The New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh stepped down from leadership this Tuesday after his party suffered a devastating loss in Canadian federal elections. Singh, who is usually viewed as a pro-Khalistan politician, was unable to hold on to his Burnaby Central seat in British Columbia, inflicting a major blow not just on himself but also on the NDP.

Crashing Hopes: Singh Loses Burnaby Central to Liberal Newcomer

Singh, who was eyeing a third term in office, lost to Liberal candidate Wade Chang. While Singh managed to gather around 27% of the vote, Chang took a decisive lead with over 40%.

The defeat was not limited to his constituency. The NDP, under Singh's leadership, faced a severe national decline and was on track to lose its official party status in parliament. According to Canadian electoral rules, a party must secure at least 12 seats to maintain national party recognition.

Singh Steps Down: "Disappointed" But Hopeful

"I know this night is disappointing for New Democrats. But we are only defeated when we believe those that tell us we can never dream of a better Canada," Singh wrote in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), addressing his supporters and party members.

The 46-year-old political leader, who first became NDP chief in 2017, said he was “disappointed” at the party’s poor performance.

"But I am not disappointed in our movement. I am hopeful for our party," he added.

Singh emphasized that despite the loss, the values of the NDP would continue to resonate with Canadians.

"I KNOW that we will always choose hope over fear. New Democrats built this country. We have built the best of Canada. And we aren't going anywhere," he said.

Drawing from his Sikh heritage, Singh concluded his remarks with a note of optimism.

He said he has often spoken of a lesson his mother shared with him – the Sikh teaching of "Chardi Kala", which means "rising spirits".

"Optimism over struggle. This is the spirit I carry tonight," he said.

But we are only defeated when we believe those that tell us we can never dream of a better Canada.

I've often spoken of a lesson my mother shared with me: the Sikh teaching of Chardi Kala.

It means “rising spirits." Optimism over struggle.

This is the spirit I carry tonight.

— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) April 29, 2025

A Political Shake-Up: Carney’s Liberals Retain Power

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and other major outlets projected that the Liberal Party, led by newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney, would form the next government. While the total count is still to be released, preliminary results indicate the Liberals are ahead or elected in 164 electoral districts.

In order to form a majority government, the Liberals required 172 of the 338 seats in the House of Commons. Coming up short, the Liberals are likely to form a minority or minority government with the help of smaller parties.

The election was an important point in Canadian political history, with a former Canadian central bank governor-turned-central-bank governor-turned-monetary policy-making Central Bank of Canada boss as the head of the Liberals. Carney was installed as Prime Minister last month to succeed Justin Trudeau amid an escalating U.S. tariff fight with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Conservatives Hold Ground, Form Strong Opposition

Although Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre failed to unseat the Liberals, his party achieved considerable gains and is well-positioned to establish a strong opposition within parliament.

The general findings reflect a change in Canadian public opinion, with established parties struggling to keep their grip in the face of increasing disillusion and political polarization.

What’s Next for the NDP?

With Singh resigning and the NDP losing its way, the party is now heading into a critical phase of rethinking and resurfacing. As Singh has left behind the legacy of rich progressive speeches, his exit has also marked the beginning of another era in left-wing Canadian politics.

His supporters will remember him for his resilience and optimism — qualities he reiterated even in defeat. Whether the NDP can carry that spirit forward remains to be seen.