Jagmeet Singh

Jagmeet Singh – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life and legacy of Jagmeet Singh — Canadian lawyer, human rights advocate, and former leader of the NDP. Read his biography, political journey, philosophy, and powerful quotes.

Introduction

Jagmeet Singh (born January 2, 1979) is a Canadian lawyer and prominent political leader. Best known as the leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) from 2017 to 2025, Singh has become a powerful voice in Canadian politics for social justice, inclusion, and equity.

His rise marked several historic firsts: he was the first non-white person to permanently lead a major federal Canadian political party, and his presence as a turban-wearing Sikh elevated conversations about representation, diversity, and identity in Canada.

This article covers his early life and legal background, political career, philosophy, key achievements, lasting influence, and memorable quotes.

Early Life, Family & Education

Jagmeet Singh was born Jagmeet Singh Jimmy Dhaliwal on January 2, 1979 in Scarborough, Ontario. Harmeet Kaur and Jagtaran Singh Dhaliwal, were immigrants from the Punjab region of India.

He spent parts of his childhood in various places in Canada: Scarborough, St. John’s (Newfoundland & Labrador), Windsor (Ontario), and elsewhere.

For his formal education:

• He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from the University of Western Ontario (1997–2002).

• Then he pursued law, obtaining an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.

• In 2006, he was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada (Ontario), and started practising as a criminal defence lawyer.

After law school, he worked in the firm Pinkofsky and later co-founded Singh Law with his brother Gurratan Singh.

Entry into Politics & Political Career

Ontario Provincial Politics

Jagmeet Singh entered politics in 2011. That year he ran federally (in the riding of Bramalea—Gore—Malton) but narrowly lost. Ontario Provincial Parliament (MPP) representing Bramalea—Gore—Malton.

While serving as MPP (2011–2017), he took on roles including Critic for Attorney General & Consumer Services and was active on social justice, community issues, and advocating for fairness.

He also served as Deputy Leader of the Ontario NDP before moving to federal politics.

Federal Leadership & Member of Parliament

On October 1, 2017, Jagmeet Singh was elected as Leader of the federal NDP on the first ballot (with about 53.8% support). He succeeded Tom Mulcair. His election was historic: he became the first visible minority to lead a major Canadian federal party on a permanent basis.

He ran in the 2019 federal election, and won the seat of Burnaby South (British Columbia) to enter the House of Commons as MP.

In 2022, under his leadership, the NDP supported the Liberal minority government via a “confidence and supply” agreement, which led to policies like the Canadian Dental Care Plan and progress toward pharmacare.

His leadership tenure came to an end in 2025, when he stepped down as party leader.

Political Philosophy, Values & Influence

Jagmeet Singh is often described as a progressive social democrat. His core commitments include:

• Reducing inequality and addressing economic precarity

• Universal pharmacare, dental care, and improving access to healthcare

• Strengthening social safety nets, affordable housing, and worker rights

• Climate action that is just and inclusive

• Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and defending human rights

• Promoting diversity, equity, and anti-racism

• Representation: as a Sikh in visible leadership, he often speaks about identity, faith, and challenging stereotypes

• He has also emphasized that poverty, mental health, and addiction should be addressed as social justice problems rather than primarily criminal justice ones.

He is known for combining activism with a polished public image; his sartorial choices — bright turbans, tailored suits — are partly symbolic: they challenge preconceived notions and intentionally shape how people perceive him.

Singh often draws from his own experiences of discrimination, identity, and perseverance, arguing that his presence and voice matter for communities often marginalized in politics.

Major Achievements & Historical Milestones

• First non-white leader of a major federal party in Canada (elected 2017)

• First turbaned Sikh to serve as a provincial legislator in Ontario

• Transitioned his leadership from provincial politics to federal, and guided the NDP through challenging elections (2019, 2021, 2025)

• Under his leadership, NDP helped push through dental care policy and advanced the conversation on national pharmacare via support to a minority government.

• Maintained public profile as a progressive beacon, influencing national debates on justice, equity, and inclusion

Personality & Public Persona

Jagmeet Singh is often praised for his eloquence, authenticity, and empathy. He balances being accessible with thoughtful policy arguments.

He is also physically active and trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, having competed in the sport in Canada and the U.S.

His public image — especially his fashion sense — is part of his brand: he has turned what some viewed as “visibility risk” into an element of empowerment and disruption of norms.

He is a practising Sikh, and his faith frequently informs his moral compass and public messaging about justice, community, and connectedness.

Famous Quotes

Here are some notable quotes by Jagmeet Singh that reflect his philosophy and public voice:

“We have to fight climate change like we actually want to win.” “We need to start looking at some of the root causes of division. … people are exploited to hate, to fear others because people are afraid in their own lives.” “Instead of just talking about the fact that women should be equal, let's put legislation that enforces pay equity.” “People shouldn't be forced to choose between paying for rent or paying for medication.” “To me, poverty, mental health, and addictions don’t sound like criminal justice problems. They sound to me like social justice problems.” “As Canadians who proudly demand the equal treatment of minorities, religious freedom, gender equality and basic human rights … allowing our political leaders to shamefully ignore these values … falls short of the high standard we rightfully set for ourselves.”