BURNABY, B.C. – Facing increased scrutiny since leading his party to a painful election day loss, former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has revealed his future plans to be, “A whole lotta not much.”
Speaking from the basement couch in his home in Burnaby, B.C., Singh said he’s ready for a “super chill summer” featuring a variety of low-stress activities, such as sleeping in, ignoring email, making friendship bracelets, trying out new breakfast cereals, avoiding watching CBC News Network, and traveling exclusively by skateboard. At the top of Singh’s list is taking an improv class.
When asked if he planned to release a statement outlining his campaign’s missteps, and recommending a plan to rebuild party support, Singh answered, “My life’s been too scripted lately. But in Improv class, you can say anything. You could say ‘bing-bong bubble-butts’ and everyone respects that.”
Under Singh’s leadership, the NDP saw record election losses, with their 24 parliamentary seats tumbling to just seven. But Singh took it in stride. “The only seats I’m counting this summer will be the two chairs on a bare stage that I pretend are a car.”
The federal NDP finds itself in a precarious position, no longer qualifying for official party status, which means losing the right to ask the government questions during Question Period. “In improv, asking too many questions is a bad thing. It forces your scene partner to come up with all the ideas, and that’s not cool,” said Singh.
When pressed for any concrete plans for the weeks ahead, Singh insisted, “I’m just going to be present and follow my impulses, like Colin Mochrie. Tomorrow I might try slack-lining. Or I might show up at Wab Kinew’s house with my Xbox and some Taco Bell. Who knows?”
There was one matter Singh was clear about. “There’s no way I’m taking ‘Intro to Improv’. I’ve been on 22 Minutes. I’m definitely ‘Intermediate Improv’ material.”
Asked if the historic losses, including Singh’s own seat, had taken a personal toll, Singh gave a weary smile.
“Sometimes the only way to move forward is to stand at the edge of the stage, look out into that darkness, and hope you get some good suggestions.”
