Here’s what to know about Edmonton’s new history-making mayor

Well folks, the Edmonton mayoral election took place yesterday, and the people have spoken! With just over 45% of the votes cast going towards him at the time of writing, Amarjeet Sohi has become the next mayor of Edmonton, replacing Don Iveson. So, what’s he all about? If you’re not sure, here’s what to know.

Born in 1964, Sohi immigrated with his family to Edmonton from India in 1981. He attended Bonnie Doon High School, and then spent a while as a bus driver for the city. However, politics became his calling, and he eventually was elected to the Edmonton City Council in 2007.

Following 8 years on City Council, Sohi moved to the federal side, becoming an MP for Edmonton Mill Woods in 2015. During his tenure, he served as Minister of Infrastructure and Communities (2015-2018) and Minister of Natural Resources (2018-2019) before losing his seat in the 2019 federal election.

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Sohi’s platform has 6 main parts- Quality of Life, Environment & Climate, Equity, Public Services, Economic Development and Social Support. His proposals include, but are not limited to:

• Investing in community parks and greenspaces so every Edmontonian is within a 10-minute walk from a park.
• Identifying vacant commercial and residential buildings for conversion into affordable housing.
• Co-developing a plan to address hate- and race-based violence with the community.
• Championing Edmonton as a construction hub for green energy to the region, the province, the country and the world.
• Creating a Business Advocate Office to help businesses navigate City processes and champion their needs.
• A commitment that I will aim to maintain a 0% change in property taxes.

His endorsements included an Associate Professor at U of A’s Faculty of Nursing, a union representing transit workers, and a variety of consultants related to equity, diversity, and inclusion among others.

Oh, and finally, he’s the first-ever person of colour to become Edmonton’s mayor! Good luck Mr. Sohi, we can’t wait to see what Edmonton becomes while you’re at the helm!