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Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi Announces Candidacy for Federal Politics
In a significant development for Edmonton’s political landscape, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has declared his intention to re-enter federal politics. Sohi believes Canada requires adept leaders like him to counter the influences of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
This announcement came on the same day that Mark Carney instigated a federal election. Sohi has been officially unveiled as the Liberal candidate for Edmonton Southeast.
“This is the most consequential election of our lifetime — we must fight to defend our sovereignty, economy, and workers,” Sohi stated on Sunday, emphasizing the gravity of the current political climate.
“Our country is facing unprecedented times. President Trump is attacking our sovereignty, jobs, economy, and our way of life.”
Sohi, who has served Edmontonians in various capacities—including city councillor, member of Parliament, cabinet minister, and currently as mayor—has expressed his desire to leverage this experience for the benefit of all Canadians.
“Given the threat of this disruption, it is imperative that strong and experienced leaders step up to defend our workers, working families, local businesses, and our community.”
As the political landscape shifts, the Conservative Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party have yet to announce their candidates for the Edmonton Southeast riding.
Sohi’s personal journey reflects a deep-rooted commitment to social justice. After immigrating from India to Edmonton in 1981, he attended Bonnie Doon High School (now known as Vimy Ridge Academy). His activism began early, with notable experiences dates back to 1988 when, as a young social activist in India, he organized a protest. This led to his arrest and allegations of terrorism, resulting in nearly two years of wrongful imprisonment, much of which he spent in solitary confinement.
His release came after a political shift in local government, prompting his return to Canada, where he built a life, became a family man, and ultimately transitioned into politics after working as a bus driver.
“Canada is facing a critical moment in our history,” Sohi remarked, acknowledging the challenges posed by external influences. “While we can’t control President Trump, we can control how we respond — that is why I have decided to join Mark Carney in the fight for our community, for our province, and for our country.
“I will not back down.”
The mayor’s office has confirmed that Sohi will take an unpaid leave of absence during the federal campaign. Although he will retain his title as mayor, his official responsibilities will be temporarily managed by the deputy mayor. Edmonton’s city council follows a rotating deputy mayor system; currently, Karen Principe is serving as deputy mayor while Erin Rutherford acts in that capacity.
The mayor’s office indicated that the deputy mayor will oversee essential duties, such as chairing council meetings, during Sohi’s absence. Should he win a seat in Parliament on April 28, Sohi’s resignation from the mayoral role will trigger a council meeting to determine the interim leadership, possibly appointing a new acting mayor or maintaining the current rotation—ensuring the position of mayor is never left vacant.
Alberta political analyst John Brennan highlighted that Edmonton has seen similar transitions before, notably in 1988 when former mayor Laurence Decore left to lead the provincial Liberals. The council at that time chose an acting mayor from among its members until a new election could be held.
For some time, Sohi has been vague regarding his political future and whether he would seek re-election as mayor in the upcoming municipal election this October. However, during a recent visit from Mark Carney, he acknowledged having a fruitful discussion with the new Liberal party leader, who took the helm after the resignation of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Sohi’s extensive political experience includes serving eight years on city council and a successful run as the MP for Edmonton Mill Woods from 2015 until his defeat in 2019. His cabinet roles included Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of Natural Resources under Trudeau’s government. He ascended to the mayoralty in 2021.
As electoral boundaries have shifted since his last federal campaign, the former riding of Edmonton Mill Woods is now divided into two areas, with Sohi contesting in Edmonton Southeast.
This is a breaking news story. More details will follow.
Source
globalnews.ca