Singh vows to fight for people even if there’s a minority government

BURNABY, B.C. — Jagmeet Singh kept hopes high during a final push for votes in British Columbia Sunday, saying New Democrats will fight for people regardless of the results of Monday’s election.

He made the pitch to hundreds of supporters in the Lower Mainland, visiting ridings held by Liberals and Conservatives that the party is hoping to swing orange.

“No matter what happens tomorrow, we are not going to waver on our commitment to put people first,” Singh said during his final address to the media in Burnaby Sunday morning.

People dressed in orange cheered loudly as they crowded the sidewalks during a later stop in the Vancouver Granville riding.

The large show of support in the riding once held by former Attorney General Jody WilsonRaybould appeared to offer a morale boost for the party, which is tracking behind the Liberals and Conservatives.

The latest opinion polling shows another minority government seems likely, but Singh remained steadfast that he is running to be prime minister.

He said Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole have teamed up in the past to make what he described as bad decisions for Canadians.

Singh said even if the election ultimately results in another minority government, the NDP will fight for people whether “it feels like Groundhog Day or not.”

“I’m looking to make government work for you,” Singh said in Burnaby.

When asked what the key issue would be for Singh to support another party in a minority parliament, he said he’s focused on making sure billionaires pay their fair share when it comes to the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The party is optimistic it will grow the 24 seats it held in the House of Commons at dissolution.

Singh said the toughest riding races for the New Democrats have been in Ontario.

“Folks are used to the cynical arguments of the Liberals,” Singh said, urging people not to buy into those ideas.

But it’s the Conservatives who are eyeing the region surrounding Toronto, often referred to simply as the 905 in reference to the local area code.