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March 17th, 2019

Jagmeet Singh Officially Sworn In to the House of Commons

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada and newly elected Member of Parliament for Burnaby South, made the following statement on Sunday as he made history as the first racialized leader of a party to be swornin tothe House of Commons:

“If you had asked me when I was a kid, I would’ve never imagined being here today. I would’ve never imagined that someone who looks like me could ever run to be prime minister.

I’m honoured to be here to take my seat in the House of Commons. I’m so thankful to the people of Burnaby South for putting their trust in me. Standing here today, I hope it sends a message to young Canadians that yes – yes you can.

Canadians across the country feel let down. People are working hard, they’re trying to make ends meet but, they’re finding it tougher than ever to afford a place to call home, to care for ageing family members or to buy the medication they desperately need.

We’re not here by chance, we’re here because of failures of consecutive Conservative and Liberal governments. My friends, for too long we’ve been forced to choose between bad and worse and it’s not right. Canadians deserve better. Now more than ever before. And as the new MP for Burnaby South, that’s what I commit to.

I commit to building on Jack Layton’s message of love, hope and optimism with courage. New Democrats are the champions of the solutions people need now - for Quebecers and all Canadians. We have to have the courage to do what’s right before it’s too late.”