Federal New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh kicked off the British Columbia regional component of his federal election campaign in Burnaby, B.C. on Sunday.
Coming off the heels of a record-setting Pierre Poilievre rally in Surrey, B.C. that drew thousands, Jagmeet Singh and the NDP launched their regional campaign with a “meet and greet” event in Burnaby, B.C. with a few dozen attendees.
The event—which was heavily protected by a large security detail, was delayed by over two hours, and was originally pitched as a free outdoor BBQ—took place at the party’s election campaign headquarters on Buller Street in South Burnaby.
Arriving late, the campaign bus was further delayed after having difficulties navigating its way into the alleyway adjacent to the campaign headquarters.
The campaign bus was forced to go around the block several times before eventually abandoning its original plan and parking on the street.
British Columbia has traditionally been a stronghold for the NDP, although this year’s polling shows a tight, two-way race between the Liberal and Conservative parties with some B.C. ridings shaping up to be critical battlegrounds.
Similar polling data shows that the party leader, Jagmeet Singh, could be at risk of not being re-elected in the new riding of Burnaby Central.
While drawing a paltry crowd compared to the Poilievre rally in Surrey and failing to deliver on its promise of a free outdoor BBQ, Singh addressed his supporters.
“The question is: ‘Who’s in it for you?’” said Singh.
“If you believe we should have universal dental care on top of our universal health care, vote NDP!” Singh urged.
Notably, despite propping up the Trudeau Liberals with a so-called “supply and confidence” agreement for three years, Canada never did achieve its goal of establishing a fully universal dental care system.
“We are proud of our country, strong and free. But what are we wrapping ourselves in when we wrap ourselves in the Canadian flag? What are the values we’re wrapping ourselves in?” Singh said.
“Our elbows are up. We’re fighting back. We will never be the 51st state,” Singh pledged.