Singh made climate change and income inequality central to his campaign. I think that did resonate with people but that the message needs to be delivered more strongly and consistently.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/21/labour-manifesto-election-corbyn
If Jeremy Corbyn’s attacks on the billionaires, bankers and out-of-control multinationals are called the politics of envy, he’s not out of step with voters. The Hansard survey finds 63% think Britain’s system of government is “rigged to advantage the rich and powerful” – and they’re right.
I think the situation in Canada is similar. The NDP is still too timid. We need to say "hell yes there is a class war and we intend on fighting back!"
Conservatives get the populists because they actually do rabble rouse. They are not afraid to point fingers and denounce people. They don't try to prove their points overmuch they mostly just repeat them really a lot.
I loved Singh's response to where money would come from for clean water for all communities. He looked incredulous and said something to the effect "Canada is a wealthy country we can afford clean water." That response was pitch perfect. Short and to the point. Canadians take pride in our country's wealth.
People don't know the ins and outs of big finance and what the rules should be but they do know what makes sense and that the system is rigged on behalf of the mega rich, That's the term we have to use. Not just wealthy, billionaires. Jobs are not a favor, a gift. Jobs are what generate wealth for employers. Without labor they wouldn't have a business. As for automation, paying higher wages is not the cause. Any wage is too high if a job can be automated.