Jagmeet Singh Jimmy Dhaliwal, born on January 2, 1979, is a prominent Canadian politician and lawyer of Punjabi Sikh descent. He made history as the first non-White leader of a major federal political party in Canada when he was elected leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in 2017, succeeding Tom Mulcair. Prior to his federal role, Singh served as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) in Ontario from 2011 to 2019, representing the riding of Bramalea—Gore—Malton—Springdale. During his time in provincial politics, he was known for his advocacy on social justice issues, including criminal justice reform and anti-racism efforts, drawing from his background as a criminal defense lawyer. Singh entered federal politics in 2019, winning the seat for Burnaby South in British Columbia, and led the NDP until 2025, focusing on policies addressing housing affordability, healthcare, and climate change. As NDP leader, Singh navigated complex alliances, including a 2022 confidence-and-supply agreement with the Liberal government under Justin Trudeau, which allowed the NDP to influence federal legislation in exchange for supporting the minority government. His leadership emphasized progressive values, Indigenous reconciliation, and support for workers' rights. Singh's personal style, including his visible Sikh identity with a turban and beard, has made him a symbol of diversity in Canadian politics. He has faced controversies, such as criticisms over his handling of internal party issues and public disputes, including adversarial relations with figures like Ezra Levant. Despite stepping down as leader in 2025, Singh remains an influential figure in Canadian left-wing politics, continuing to serve as an MP until that year. Born and raised in Ontario to immigrant parents from Punjab, India, Singh's upbringing in a working-class family shaped his commitment to equity. He practiced law for over a decade before entering politics, specializing in criminal defense and human rights. Singh is married to Gurkiran Kaur-Bedi, and they have a son born in 2020. His multilingual abilities and cultural advocacy have broadened the NDP's appeal to diverse communities.