Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, new council sworn in at Edmonton City Hall
Edmonton's new council was sworn in at a city hall ceremony Tuesday afternoon, with the new mayor making his "Edmonton for all" election slogan the theme of his inaugural speech.
Amarjeet Sohi started his address with a Treaty 6 land acknowledgement before applauding Edmontonians for electing what is widely considered the most diverse council in the city's history.
"Today, I am moved. Edmonton, look at who you have elected. A phenomenal, diverse group of people including eight women," Sohi said.
"This is what you have already accomplished by choosing an Edmonton for all of us. Be proud of what you have done. Look, this is Edmonton."
Sohi thanked Don Iveson for his eight years as mayor and said they bonded over the "city we both love."
The mayor also said he appreciated the work of the previous council.
Sohi acknowledged the challenging times he faces, saying he is grieving the 1,300 Edmontonians that have died during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said supporting people with addictions, "tackling" climate change and improving safety on city streets are some of his top priorities.
"Many of you are worried about your jobs, your businesses, and what kind of future your kids will have in this city," Sohi said.
"We see you, and we hear you, and I promise that we will always remain focused on you."
NEW COUNCIL DIVERSE, MOSTLY PROGRESSIVE
The Oct. 18 vote saw a record number of people of colour and women elected.
Sohi became the first person of colour elected mayor of Edmonton.
Keren Tang and Jennifer Rice share the title of becoming the first racialized women to serve as city councillors in Edmonton.
Eight female councillors take seats at the table where just two women sat during the previous council.
Just four councillors returned after several incumbents decided not to run again, and four councillors were defeated.
Andrew Knack, Tim Cartmell, Aaron Paquette and Sarah Hamilton return from the last council.
Erin Rutherford, Ashley Salvador, Anne Stevenson, Michael Janz, Karen Principe and Jo-Anne Wright all join Tang and Rice as rookie councillors.
Political experts have also labelled the majority of this new council as progressive, with two conservatives (Rice and Principe), and two ‘small C’ conservatives (Cartmell and Hamilton).
The ceremony was smaller than usual, due to COVID-19 considerations. It was streamed online by the city and broadcast live at the Stanley Milner Library.
SOHI'S FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS
On Tuesday, Sohi brought forward his first notice of motion as mayor.
He wants city officials to work with Edmonton's Anti-Racism Advisory Committee and community members to come up with strategies to fight racism and hate-based violence.
"We have seen a large number of incidents particularly against Muslim women wearing hijabs, and we also seen the rise of racism against members of Edmonton's Asian communities during COVID because of misinformation," Sohi told reporters after the meeting.
"We also have seen threatening and inappropriate calls coming to temples and gurudwaras and we've seen incidents overall on the rise."
The motion also calls for the city to lobby the provincial and federal governments for money and support to address the issue.
The city had not yet released its calendar for upcoming council meetings.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.