Amarjeet Sohi sees chances for success by Liberals in Edmonton

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Despite Alberta’s deep Conservative roots, Amarjeet Sohi believes that despite his election in the upcoming federal election, he is expected to advocate for the region’s potential in the hydrogen and artificial intelligence industries.

Sohi officially fulfilled the Canadian Liberal Party in southeast Edmonton after the city council approved his unpaid leave. Edmonton had only three liberal candidates – Sohi, Ron Thiering and Eleanor Olszewski of Edmonton Gateway on Tuesday – Eleanor Olszewski is approaching April 28.

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But Sohi is optimistic, saying “absolutely” there is more time for candidates to come forward and he hopes they have a chance to win here.

“While my main focus will be southeast Edmonton, I will help them in what way they can help them,” he said in an interview Monday.

“Every candidate will work hard and present the vision that Prime Minister Carney has expressed. The economy must work for people and I want to be part of a government focused on building an economy that is suitable for ordinary people.”

Edmonton on the table

This is Sohi’s second time out of the federal election from the city council. In 2015, he left the former Edmonton Mill Woods to ride, winning the liberals and winning.

For the Edmontonian, worried that the déjàvu who might not have received an early exit, Suxi defended his political past.

He argued that Edmonton was a member of Congress and cabinet minister in the former Liberal government, benefiting from federal funding. Funding to expand the Huangtou Trail, 50th and 82nd Street Rail overpass and build the LRT is proof of that, he said.

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“My first priority has always been, and it will always be, how I can serve Edmontonians better,” he said. “I did something important for Alberta and did a big thing for Edmonton.

“I have delivered to Edmontonians. This is my focus as mayor, and that’s my focus – whether I’m a member of the council, a member of Congress, mayor or minister, or a citizen to give back.”

If he wins this game and the government of the liberals, Sohi promises to advocate for the city again.

This time, his vision is a perception of federal investment to support the Edmonton area as a hydrogen hub and artificial intelligence.

“I think we need to redouble our efforts (on hydrogen) and the Edmonton area is expected to be a leader. Edmonton is actually the leader in AI,” he said.

“I feel like there is a lack of voices in Edmonton and the government advocating these issues. I think this is where I focus on — large economic growth projects.”

Likewise, he promises to advocate for more federal spending on Indigenous housing projects in urban centers such as Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Calgary to address the housing crisis.

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Candidates argue southeastern Edmonton

Other Edmontonians also want to represent Southeast Edmonton in Parliament.

Lawyer Jagsharan Singh Mahal is the Conservative Party of Canada’s candidate. His campaign office declined to interview Tuesday because “his schedule is a complete meeting with voters.”

Harpreet Grewal is running for Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP).

Grewal, a licensed practice nurse in Edmonton for more than 22 years, said the “deterioration” of the health care system is driving her to run.

As an advocate for patients, she believes running for the Political Office is an opportunity to listen and advocate for people in the way she currently advocates for patients.

“I’m worried as a nurse and a citizen, that’s why I decided to run. I feel like someone has to do that – why can’t it be me? We can’t just keep waiting for someone to step in.”

“You have to be able to listen to ingredients before doing anything. If you are not a good listener, you shouldn’t be a politician.”

Grewal wants to see more directions about how to spend federal funds on health care in each province. She said the waiting room was “bulging” and it shouldn’t be like this.

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“Our Canadian health law guarantees that we should have some opportunities for care regardless of payment capacity. I think that’s changing,” she said.

“How I hope to spend that money.”

Former Councilman Ben Henderson, who is considering becoming a candidate, confirmed to Postmedia Tuesday that he will not run for the election.

lboothby@postmedia.com

@laurby

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