HALIFAX -- The federal New Democrat leader made the case Saturday that his heavy focus on social programs will help rejuvenate the party's fortunes in Nova Scotia by the next provincial election.
Jagmeet Singh spoke at the party's provincial convention in Halifax, arguing his promotion of a universal pharmacare bill, a national dental care plan and a "massive" investment in affordable housing are gaining traction.
The NDP formed a single-term government in Nova Scotia under former premier Darrell Dexter in 2009, but the party's 31-seat majority was wiped out in 2009, with just seven seats remaining.
The social democratic party has struggled to rebuild since then, and also failed to elect Nova Scotia MPs in the 2019 federal election.
Under Gary Burrill's leadership, the provincial NDP has fallen to four seats, and last June it lost a byelection in a Halifax-area stronghold that had been held by the party since 1984.
During his speech to party delegates, Singh picked up on the recent reports of poor families in Halifax facing difficulties in obtaining affordable housing units, and promised he will press for improvement in federal funding.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Natasha Pace
