Amarjeet Sohi, a former political prisoner who survived solitary confinement and torture, has a diverse background as an actor, playwright, transit driver, human rights activist and vice-president of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.
OTTAWA – Former Edmonton councillor Amarjeet Sohi is one of two Alberta MPs sworn in Wednesday as part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s new cabinet.
Sohi was appointed Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
During his eight years on city council, Sohi earned a reputation for common-sense conciliation and calm council leadership. He was courted as a star candidate by the Liberals to run against Conservative cabinet minister Tim Uppal. A recount last week determined Sohi won by a narrow margin of 92 votes.
Sohi was a former political prisoner who survived solitary confinement and torture. He has a diverse background as an actor, playwright, transit driver, human rights activist and vice-president of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.
Expectations were high for cabinet appointments from both cities, but with many regional debts to pay, lots of talent in Trudeau’s caucus, and a promise of gender parity to keep, it was unclear if one or more Albertans would get appointments.
