Image supplied by Manjit Sohi / Sohi is running for mayor of Abbotsford.

By Laurice Gomes

Abbotsford Mayoral Candidate

‘We need to start having these tough conversations’ Abbotsford mayoral candidate Manjit Sohi

Sep 20, 2022 | 5:00 PM

ABBOTSFORD — Manjit Sohi is running for mayor of Abbotsford, and he is confident his experience will mitigate positive change—especially where affordable housing is concerned.

“Our city is growing, our needs are growing, our demographic is growing,” he said. “Whether it’s affordable housing, substance abuse issues, flood mitigation, lack of infrastructure—when I look at all of these issues within the community, that is what made me determined to bring my 25 years of experience to the city council table.”

Sohi ran for council in September in the byelection, and this will be his first time running for mayor.

With an extensive background working for the municipal government in the building departments, Sohi’s experience has covered Abbotsford, North Vancouver, North Vancouver District, West Vancouver, and Langley.

“My management style, my experience, and my community involvement are things that will benefit the council table,” he remarked. “Understanding how my experience from permit to policy—that is where I understand how it works and bring leadership skills to the table that will help us move forward.”

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Sohi also touched on the need for adequate park and recreational spaces, dealing with commercial vehicle parking, public safety within the city, and homelessness.

“We need to start having these tough conversations,” he emphasized. “Our homeless population has doubled, and if you ask them what’s the biggest reason they cannot find a place, they say affordability.”

Sohi immigrated to Canada in 1987 and married his wife, Amerit, at the Abbotsford Sikh Temple in 1988; they have raised their three boys in the city.

“I’m a leader that can bring consensus—all eight councillors will be bringing in skillsets and my role will be to ensure that we all move in the right direction,” he said.

Sohi welcomes conversations and can be reached by phone at 604-832-1994 or by email at info@teamsohi.com.