Trudeau let Canadians down by prioritizing corporate interests over the needs of ordinary citizens, said Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP). Singh’s sharp critique came in response to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement to resign as the leader of the Liberal Party. Jagmeet Singh, once an ally of Trudeau, accused the Liberals of failing on critical issues such as affordable housing, health care, and cost of living, leaving Canadians struggling under the weight of corporate greed.
In a statement, Jagmeet Singh said, “Justin Trudeau’s Liberals let down Canadians. They let you down on home prices. They let you down on health care. They let you down by allowing corporate greed to run wild.” His remarks come during a turbulent period for the Liberal Party, marked by political setbacks, economic challenges, and internal disputes that culminated in Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation in December 2024. Freeland stepped down following disagreements over US President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, a move that further destabilized Trudeau’s leadership.
NDP’s Frustration with Liberal Failures
The NDP’s discontent with Trudeau has been building over time. In September 2024, the party withdrew its support for Trudeau’s minority Liberal government, a critical political blow that left the Liberals scrambling to secure alliances ahead of the 2025 general elections. Jagmeet Singh’s decision to pull support stemmed from frustrations over Trudeau’s failure to address pressing economic concerns, including soaring grocery prices and stagnant wages.
“The problem is not just Justin Trudeau. It’s every minister that’s been calling the shots. It’s every Liberal MP that looked down their nose at Canadians who are worried about high costs or crumbling health care,” Singh said. His comments reflect widespread criticism of the Liberal Party’s inability to address the challenges faced by Canadians.
Economic Struggles Under Trudeau’s Leadership
Trudeau’s tenure has been marred by rising living costs, a housing crisis, and an underfunded health care system. These issues have hit middle-class Canadians particularly hard, leading to a growing sense of disillusionment with the government. Jagmeet Singh highlighted how corporate interests have been prioritized under Trudeau’s leadership, leaving ordinary Canadians to bear the brunt of economic hardship.
“Despite facing another serious blow to jobs and cost of living, this time from Donald Trump, the Liberals remain focused only on themselves and their political fate,” Singh said, emphasizing the disconnect between the Liberal leadership and the needs of the public.
The Conservative Party’s Agenda Raises Concerns
Jagmeet Singh also directed criticism at the opposition Conservative Party, warning Canadians about the potential consequences of a Conservative-led government under Pierre Poilievre. Singh accused the Conservatives of planning to implement cuts to essential services, including health care, pensions, and dental care, in favor of benefiting large corporations and the wealthy.
“Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives will cut from people to give more to CEOs. They will cut health care, pensions, dental care,” Singh said. He urged Canadians to oppose the Conservatives’ policies and work toward building a government that prioritizes working families.
A Vision for Change
Jagmeet Singh’s call for a shift in Canadian politics reflects the NDP’s vision for a government that puts people over profit. He appealed to Canadians to unite against both the Liberal and Conservative parties, which he argued have failed to address the needs of ordinary citizens.
“People who oppose callous Conservative cuts to health care, and everyone who opposes the rich getting richer while everyone else falls further behind, I’m asking them all to stand together this time to stop the Conservatives,” Jagmeet Singh said.
As Trudeau prepares to step down, Singh’s criticism of Liberal failures and his warnings about the Conservative agenda highlight the NDP’s focus on creating a fairer, more equitable Canada. With the 2025 general elections looming, the political landscape is set for a significant shift as Canadians consider their options for leadership that truly represents their interests.