Windsor

Windsor Sikh community supports Jagmeet Singh as he considers NDP leadership bid

The eclectically interested MPP for Brampton — whose list of accomplishments includes being a jiu-jitsu champion and being the subject of a GQ photo shoot — said he's "seriously considering" trying for his party's top job Thursday.

Singh spent much of his childhood in Windsor

Deputy Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party Jagmeet Singh speaks at the Ontario Legislature on Oct. 19, 2016. He has represented the riding of Bramalea—Gore—Malton in Legislative Assembly of Ontario since his election in 2011. (Pierre-Olivier Bernatchez/CBC)

Windsor could be the home town for a future Prime Minister if Jagmeet Sing decides to run for federal leadership of the NDP.

The eclectically interested MPP for Brampton — whose list of accomplishments includes being a jiu-jitsu champion and the subject of a GQ photo shoot — said he's "seriously considering" trying for his party's top job during an interview with CBC on Thursday.

Singh, 38, was born in Scarborough, Ont., but spent the bulk of his childhood in Windsor.

Harjinder Singh Kandola is the president of the Sikh Cultural Society and said the community here is already proud of what Singh has accomplished.

"We know Jagmeet was born and raised in Windsor as an active Sikh youth, who is now grown up as a great community leader," he said. "Him being considered for this big role to serve the country is indeed proud for all Windsorites, and especially for our Windsor Sikh youth to continue to make a difference in the community." 

Essex MPP Taras Natyshak considers Singh a friend and describes him as a politician whi is "capable and real."

Essex MPP Taras Natyshak.

Still, Natyshak said he's torn about Singh's potential leadership run.

"I would be sad to see him go," he said. "I understand why he would have such a great appeal at the federal level. I also understand that Jagmeet is a smart, savvy politician, and he knows that he has some work to do at the provincial level, and he can help bring our party potentially to government."

The NDP leadership convention is set for October. If Singh were to run he would need to win the leadership race and lead the New Democrats to their first win in a general election, before he would become Prime Minister.