Major Controversies Surrounding Jagmeet Singh: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Jagmeet Singh—discover key moments of controversy.

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

1998: Ontario Sex Education Curriculum Update

In March 2015, during the Ontario sex education curriculum controversy, Singh spoke out against changes to the curriculum which had not been updated since 1998.

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.

March 2015: Spoke out against changes to the Ontario sex education curriculum

In March 2015, Jagmeet Singh publicly opposed proposed changes to Ontario's sex education curriculum, specifically regarding updates on teaching sexual orientation and gender identity.

March 2015: Spoke out against changes to sex-ed curriculum

In March 2015, during the Ontario sex education curriculum controversy, Jagmeet Singh spoke out against changes to the curriculum which had not been updated since 1998, stating that he disagreed with the "age appropriateness of some materials" and it was a "mistake on the Liberal government’s part" and "disrespectful to parents".

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.

October 2017: Tweeted About Fidel Castro

Following the death of communist dictator Fidel Castro in October 2017, Jagmeet Singh tweeted praise for Castro's leadership in uplifting the lives of millions in a country wracked by poverty, illiteracy, and disease, later reiterating his praise when challenged.

December 2017: Wouldn't Rule Out Working With Conservatives

In a December 2017 interview with Bloomberg, Jagmeet Singh explained that he would not rule out working with the Conservatives to topple a federal government led by Trudeau if the NDP held the balance of power in a minority parliament.

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.

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.

May 2024: Singh Criticizes Actions in Gaza

In May 2024, Jagmeet Singh posted a tweet expressing horror at images of the IDF airstrike hitting a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah, stating, "The world is failing the people of Gaza. Canada is failing the people of Gaza."

2024: Singh Calls for Sanctions on India

In 2024, following Canada's expulsion of Indian diplomats, Jagmeet Singh called on the Canadian government to implement severe sanctions on Indian diplomats and ban the RSS, a violent, militant, terrorist organization from India, in relation to Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death.