Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and a known pro-Khalistan figure, announced his resignation on Tuesday after losing his seat in the Canadian federal elections. The polls resulted in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party holding onto power, although they fell short of a majority government.
Singh, who was aiming for a third consecutive term, lost the Burnaby Central seat in British Columbia to Liberal candidate Wade Chang. Singh secured around 27 percent of the vote, while Chang crossed 40 percent, leading to a clear defeat.
But we are only defeated when we believe those that tell us we can never dream of a better Canada.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) April 29, 2025
I've often spoken of a lesson my mother shared with me: the Sikh teaching of Chardi Kala.
It means “rising spirits." Optimism over struggle.
This is the spirit I carry tonight.
The election proved challenging for the NDP overall, with the party falling significantly in national standings. It now faces the possibility of losing official party status, which requires winning at least 12 seats in the House of Commons.
“I know this night is disappointing for New Democrats. But we are only defeated when we believe those that tell us we can never dream of a better Canada,” Singh wrote on X, reflecting on the results. Singh has been at the party’s helm since 2017.
He expressed regret over the party’s performance but remained hopeful about its future. “But I am not disappointed in our movement. I am hopeful for our party,” he added.
“I KNOW that we will always choose hope over fear. New Democrats built this country. We have built the best of Canada. And we aren’t going anywhere,” he continued.
Singh also shared a message rooted in Sikh teachings, recalling a lesson from his mother about “Chardi Kala,” which he described as maintaining high spirits in adversity. “Optimism over struggle. This is the spirit I carry tonight,” he said.
Canadian media outlets, including CBC, projected that Mark Carney’s Liberals would return to form the next government. However, they appeared to fall short of the 172 seats required for a majority in the 338-member House of Commons. At the time of reporting, the Liberals were leading or elected in 164 ridings, while the Conservatives trailed with 147.
Carney, who assumed the prime ministerial post last month following Justin Trudeau’s resignation amid a trade conflict with the United States, had never previously held elected office. He formerly served as the central bank governor of both Canada and the United Kingdom.
While the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, failed to form the government, they are expected to emerge as a strong opposition in the new parliament.
