History of Jagmeet Singh in Timeline

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

1976: Creation of Tarion

In November 2015, Singh introduced a private member's bill to the legislature regarding Tarion. Tarion was created by the provincial government in 1976 to be the regulator of the province's homebuilding industry.

January 2, 1979: Jagmeet Singh Born

On January 2, 1979, Jagmeet Singh Jimmy Dhaliwal was born. He is a Canadian politician who has served as the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) since 2017.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Delhi Riots

In 1984, during the Delhi riots, Jagmeet Singh provided pro bono consulting to an activist group that protested the visit to Canada of Kamal Nath, the former Indian trade minister who had allegedly led armed counter terrorist groups against Sikh separatists. This inspired Singh to run for office.

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.

2001: Obtained B.Sc. Degree

In 2001, Jagmeet Singh obtained a B.Sc. degree in biology from the University of Western Ontario.

2002: Consumer Protection Act

In May 2012, Jagmeet Singh introduced a private member's bill called "An Act to amend the Consumer Protection Act, 2002" to address high fees on overseas money transfers.

2005: Graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School

In 2005, Jagmeet Singh graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from York University's Osgoode Hall Law School.

2006: Called to the Bar of Ontario

In 2006, Jagmeet Singh was called to the bar of Ontario.

2011: Called for Greater Police Accountability

In 2011, Jagmeet Singh called for greater police accountability and demanded the provincial government draft legislation to strengthen Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU). He criticized the attorney general after the release of a report that found the province had undermined the SIU.

2011: Ran in Federal Election and Became MPP

In 2011, Jagmeet Singh contested the federal election in the riding of Bramalea—Gore—Malton but was narrowly defeated. Later that year, he became a member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) in the overlapping provincial riding.

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.

2011: Elected as MPP

In 2011, Jagmeet Singh ran in the Ontario provincial election and was elected as the NDP candidate for the overlapping provincial riding, defeating the Liberal incumbent. He became the first New Democrat elected to represent the Peel Region and the first turban-wearing MPP.

2011: Elected to Legislative Assembly of Ontario

In 2011, Jagmeet Singh was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing Bramalea—Gore—Malton.

2011: Singh Also Ran Against Kular

In 2014, Jagmeet Singh ran for re-election and won his riding with 43.6 per cent of the vote, beating Liberal challenger Kuldip Kular, whom Singh also ran against in 2011.

January 9, 2012: Toronto Star Article on Singh's Background

On January 9, 2012, a Toronto Star article was published where Jagmeet Singh stated that his background in criminal defence contributed to his decision to enter politics, particularly advocating for rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

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.

May 2012: Introduced Bill to Amend the Consumer Protection Act

In May 2012, Jagmeet Singh introduced a private member's bill called "An Act to amend the Consumer Protection Act, 2002" to address high fees on overseas money transfers. This bill died on the order paper in September 2012.

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.

2012: Recognized by the World Sikh Organization of Canada

In 2012, Jagmeet Singh was honoured by the World Sikh Organization of Canada for being the first turbaned Sikh MPP in Ontario.

March 2013: Motion to Reduce Auto Insurance Premiums Passed

In March 2013, Jagmeet Singh introduced a motion calling on the Liberal government to reduce auto insurance premiums by 15 percent. The motion was passed by the legislature and was to be included in the Liberal government's 2013 budget.

December 2013: Sikh Heritage Month Legislation Passed

In December 2013, legislation introduced by Jagmeet Singh to have the month of April recognized as Sikh Heritage Month in the province of Ontario was passed by the legislature.

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.

2014: Re-elected

In 2014, Jagmeet Singh ran for re-election and won his riding with 43.6 per cent of the vote, beating Liberal challenger Kuldip Kular and PC challenger Harjit Jaswal.

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".

May 2015: Campaigning for Irfan Sabir

In May 2015, during the Alberta general election, Jagmeet Singh campaigned for the Alberta New Democratic Party, reaching out to voters on behalf of Irfan Sabir, who was running in Calgary-McCall. Sabir was later elected.

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 2015: Singh introduced motion calling on government to instruct police services in Ontario to end arbitrary street checks

In October 2015, Jagmeet Singh introduced motion calling on government to instruct police services in Ontario to end arbitrary street checks, known as carding.

October 22, 2015: Legislature Passed Singh's Motion

On October 22, 2015, the legislature unanimously passed Jagmeet Singh's motion calling on the government to instruct police services in Ontario to end arbitrary street checks, known as carding.

November 2015: Introduced Bill Regarding Tarion

In November 2015, Jagmeet Singh introduced a private member's bill regarding Tarion to the legislature to give the Ontario Ombudsman the jurisdiction to investigate its practices, force Tarion to produce a detailed track record of their builds, include all of their employees who make over $100,000 on the sunshine list, and subject Tarion bylaws to the approval of the provincial government.

