Singh Contemplated Resigning in 2023 Amid Life Threat Concerns

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh revealed recently that he contemplated stepping down from his position following a credible threat to his life disclosed to him in December 2023. During a campaign stop in London, Ontario, Singh shared his concern regarding the matter, especially estimating the impact on his family. He disclosed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) informed him of the threats, leading to heightened security measures for him and his family over the course of late 2023 and early 2024. The seriousness of the situation struck him profoundly, particularly as his wife, Gurkiran Kaur Sidhu, was pregnant with their second child while their first daughter was almost two years old at the time. This traumatic experience led him to stay indoors for safety, and he reflected on the tough discussions he had with his wife about his role within the party amidst the threat against him.

Ultimately, Singh decided to continue leading the NDP, motivated by his unfinished political duties, particularly the implementation of a national dental care program that his party had previously advocated for. Singh indicated that the RCMP did not disclose the source of the threats but hinted that they might have been linked to foreign government interests. This incident is not isolated; other political figures, including Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, have also received RCMP protection, particularly in light of recent global political events that have sparked increased threats against politicians in Canada.

The protective measures taken for Singh and his colleagues coincide with rising international tensions in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and Canada’s accusations against Indian state agents concerning the unexpected murder of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Singh was cautious about discussing the nature of the threats but confirmed that his party was adhering to advice provided by the RCMP regarding security protocols. In recent campaign engagements, he noted that ordinary Canadians have expressed concerns about foreign interference and threats, which prompted him to bring his own experience to light.

The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was regarded as a terrorist by the Indian government and was heavily involved in promoting an independent Sikh state, has further exacerbated discussions around foreign interference in Canada. Following accusations from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who implicated the Indian government in Nijjar’s murder, Singh faced questions about the implications for the Sikh community in Canada during his visit to a local gurdwara. He recognized an opportunity to leverage his platform and bring attention to these pressing concerns surrounding threats of foreign interference in Canadian politics.

Permitting MPs access to RCMP protection is typically reserved for high-ranking officials like the prime minister and the governor general, with additional protective measures allocated to others based on necessity. The financial implications of safeguarding MPs have increased significantly in recent years due to escalating security needs. According to sergeant-at-arms Pat McDonell, there has been an alarming 800 percent increase in reports of harassment against MPs over the past five years, much of which transpires online.

As Singh disclosed this sensitive information just days ahead of a crucial federal election, the NDP was grappling with declining support in polls and the threat of losing its official party status. His revelations about personal threats served to illustrate a broader issue – the escalating climate of political hostility and the tangible risks faced by elected officials amid evolving global dynamics. Reflecting on his personal journey, Singh acknowledged the importance of voicing such experiences to underline the severity of foreign interference and its ramifications for everyday Canadians, reinforcing the urgent discourse on securing safety for public representatives in a politically charged environment.