Jagmeet Singh loses seat, resigns as party leader

Jagmeet Singh has resigned as leader of the federal NDP after losing his seat in Burnaby, BC. 

In an emotional election night speech surrounded by supporters and family, the 46-year-old announced that he will step down from his role as party leader, which he has held since 2017. Singh struggled to hold back tears as he thanked his wife Gurkiran Kaur Sindhu, his parents and in-laws, his fellow NDP members and his team for their support during his campaign and as the party pushed through a national pharmacare and dental care program. 

"Obviously, I'm disappointed, but I'm not disappointed in our movement," he said. "I'm hopeful, for I know that we will always choose hope over fear and optimism over despair and unity over hate." 

The NDP have suffered brutal losses across the country, losing 17 seats across the country to have only seven remaining, according to CBC's live results at 10 p.m. Pacific time. The loss means they will lose official party status. Recognition of official party status gives parties more power in the House of Commons and access to additional funds. 

Some of the NDP's most stalwart MPs lost their seats today, including now former BC-MPs Peter Julian, representing New Westminster-Burnaby, Laurel Collins in Victoria and Niki Ashton in Churchill-Keewatinok Aski, Manitoba. 

Longtime NDP stronghold Vancouver-Kingsway, currently held by Don Davies, was in a close race at the time of publication. 

Despite the losses, supporters at Singh's final speech offered a show of defiance, chanting "NDP, NDP" with force as Singh walked off the stage pumping his fist. 

Polling conducted last week showed that the party's underlying values still appeal to roughly 14 per cent of Canadians, offering a "huge opportunity for a Bernie Sanders left wing populist," according to Greg Lyle, president of Innovative Research.  

In his speech, Singh hinted that the party's next leader could take on that opportunity, noting that he has met New Democrats across the country who are committed to fighting for a fair and just country. 

"We believe that there is enough wealth in Canada for all of us to live the life that we deserve," he said.