How the NDP Under Jagmeet Singh Would Change Immigration Policy

Editor's Note (Election Day - April 28, 2025): Canadians are voting today in the Federal Election 2025. This article details the NDP's vision for immigration under Jagmeet Singh. The extent to which the NDP might influence future immigration policy often depends on whether the election results in a minority or majority government.

AskAïa is providing live analysis of the overall election results and their potential impact on Canadian immigration. Follow our live coverage and expert analysis here: AskAïa's Live Election Results & Immigration Impact Analysis.

Canada is a nation built on immigration—a vibrant mix of cultures that fuels innovation and growth. With the 2025 federal election approaching, immigration has become one of the country’s most urgent and debated issues.

Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), offers a bold and inclusive plan. His priorities include faster application processing, support for family reunification, and easier pathways from temporary to permanent residency. Though the NDP holds around 9% of national support, its influence in a minority government could make it a key player in shaping immigration policy.

Why Jagmeet Singh and the NDP Could Shape Immigration in 2025

A Leader Focused on Inclusion, Rights, and Results

Jagmeet Singh has led the NDP since 2017 and is widely recognized for his progressive vision. He emphasizes justice, equality, and practical reforms that directly affect immigrants and working families. His leadership blends empathy with action, championing the rights of newcomers.

How the NDP Can Influence Canada’s Immigration Laws

While the NDP polls below the leading parties, its presence is often decisive in a minority parliament. When no party wins a clear majority, the NDP can push for immigration reforms in exchange for supporting the ruling party’s legislation.

In the past, this leverage helped secure programs like national dental care. In 2025, Singh could use it to win commitments on faster processing, better worker protections, and stronger family reunification. This makes the NDP a meaningful actor—even if it doesn’t form government.

The NDP’s Plan: Faster, Fairer, and More Inclusive Immigration

Speeding Up the Process: From Temporary Permit to PR

Jagmeet Singh’s plan focuses on delivering practical solutions for skilled immigrants. A top priority is accelerating application timelines and ensuring families can reunite without years of delay. His platform also calls for transitioning immigrants away from precarious temporary statuses to more secure permanent residency.

Ending Closed Work Permits and Improving Worker Protections

Another major pillar is the elimination of closed work permits, which currently tie workers to a single employer and expose them to abuse. The NDP proposes more flexible work options and rights protections to improve economic mobility and social integration. Singh advocates for measurable performance goals to track progress and ensure transparency in service delivery.

Dignity for All: Status, Safety, and Refugee Support

The NDP has pledged to regularize the status of undocumented residents, helping them gain legal protection and access to public services. It also supports expanding refugee admissions and strengthening resettlement support, especially for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the party proposes to further reduce family reunification processing times and invest in newcomer services to support successful long-term integration.

How Singh’s Immigration Plan Stands Apart from Trudeau, Poilievre, and Blanchet

In 2025, the major federal parties have taken distinct stances on immigration. Mark Carney's Liberals have shifted toward a more cautious tone, reducing both permanent and temporary immigration levels in response to growing concerns over housing shortages and service delivery. Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives propose an even stricter approach, linking immigration quotas directly to housing availability, reinforcing border controls, and emphasizing economic utility over humanitarian considerations. The Bloc Québécois, focused on Quebec’s autonomy, supports temporary moratoriums and seeks to redistribute asylum seekers across provinces while tailoring thresholds to the province’s infrastructure capacity.

In contrast, Jagmeet Singh and the NDP offer a flexible, humanitarian vision. Rather than fixed caps, the NDP proposes responsive policies based on economic and social needs. Singh prioritizes regularization of undocumented migrants, conversion of temporary permits into permanent residency, and robust refugee support. This approach stands out for its emphasis on long-term integration and equity, particularly at a time when other parties are leaning toward restriction and control.

Singh’s Immigration Policy: Fairness, Flexibility, and Integration

Jagmeet Singh’s immigration plan aims to modernize Canada’s system by making it faster, fairer, and more humane. With concrete proposals focused on reducing delays, improving worker protections, and supporting families, the NDP offers a clear alternative for immigrants seeking stability and respect.

While not the frontrunner in the election, the NDP could play a pivotal role in shaping immigration policy if the next government depends on its support. For immigrants, that influence could mean faster approvals, better rights, and a clearer path to permanent residency.