A new leader for the federal New Democrat Party won鈥檛 be selected until October, but one provincial NDP member is already emerging as a frontrunner despite not even entering the race yet.
Ontario Deputy NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who is the MPP for the Toronto-area riding of Bramalea鈥擥ore鈥擬alton says he鈥檚 鈥渟eriously considering鈥� running for the federal leadership.
鈥淧eople have been approaching me and encouraging me to consider making that 鈥� jump,鈥� he told CTV鈥檚 Your Morning on Tuesday.
Singh was first elected to provincial office in 2011, and quickly rose through the ranks. The 38-year-old lawyer by trade has gained a following on social media, and is often touted for his charismatic appeal.
As Singh and other candidates consider a run for the NDP鈥檚 top political job, the race for a Conservative Party leader is heating up and making headlines almost daily.
But the NDP has been largely radio silent in recent months about their own future. Singh said it鈥檚 normal to see potential candidates hold off on announcing their candidacy during such a long race.
鈥淟eadership races are very intense so it鈥檚 difficult to get out really early,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 still about eight, nine months away, so it鈥檚 still quite early in the game and I know people are going to come forward.鈥�
He added: 鈥淵ou have to build momentum in a leadership race and it鈥檚 hard to sustain over a long period of time.鈥�
Singh said, when Justin Trudeau was first elected as prime minister, he indicated a shift toward a more 鈥減rogressive鈥� way of governing, however, more than one year into the Liberal government鈥檚 mandate, 鈥渨e鈥檙e starting to see chinks in that armour.鈥�
He accused the Liberal government of breaking promises on jobs for youth and electoral reform.
As for his own vision for Canada, Singh said he wants to reduce the 鈥済rowing鈥� gap in income and equality to ensure that 鈥渆veryone can enjoy鈥� success now and in future generations.
He said Canada is welcoming to everyone, however, 鈥渟ometimes policies don鈥檛 back that up.
鈥淪o I want to see a country that really, meaningfully welcomes everyone, makes sure that everyone has an opportunity in this country to succeed.鈥�
So can the possible leadership hopeful speak French? When asked, Singh said he is 鈥渇luent鈥� in Canada鈥檚 other official language.
Other possible contenders in the race to replace Mulcair include Manitoba MP Niki Ashton, B.C. MP Peter Julian and Ontario MP Charlie Angus.
