Ontario legislator the first Sikh to campaign for leadership of a Canadian national party
Ontario legislator Jagmeet Singh has become the first Sikh to mount a credible campaign for the leadership of a national party in Canada, announcing his candidature for taking command of the New Democratic Party.
The 38-year-old made the announcement on Monday.
“I’m proud to announce that I am running to be the leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada,” he said, as shouts of “Bole so nihal, Sat Sri Akal” resonated.
Singh is possibly the only elected representative in the Western world to have been denied a visa to India, when in December 2013 his request was turned down by the Indian consulate in Toronto. Singh also moved a motion in the Ontario Assembly last year to have the 1984 riots termed “genocide”, though that was defeated.
The NDP is one of the three major national parties in Canada and emerged as the principal Opposition party in the House of Commons in the 2011 federal elections.
Singh’s announcement was preceded by a number of NDP leaders taking the stage to voice their support for his leadership.
“People are hungry for new leadership in this country, they are hungry for new leadership in our party,” said Singh, a lawyer by training, as he took the stage wearing an orange turban to match the NDP colour, in an event that was live-streamed on Facebook.
Singh, who was born in Scarborough, Ontario, outlined a vision that included building “a Canada that is inclusive and where everyone can realise their dreams.” He also attacked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying, “We’ve had enough of empty promises and we’re ready to get the job done.”