Federal-municipal relations have many dimensions
advocated for public transit in particular expansion of the LRT system.
This lived experience of an immigrant making his way in a big city gives him a good perspective on big-city problems. How well will he understand the particular problems facing medium and small communities such as Niagara?
It’s a positive sign that he was involved with the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association when he was a councillor. He understands the workings of these provincial associations that advocate for municipalities. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the various provincial associations need to begin to work with Sohi to ensure that he understands the broad range of issues facing all municipalities in Canada, and that he understands that the Edmonton issues of growth are different from those facing smaller places.
The new Liberal government is off to a good start in its dealings with cities, but much will depend on how this new minister carves out his role.