NDP Leader Andrea Horwath names MPP Jagmeet Singh as Deputy Leader

 QUEEN’S PARK– Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath has appointed MPP Jagmeet Singh as Deputy Leader.

“I’m proud to name Jagmeet Singh as Deputy Leader. I know that  having him serve in this important role will help to further broaden the reach of our party with people outside of politics;  from young people to bay street professionals,” said Horwath.

It has been over a decade since Ontario’s NDP Caucus had a Deputy Leader. 

“Jagmeet Singh has been a dynamic force ever since being elected in 2011, and a proven agent of change. He has inspired increased political participation in a generation of youth who view him not only as a community leader, but as a mentor.”  

“When New Democrats championed the demand for a province wide reduction of Auto Insurance rates and pushed for greater awareness regarding precarious employment created by temporary job agencies Jagmeet was at the forefront. With him as our Deputy Leader, New Democrats will continue delivering for Ontarians,” said Horwath. 

“I’m so honoured to belong to a party that commends members for standing up for what is right and just. Over the past few years we have worked continuously to not just voice the concerns of the community but achieve actual change. As deputy leader I will continue the fight for fairness across the province,” said Singh.

The announcement follows new critic assignments announced last month. Singh is currently the NDP Critic for the Attorney General and Government and Consumer Services. He has represented Bramalea-Gore-Malton since 2011 and has always been a fighter for human rights and a strong voice for vulnerable Ontarians. 

Jagmeet Singh is an accomplished mixed martial artist, criminal defence attorney and was listed as one of Toronto Star’s Top 12 people to watch for 2012, named in the Queen’s Park Briefing 2013 as one Ontario’s 75 most powerful people and featured in Toronto life Magazine’s “Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People” as one of the 5 youngest rising stars.

This appointment marks the first time a turbaned Sikh will occupy a Deputy Leader position in Canadian politics.