In a major political upset, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is projected to lose his seat in Parliament following today’s federal by-election. Singh, who has represented the Burnaby South riding since February 2019, faced a tough challenge amid shifting political currents and voter dissatisfaction. Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada are projected to form government.
During his concession speech tonight, Singh announced he will step down after an interim party leader is appointed. "I want to take a moment to congratulate Prime Minister Carney on his victory. He has an important job to do to represent all Canadians and to protect our country and its sovereignty from the threats of Donald Trump," said Singh. "Tonight and every night, all of us here, we’re on Team Canada. We want Canada to thrive and we’re going to continue to fight for Canada."
In the 2025 federal election, he was running in the new riding of Burnaby Central, following the federal electoral districts redistribution in 2023, based on the 2021 census results. Burnaby Central’s geographical area includes the former northern area of Burnaby South. As of the time of writing, with 140 of 200 polls reporting, early results indicate that Singh has fallen far short of securing his seat in Burnaby Central. Singh currently has 5,941 votes, trailing considerably behind the 13,403 votes of Wade Chang of the Liberals and the 12,635 votes of James Yan of the Conservative Party of Canada.
"It’s been the honour of my life to represent the people of Burnaby Central. Tonight they chose a new Member of Parliament and I wish them well as they continue to work hard for this community," said Singh. Moreover, the NDP is currently projected to shed their official party status; a federal political party must hold at least 12 MP seats for such an official designation. Early projections indicate this will be the NDP’s worst performance since the first federal election it contested in 1962, during the leadership of Tommy Douglas.
When Jagmeet Singh became leader of the NDP in October 2017, he did so without holding a seat in Parliament. Following the resignation of NDP MP Kennedy Stewart — who stepped down to launch a successful bid for Mayor of Vancouver — a by-election was called in Burnaby South. Singh won that by-election in February 2019 and was later re-elected in the 2021 federal general election.
"We brought real change to the lives of Canadians. I know that people are concretely better off because of our work over the last eight years, and no election result will ever diminish that. So thank you so much," continued Singh.
Singh's concession marks a significant moment in Canadian politics, as it reflects broader trends of dissatisfaction among voters and the shifting political landscape. The NDP's decline in support is particularly notable, given its historical significance in Canadian politics. The party's performance in this election is a stark contrast to its previous successes, raising questions about its future direction and leadership.
In the wake of Singh's defeat, the Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, is poised to gain a stronger foothold in Parliament. Carney, a former Governor of the Bank of Canada, has positioned himself as a centrist leader capable of appealing to a broad range of voters. His campaign focused on economic stability and addressing the challenges posed by international politics, particularly in relation to the United States.
The NDP's loss of official party status would be a significant blow to its identity as a leading progressive voice in Canada. The party has historically championed issues such as social justice, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Singh's leadership had aimed to revitalize the party and connect with younger voters, but the recent election results suggest that these efforts may not have resonated as intended.
As the NDP grapples with its future, party members and supporters will be looking for new leadership that can navigate these challenges and re-establish the party's relevance in Canadian politics. Singh's resignation as leader opens the door for potential new candidates who may bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the party.
The upcoming months will be crucial for the NDP as it seeks to regroup and redefine its platform in light of the recent electoral outcomes. With the political landscape rapidly changing, the party must adapt to the evolving needs and concerns of Canadians to regain its footing.
In conclusion, Jagmeet Singh's concession and resignation as NDP leader mark a pivotal moment in Canadian politics, highlighting the need for reflection and renewal within the party as it faces an uncertain future.
