NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he’s confident the party will keep him on as leader after what he called a great campaign, but one that saw the NDP gain little ground.
“I’m happy with the incredible MPs we elected, but I’m really disappointed that some really incredible people who fought really hard, poured their hearts in, would have been incredible members of parliament and lifted the voice of so many people in their communities won’t be joining us in Ottawa,” Singh said. “It’s a loss not just for me as a leader, not just for New Democrats, but it’s a loss for Canada.”
Elections Canada has the NDP at 25 seats, up by only one seat from 2019. However, the NDP could pull off victories in a few more ridings where mail-in ballots will decide the winner. Results for those ridings are expected to come by Friday (Sept. 24).
RELATED: Canada’s 2021 federal election results by riding
At a news conference in Vancouver on Tuesday (Sept. 21), Singh faced questions about how the NDP will work with Justin Trudeau and the Liberals after a campaign where Singh said Trudeau couldn’t be trusted.
“What I said was true and I stand by it,” Singh said. “I congratulated [Trudeau], but we didn’t get into details of negotiations. As always, we’ll be there when it comes to helping people.”
Singh defended his party’s role in the minority government, saying that the NDP delivered additional pandemic support for Canadians in the last parliament and with a government that looks much the same as it did before, Singh is confident the NDP can continue to influence policy.
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