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’s City Council for eight years, during which he held various positions, including Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Natural Resources. More on edmonton-yes.
Early Life of Sohi
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.
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.
Imprisonment in India
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.
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.
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’s release. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) also intervened. On July 9, 1990, Sohi was released from prison after his innocence was proven.
Political Career in Edmonton
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.
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’s West End.
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’s light rail transit system and initiated programs to revitalize the downtown area. His efforts also led to the construction of a senior citizens’ center, a new library, and a multicultural hub.
In 2015, Sohi was appointed Minister of Infrastructure for Edmonton. In 2018, he became Minister of Natural Resources.
Election as Mayor of Edmonton
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.
After winning the election, Sohi outlined his priorities as mayor:
- Allocating funds for housing initiatives
- Improving public transit
- Revitalizing Edmonton’s downtown core
Amarjeet Sohi’s journey from a young immigrant facing racial discrimination to becoming Edmonton’s mayor is a testament to resilience and dedication.