Jagmeet Singh Squandered a Moment to Inspire Canadians

Yesterday, I watched the various leaders comment about Trudeau’s resignation and I was dismayed at Mr. Singh’s response. This is the letter I’m sending to him.

Dear Mr. Singh,

I think it’s time that you wake up and read the room.

Your comments yesterday about Trudeau’s resignation were mean and, quite frankly, classless. Very similar to those made by Pierre Poilievre – a politician I loathe.

I volunteer for my local NDP riding. I used to vote Liberal, and I have voted for Justin Trudeau. I thought he was a charismatic and intelligent leader for part of his tenure.

But then, looking at the lack of intelligent and compassionate progress not only in Canada but around the world under capitalist leaders, I switched allegiances because I can no longer support a reckless capitalist agenda that exists solely to enrich the wealthy at the expense of every living being on this planet. I don’t dislike Trudeau, but he and the Liberals are part of the capitalist machine. They no longer have my vote.

As for the Conservatives – I don’t like their policies – especially nowadays. They are even more dedicated to the trickle-up capitalist experiment at the expense of Canadians. I particularly hate the crappy way they have campaigned by spending a huge portion of their vast campaign budget on targeting Trudeau, the CBC and mainstream media versus telling us what they will do if elected.

Both parties—Liberals and Conservatives—have had years and years to govern Canada in a way that would be better for Canadians and the planet. If it were going to happen, we would have seen it by now. And we’re not. Our country’s economy might be “good,” but the average Canadian is struggling as we head towards an unthinkable future as climate change takes hold.

The NDP has put forth policies that could better the lives of all Canadians and the planet in general which is why I support them. Canadians, whether they realize it or not, are more progressive than they think, and they need to see that NDP policies are true reflections of their kindness and compassion.

You had the opportunity to be a leader yesterday by being kind to Trudeau and by answering questions honestly – versus the wooden and repetitive performance you gave.

I was so ashamed to see you, my party leader, take Poilievre’s low path instead of showing the grace, compassion, and leadership that so many Canadians are craving right now. You could have demonstrated that the NDP is not just an alternative to the Liberals and Conservatives but a better choice rooted in humanity, progress, and hope. Instead, you chose to stoop to the level of divisive rhetoric and mean-spirited commentary that Canadians are so tired of seeing from our politicians.

Let me be clear: I fully support countering Conservative disinformation. I believe it is necessary to call out their lies, fear-mongering, and scapegoating for the damage it does to our democracy and to public trust. They’ve poisoned political discourse in this country with their relentless attacks, their failure to offer meaningful solutions, and their willingness to manipulate facts to suit their agenda. That behaviour deserves to be confronted and held to account, and I expect the NDP to do so unapologetically. I also support challenging Trudeau’s failings.

However, yesterday’s comments about Trudeau didn’t serve that purpose. They weren’t about holding Liberals or Conservatives accountable or fighting disinformation. You had the chance to take the high road while still standing firm against Conservative disinformation and divisiveness, and you squandered it.

Think about it, did your comments uplift anyone? Did they inspire confidence in the NDP vision for Canada? Did they demonstrate the values that the NDP stands for? The answer is no. Instead, they came across as mean and opportunistic—a cheap shot when the better course of action would have been to rise above and offer a respectful farewell to a leader who, whether we agree with him or not, dedicated years of his life to serving this country.

Canadians are desperate for sincere leaders who can rise above the toxic, polarized political environment and show us a better way forward. Leaders who can focus on policy and progress, not personal attacks. Leaders who can empathize, unite, and inspire. Yesterday, you fell short of that, and as an NDP supporter, I am deeply disappointed.

I urge you to reflect on this moment and consider how your words and actions shape the perception of the NDP. We need a leader and a government who can represent the values of fairness, compassion, and progressiveness that many believe in.

If you need an example of how to engage Canadians, you should look to Jack Layton’s leadership.

Sincerely,

Louise Mignault

Dear Readers: I want to add that while I disliked Mr. Singh’s response, I still support the NDP because of its platform and its superior focus on the well-being of Canadians. The party’s real commitment to Canadians via universal pharmacare/healthcare, affordable housing, fair wages, climate action, and putting people before corporate interests reflects the values that resonate with me and many other Canadians. I write this letter not to undermine my support for the NDP, but to challenge its leadership to be better and to rise to the occasion.