{"id":2797,"date":"2025-01-13T10:29:12","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T16:29:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/?p=2797"},"modified":"2025-01-13T10:29:14","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T16:29:14","slug":"the-life-journey-of-edmonton-mayor-amarjeet-sohi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/the-life-journey-of-edmonton-mayor-amarjeet-sohi","title":{"rendered":"The Life Journey of Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Amarjeet Sohi is a prominent politician, former federal cabinet minister, and mayor of Edmonton. His life has been marked by both challenges and achievements, including a 21-month imprisonment in India over allegations of terrorism. After his release, Sohi moved to Edmonton, where he began his political career. He served on Edmonton&#8217;s City Council for eight years, during which he held various positions, including Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Natural Resources. More on <a href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/\">edmonton-yes.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0c176d3b0b1\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0c176d3b0b1\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/the-life-journey-of-edmonton-mayor-amarjeet-sohi\/#Early_Life_of_Sohi\" >Early Life of Sohi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/the-life-journey-of-edmonton-mayor-amarjeet-sohi\/#Imprisonment_in_India\" >Imprisonment in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/the-life-journey-of-edmonton-mayor-amarjeet-sohi\/#Political_Career_in_Edmonton\" >Political Career in Edmonton<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/the-life-journey-of-edmonton-mayor-amarjeet-sohi\/#Election_as_Mayor_of_Edmonton\" >Election as Mayor of Edmonton<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Early_Life_of_Sohi\"><\/span>Early Life of Sohi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"494\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2798\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-8-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-8-768x474.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-8-696x430.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Amarjeet Sohi was born in India on March 8, 1964. His older brother, Jagdev, was the first in the family to move to Canada in search of a better life. In 1981, Jagdev brought 17-year-old Amarjeet to Edmonton. In his new city, Amarjeet faced racial discrimination but endured the challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sohi graduated from Bonnie Doon High School, dedicating significant time to learning English. During his teenage years, he worked in a fast-food restaurant and cleaned houses for wealthy families. He was actively involved in community theater and volunteered for various cultural and recreational initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Imprisonment_in_India\"><\/span>Imprisonment in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/2-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/2-7.jpg 960w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/2-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/2-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/2-7-696x392.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1988, Sohi traveled to India to visit his family. At the time, intense protests against land reforms were underway. Sohi participated in demonstrations to show his support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During one of these protests, he was arrested by police and accused of terrorism. He was tortured and interrogated for a week before being imprisoned without trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sohi gained attention through week-long hunger strikes, which drew the interest of local Indian media. Back in Edmonton, his brother convinced MP David Kilgour to advocate for Sohi&#8217;s release. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) also intervened. On July 9, 1990, Sohi was released from prison after his innocence was proven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Political_Career_in_Edmonton\"><\/span>Political Career in Edmonton<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sohi returned to Edmonton in 1990 and spent several years rebuilding his life. In 1991, he began working as a bus driver for the Edmonton Transit System. In 1994, he became a Canadian citizen, marking the start of a new chapter in his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2004, Sohi ran for Edmonton City Council in Ward 6 but placed third out of six candidates. In 2005, he joined a community group focused on crime prevention in Edmonton\u2019s West End.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sohi achieved significant political success in 2007 when he was elected to City Council in Ward 6. Over his eight years on the council, he focused on improving Edmonton&#8217;s light rail transit system and initiated programs to revitalize the downtown area. His efforts also led to the construction of a senior citizens\u2019 center, a new library, and a multicultural hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2015, Sohi was appointed Minister of Infrastructure for Edmonton. In 2018, he became Minister of Natural Resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Election_as_Mayor_of_Edmonton\"><\/span>Election as Mayor of Edmonton<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On October 18, 2021, Sohi was elected mayor of Edmonton, receiving 45% of the vote. In his election speech, he congratulated his opponents and promised structural changes for the city. Sohi emphasized his commitment to making Edmonton a welcoming home for people of all nationalities and encouraging their active participation in community life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After winning the election, Sohi outlined his priorities as mayor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allocating funds for housing initiatives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improving public transit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Revitalizing Edmonton\u2019s downtown core<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Amarjeet Sohi\u2019s journey from a young immigrant facing racial discrimination to becoming Edmonton\u2019s mayor is a testament to resilience and dedication.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Amarjeet Sohi is a prominent politician, former federal cabinet minister, and mayor of Edmonton. His life has been marked by both challenges and achievements, including a 21-month imprisonment in India over allegations of terrorism. After his release, Sohi moved to Edmonton, where he began his political career. He served on Edmonton&#8217;s City Council for eight [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":415,"featured_media":2804,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[497],"tags":[1153,1161,1155,1157,1165,1164,1156,1162,1158,1146,1154,1150,1149,1163,1159,1160],"motype":[491],"moformat":[89],"moimportance":[101,104],"class_list":{"0":"post-2797","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-about-the-mayor","8":"tag-amarjeet-sohi","9":"tag-amarjeet-sohi-achievements","10":"tag-amarjeet-sohi-biography","11":"tag-amarjeet-sohi-election","12":"tag-amarjeet-sohi-housing-policy","13":"tag-amarjeet-sohi-imprisonment","14":"tag-amarjeet-sohi-india","15":"tag-amarjeet-sohi-priorities","16":"tag-canadian-politicians","17":"tag-edmonton-city-council","18":"tag-edmonton-infrastructure","19":"tag-edmonton-mayor","20":"tag-edmonton-politics","21":"tag-edmonton-revitalization","22":"tag-edmonton-transit-system","23":"tag-multicultural-edmonton","24":"motype-eternal","25":"moformat-vlasna","26":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","27":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2797","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/415"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2797"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2797\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2807,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2797\/revisions\/2807"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2804"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2797"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2797"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2797"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2797"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2797"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2797"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}