NDP’s Singh drops ‘I’m running for prime minister’ messaging two weeks into the campaign

As Jagmeet Singh enters the third week of his election campaign, there is a noticeable shift in his messaging. The NDP leader is no longer emphasizing his goal of becoming the prime minister, a line that was a prominent feature of his earlier speeches and news conferences.

When questioned by CBC News about his ambitions to be the country’s leader, Singh avoided a direct response. Instead, he highlighted the role the NDP has played in past minority Parliaments, where they pushed the Liberals to implement key policies such as pharmacare, dental care, and paid sick leave for workers.

Singh’s new focus is on the impact the NDP can have with a significant number of MPs in Parliament. He emphasizes the party’s ability to hold the government accountable and push for progressive policies. This shift in messaging reflects the current political landscape, where polls suggest strong support for the Liberals and Conservatives.

While Singh has toned down his rhetoric about becoming prime minister, he has not ruled out the possibility of forming a government. He has expressed openness to working with the Liberals if they win the election, but has made it clear that he will not support Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

The NDP’s messaging has also evolved to emphasize the importance of a minority government. With the prospect of a Liberal majority increasing, progressive voters may feel less need to vote strategically to prevent a Conservative victory. The NDP is positioning itself as a key player in a minority government scenario, advocating for policies that benefit Canadians.

Despite the challenges facing the NDP in the polls, Singh remains confident in his party’s strength. He has dismissed the predictions of polling aggregators, citing past inaccuracies in their modeling. Singh is focused on addressing the issues facing the country and making a difference in the lives of Canadians.

Overall, Singh’s campaign has adapted to the current political climate, emphasizing the NDP’s role in Parliament and the importance of progressive policies. While the goal of becoming prime minister may have taken a backseat, the party’s commitment to advocating for change remains unwavering.