestions of annexing Canada have intensified voter anxiety, pushing progressive voters toward Carney’s steady demeanor and away from Singh’s populist messaging focused on grocery CEOs and corporate accountability.
Singh’s presence in Parliament remains combative. He frequently clashes with Poilievre—sometimes contentiously interrupting him—leading critics to question his approach. But within Singh’s camp, his drive is unwavering. “We’re ready to fight, we’re ready to win,” he shouted at a rally in Saskatoon on April 9, rallying a small but passionate group of supporters.
Despite recent setbacks, Singh maintains his love for campaigning. His small, tight-knit team includes longtime friends and his brother, Gurratan. Campaign director Amneet Singh said Singh still draws strength from his early days mentoring young activists in Brampton, Ontario. “If your North Star is helping people, they’ll respond to that,” he said.
The stakes are higher than ever for Singh—not just for the party’s future, but for his own political career. His ability to reposition the NDP as a distinct progressive force, separate from both Liberal centrism and Conservative populism, may determine whether the party emerges from this election intact.
As Singh navigates the final stretch of a difficult campaign, he remains energized and optimistic, still believing he can turn ideals into action. Whether that optimism resonates with voters remains the central question of this election cycle.
