Jagmeet Singh remains defiant despite NDP’s slump in the polls
On a chilly morning in Vancouver, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and a few NDP candidates gathered to discuss their housing policy. However, the conversation quickly turned to the party’s precarious position as support dwindles ahead of the 2025 federal election.
In the 2021 election, the NDP secured 25 seats, with a significant portion coming from British Columbia, where the party traditionally enjoys strong support. Fast forward to April 8, 2025, and the CBC Poll Tracker is projecting that the NDP may only win a maximum of four seats nationwide in the upcoming election. While this projection is an improvement from the previous week’s forecast of just one seat, it still falls short of the 12 seats needed for official party status in the House of Commons.
Amidst questions about his own chances of winning in Burnaby Central, where polls favor the Liberal candidate, Singh evaded direct answers and instead emphasized the importance of the election and criticized other parties. When pressed a second time, Singh expressed confidence in his ability to represent the people of Burnaby Central.
The decline in NDP support has been attributed to several factors, including tariffs, the desire for votes to have a meaningful impact, and Singh’s tenure as the party’s leader. Despite leading the NDP since 2017, Singh has yet to form a government, leading some voters to question the party’s ability to effect significant change.
Political scientist Sanjay Jeram highlighted the impact of tariffs on the NDP’s fortunes, noting that many voters prioritize which party can best manage this issue. This challenge, coupled with concerns about the efficacy of their vote, has led some like Vancouver resident Al Henry to opt for strategic voting over supporting the NDP.
Former NDP MP Murray Rankin’s endorsement of incumbent Liberal candidate Taleeb Noormohamed in Vancouver Granville underscores the shift in support towards the Liberals in the upcoming election. This sentiment was echoed by former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in a recent op-ed, where he acknowledged the election as a two-horse race against the backdrop of global challenges.
As the NDP grapples with dwindling support and questions surrounding its viability, Singh continues to rally in his Burnaby riding, seeking to bolster the party’s prospects amidst a tough electoral landscape. The party’s future hangs in the balance as Canadians prepare to cast their votes in the upcoming federal election.
