:dateline:This past weekend, the New Democratic Party in Canada held a leadership convention to select a new leader to replace the late Jack Layton–an immensely popular figure in the Sikh community.� He spoke out on the genocide of Sikhs in India and was a fearless proponent of the right of Sikhs to wear a kirpan.
Seven candidates ran to succeed Jack Layton, including an Amritdhari Sikh, Jarnail Singh (more commonly known as Martin Singh).� Jarnail Singh is a convert to Sikhi who took amrit nearly two decades ago.� Jarnail Singh was new on the scene and lacked political experience as compared to his rivals.
As a result, he finished sixth among the seven candidates at the convention.� However, his showcase to the convention on Friday received widespread accolades amongst commentators and pundits on TV who were reporting on the convention.� Many consider Jarnail Singh an up-and-comer in the New Democratic Party and potentially see him as a future leader.
Jarnail Singh is married to Amandeep Kaur, originally from Amritsar.� They have 3 children, twin boys and a girl. Jarnail Singh has four university degrees and is a successful businessperson.� He ran his leadership campaign on 4 policy plans: healthcare, the environment, the economy and leadership.
