Meet Mayor Amarjeet Sohi

On November 21, 1981, an 18-year-old arrived in Edmonton for the first time. As he stepped off the plane onto the frosty tarmac, the biting cold stung, in stark contrast to the warmth he left behind. Little did he know that this city would become his home and the canvas on which he'd paint a remarkable journey. Now, as the mayor of Edmonton, Amarjeet Sohi is a passionate advocate for the city, its people, and its untold stories.

Locations in video: Tawatinâ LRT Bridge

Q: We know you came to Canada in 1981. Please share your first impressions and experiences as a newcomer to our city.

Mayor Sohi: When I landed at the airport, I never imagined how cold this place was going to be. It was the coldest I have ever felt in my life. But, after a few months, I fell in love with this city. 

Q: What has changed about the city since your arrival?

Mayor Sohi: Our city has grown, the population has almost tripled, it has become a more diverse city than it ever was and I notice the diversity. Here is a big city now, it has the feel of a big city, the vibrancy of a big city, and unfortunately the challenges of a big city.

Q: Talk about your experiences in Edmonton.

Mayor Sohi: I love Edmonton. It's a phenomenal place that has given me so much. I’ve been able to build my life here and I’m so indebted to the people of Edmonton for giving me and my family the opportunities that we have. It’s such an honour of my life to serve in this role as mayor and give back through my experiences and try to turn that into policy for the betterment of the city and build an Edmonton for all of us. 

The struggles that I had and the challenges that I faced of racism, discrimination, marginalization and not feeling like I belonged in this place. Through hard work, through the support of the community, I’ve been able to overcome those and now it is my role that I create conditions in this city where everyone feels welcome, that everyone feels that they have the ability to thrive and this is their city.
 

Q: You started your City career as an Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) bus driver. Tell us about some of the other jobs you held before you became the mayor.

Mayor Sohi: You know, I have done various jobs. I flipped burgers at restaurants, mopped floors, cleaned tables, worked as a taxi driver, worked as a Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS) driver, delivered newspapers in my youth and worked at my brother’s grocery store. So, I’ve done a lot of little things here and there before I became a bus driver.

I take pride in my working class roots and I always stay rooted in that tradition of hard work and making sure working class people and their voices are included in decision making. That’s why I’m so passionate about what I do and always cognizant that working class people don’t always have the opportunity to be heard. I have always kept it in mind that my roots should always be, that I should always be, focusing on hearing and bringing the working class perspective. 
 

More from Mayor Sohi on building a future where transit is for everyone. 

Q: How do you talk about Edmonton to people who have never been here?

Mayor Sohi: We have so much to offer in the city, the river valley is the largest urban park in North America. You can be in the middle of the city and still feel that you’re in the wilderness. The quality of services we provide are world class, from recreational facilities to arts and culture. The festivals that we hold here are world class festivals. The ease of moving around the city, whether by LRT or by your private vehicle—I’m glad we’re investing more in sustainable modes of transportation to provide that safe and environmentally sustainable choice for people to move around the city. 

The spirit of multiculturalism is so well and alive in this place and the way the community helps each other, the way people help each other, that’s something so unique about this city. That’s what I enjoy and that’s something we sometimes don’t brag enough about. We’re so shy to talk about our successes, we’re so shy to talk about such a great quality of life Edmonton offers and the opportunities for business growth.

Look at the innovation happening in this city, look at how the technology sector is growing, look at the post secondary institutions that are fostering innovation and supporting young people to make their dreams into a reality and look at the work being done by organizations like Edmonton Unlimited where ideas are turned into tangible things. There is so much going on in this city that we don’t brag about.

Q: Please share a few of your favourite places or things in Edmonton.

Mayor Sohi: Numerous—every part of this city has something unique but the river valley is something that I would say excites everyone and a lot of people enjoy it. Festivals—I love Edmonton because of its festivals and the contributions festivals make to the quality of life and economy of our city. 

Obviously, I’ve lived in the southeast part of the city, it’s such a dynamic and vibrant diverse place. But, every neighbourhood is unique in Edmonton—there are numerous neighbourhoods that I go for a walk in just to be there and enjoy their vibrancy. 

Q: What three words would you use to describe Edmonton?

Mayor Sohi: Place to be.
 

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself and your experiences in Edmonton?

Mayor Sohi: I love Edmonton because this is a city where someone like me with very little to my name can come and be the mayor through hard work, through my own resilience but at the same time that hard work and resiliency on its own would not be enough if the community’s not there to support you and this community has supported me all the way.

“This community has lifted me up and it continues to lift many people like me up so that they can live up to their full potential. That's the spirit of community that is so appreciated in Edmonton.”

Our Why Edmonton series profiles the amazing people who call and make Edmonton home. Meet:

• Hero Laird, a law student and research assistant who accidentally fell in love with Edmonton.
• Andrew Parker, basketball coach, educator and community builder who wants people to choose Edmonton and experience the care we have for one another.
• Danny Ross, an active participant in the arts and culture scene, who wants to share Edmonton’s unique point of view with the world.
• Lana Whiskeyjack, artist, assistant professor and writer inspired by the inclusive shifts in our city that gives her hope for future generations.
• Erick Estrada appreciates Edmonton’s small town vibes packed into a big city with opportunities.
• Gurleen Kuar Bhandohal, a student and nature lover, who sees big things for our city’s evolution.
• Olya Leshcheva knows our city’s atmosphere of understanding and acceptance helps newcomers feel welcome.
• Justin Der, an entrepreneur who knows that Edmontonians welcome and support local businesses.