The federal New Democrats are in a period of renewal after Monday’s election, according to Nova Scotia NDP leader Claudia Chender.

The party went from 24 seats to about 7, depending on last-minute results from some polls, and leader Jagmeet Singh stepped down after losing his own seat.

Chender says the Liberals have a minority and have to work with other parties.

“The NDP have shown time and time again that their number one concern is for the well-being of Canadians,” says Chender.

This election was a series of special events, she says, that lead to people voting in fear of polarized, American-style politicians with Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party.

However, party leader Poilievre frequently criticized Trump for his threats to Canada’s independence, his threats to turn the country into the 51st state, and his tariffs on Canadian exports. Poilievre also lost his seat but was clear in his election night speech that he planned to stay on as party leader.

Chender says Singh helped create the dental care plan, free diabetes drugs, and more.

That’s why, she says, he will leave a legacy of important work.

“He brought a lot of integrity and heart to the work of politics, and so really grateful to him for that.”