Challenges Faced by Jagmeet Singh: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Jagmeet Singh faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Jagmeet Singh is a prominent Canadian politician, currently serving as the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) since 2017 and as the Member of Parliament for Burnaby South (2019-2025). Before entering federal politics, he served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (2011-2017). Of Punjabi descent and a practicing Sikh, Singh holds the distinction of being the first Sikh to lead a major federal political party in Canada. He is known for his progressive political stances and advocacy for social justice issues.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2011: Ran for Member of Parliament

In 2011, Jagmeet Singh decided to run for member of Parliament as the NDP candidate in the riding of Bramalea—Gore—Malton. He stopped using his surname, Dhaliwal, to signal his rejection of the caste system. He was defeated by Conservative candidate Bal Gosal.

March 2012: Introduced Bill to Amend the Insurance Act

In March 2012, Jagmeet Singh introduced a private member's bill, "An Act to Amend the Insurance Act", to address high auto insurance rates by ending the industry practice of basing insurance rates on geographic location. The bill failed to pass second reading after receiving complaints that it would raise rates in rural and Northern Ontario.

September 2012: Consumer Protection Act Bill Died

In September 2012, Jagmeet Singh's private member's bill called "An Act to amend the Consumer Protection Act, 2002" died on the order paper.

November 2014: Voted Against "Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Rates Act"

In November 2014, Jagmeet Singh voted against the government's legislation entitled "Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Rates Act", citing shortcomings regarding the driver's right to sue auto insurance companies, arguing that removing protections for people was not the right approach.

March 2015: Improper use of legislative resources meant for his constituency office for partisan purposes

In March 2015, Jagmeet Singh had improperly allowed his constituency office in Brampton to organize bus trips to take supporters to a partisan federal NDP rally in Toronto and that Singh's inclusion of a donation link on his constituency website contravened parliamentary convention.

June 2015: Chastised by Integrity Commissioner

In June 2015, Jagmeet Singh was chastised by the integrity commissioner for improper use of legislative resources meant for his constituency office for partisan purposes. He was not fined because he proactively fixed the breaches when alerted.

February 2018: Singh Suspends Erin Weir

In February 2018, Jagmeet Singh suspended Saskatchewan MP Erin Weir from the NDP caucus. Singh solicited complaints against Weir, receiving 15, of which 11 were dismissed as trivial.

March 18, 2018: Singh Reverses Position on Air India Bombing

On March 18, 2018, Jagmeet Singh reversed his earlier position regarding the findings of the inquiry into the Air India Flight 182 bombing, after previously expressing doubts in an October 2017 interview.

May 3, 2018: Erin Weir Expelled From Caucus

On May 3, 2018, Erin Weir was formally expelled from the NDP caucus following a sexual harassment investigation, where his conduct was described as "on the low-end of the scale" and not typically considered "sexual harassment."

May 2018: Former NDP MPs and MLAs Support Weir

In May 2018, a group of 67 former NDP MPs and MLAs from Saskatchewan sent Jagmeet Singh a letter in support of Erin Weir, calling for his reinstatement as an NDP MP.

September 6, 2018: Singh Rejects Weir's Request to Rejoin NDP

On September 6, 2018, Jagmeet Singh rejected Erin Weir's request to rejoin the NDP, even after Weir stated he had worked with a personal trainer to address the issues raised in the complaint.

October 21, 2019: Singh Re-elected in Burnaby South

On October 21, 2019, Jagmeet Singh was re-elected to the Burnaby South riding. The NDP won 24 seats, allowing them to share the balance of power in Parliament, as the Liberal government failed to retain its majority.

2019: NDP Lost Seats in Federal Election

In the 2019 federal election, the New Democrats under Jagmeet Singh lost 15 seats and dropped from third party to fourth party status.

June 17, 2020: Singh Removed From House of Commons

On June 17, 2020, Jagmeet Singh was removed from the House of Commons for the day after calling Bloc Québécois MP Alain Therrien a "racist" and refusing to apologize. This occurred when Therrien prevented unanimous consent on a motion concerning systemic racism in the RCMP.

August 2021: Singh Announces Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

In August 2021, Jagmeet Singh announced a plan to enforce mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for employees under collective bargaining contracts, including potential termination as a last resort to protect Canadians' health and safety.

September 4, 2024: Singh Ends Confidence-and-Supply Agreement

On September 4, 2024, Jagmeet Singh announced the end of the 2022 confidence-and-supply agreement with the Liberals, citing dissatisfaction with their performance on healthcare reforms and affordability measures.