NDP’s Singh says his caucus is united, after backlash to punishment of MP
Posted March 29, 2018 1:31 pm.
Last Updated March 29, 2018 2:20 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BURNABY (NEWS 1130) – Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says his caucus is united behind him, despite recent discord over his decision to punish a veteran member of Parliament.
After facing a backlash, Singh reversed his decision to oust Hamilton MP David Christopherson from his role as deputy chair of the procedure and House affairs committee.
Singh says it’s important to remember New Democrats often have differences of opinion.
“We’re New Democrats. People are going to have different opinions, it’s not a big deal. Many New Democrats are activists, they are used to speaking truth to power. I’m not so arrogant as a leader to believe that once I make a decision — that’s it.”
He says unlike other leaders he doesn’t shout people down but he listens to people, adding that’s the kind of prime minister Canadians want.
“I don’t shout down people and they say they got to listen to what I say and shut up and listen to what I put forward. My style is to listen to folks and to hear them out and I think that’s what Canadians want. Canadians want a leader who’s willing to listen to people, hear different opinions and find ways to move forward with different opinions.”
Singh still does not hold a seat in the House of Commons after winning the leadership in October and he says he’s comfortable where he is, but he will run if an opportunity comes up.
The leader was in Metro Vancouver today to tour a steel fabrication company, where he said he wanted to meet the workers who stand to be affected by potential US tariffs.