2015: Deputy Leader of Ontario NDP

In 2015, Jagmeet Singh became the deputy leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, serving under leader Andrea Horwath.

April 2016: Considered a Potential Leadership Candidate

In April 2016, after Tom Mulcair lost a leadership review vote, Jagmeet Singh was considered a potential leadership candidate. He won the support of 11% of NDP members.

December 2016: Spoke out against Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Campaign

In December 2016, Jagmeet Singh spoke out against the motion introduced by Progressive Conservative MPP Gila Martow, which called for the legislature to denounce the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign.

May 15, 2017: Announced Candidacy for NDP Leadership

On May 15, 2017, Jagmeet Singh announced his intention to run for the leadership of the New Democratic Party of Canada at a campaign launch in Brampton.

October 1, 2017: Elected Leader of Federal NDP

On October 1, 2017, Jagmeet Singh was elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party with a first round vote of 53.8 per cent.

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.

October 20, 2017: Resigned as MPP

On October 20, 2017, after winning the federal NDP leadership race, Jagmeet Singh resigned as MPP.

November 2017: Appeared on Political Blind Date with Doug Ford

In November 2017, Jagmeet Singh appeared on TVOntario's Political Blind Date alongside Doug Ford. They explored different transportation methods, with Singh and Ford riding bicycles and streetcars respectively. They reported becoming friends and having a warm and friendly experience.

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.

2017: Leader of the NDP

In 2017, Jagmeet Singh became the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP).

2017: Campaigning for Provincial NDPs

In 2017, Jagmeet Singh campaigned for the British Columbia NDP and Nova Scotia NDP in those provinces' elections.

2017: Endorsed Wab Kinew

In 2017, Jagmeet Singh endorsed and campaigned for Wab Kinew in the Manitoba NDP's leadership race.

January 2018: Engaged to Gurkiran Kaur Sidhu

In January 2018, Jagmeet Singh got engaged to Gurkiran Kaur Sidhu, a fashion designer. The proposal occurred at the vegetarian restaurant where they had their first date.

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.

February 22, 2018: Married Gurkiran Kaur Sidhu

On February 22, 2018, Jagmeet Singh married Gurkiran Kaur Sidhu.

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.

August 8, 2018: Singh Announces By-Election Run

On August 8, 2018, Jagmeet Singh announced his candidacy in a by-election to replace Kennedy Stewart as the Member of Parliament for Burnaby South.

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.

2018: Brother Elected to Legislative Assembly of Ontario

In the 2018 Ontario election, Jagmeet Singh's brother, Gurratan Singh, was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Brampton East.

February 25, 2019: Singh Wins Burnaby South By-Election

On February 25, 2019, Jagmeet Singh won the by-election for Burnaby South with 38.9 percent of the vote, after relocating to Burnaby for the election.

May 31, 2019: NDP Promises Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

On May 31, 2019, Jagmeet Singh promised that the NDP would build charging stations for electric vehicles at federal buildings and Canada Post locations and offer residents a $600 grant to help pay for home charging stations.

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: Considered Running in Brampton East

After winning the federal NDP leadership race Jagmeet Singh indicated that he most likely run in Brampton East, which includes the bulk of his old provincial riding, in the 2019 election. Singh named leadership rival Guy Caron as parliamentary leader of the NDP.

2019: Member of Parliament

In 2019, Jagmeet Singh served as a member of Parliament (MP) for Burnaby South.

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: Announced they were expecting a child

In August 2021, Jagmeet Singh and Gurkiran Kaur Sidhu announced they were expecting their first child.

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.

2021: NDP Gained One Seat in Federal Election

In the 2021 federal election, the NDP under Jagmeet Singh gained one seat but remained the fourth party.

January 2022: Daughter Anhad was born

In January 2022, Jagmeet Singh and Gurkiran Kaur Sidhu's daughter, Anhad, was born.

March 22, 2022: NDP Strikes Confidence-and-Supply Agreement

On March 22, 2022, the NDP entered into a confidence-and-supply agreement with the Liberal Party of Canada, focusing on priorities like implementing pharmacare by the end of 2023 and a dental care program for low-income Canadians by 2025.

July 2023: Announced they were expecting a second child

In July 2023, Jagmeet Singh and Gurkiran Kaur Sidhu announced they were expecting their second child.

December 2023: Second daughter was born

In December 2023, Jagmeet Singh and Gurkiran Kaur Sidhu's second daughter was born.

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."

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.

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.

April 26, 2025: Attended the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party

On April 26, 2025, Jagmeet Singh attended the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, honouring Filipino heritage. He left shortly before a vehicle-ramming attack occurred.