Edmonton mayoral candidate Cartmell calls Sohi’s failed federal campaign a ‘distraction’

The mayor of Edmonton’s failed bid to win a seat in the House of Commons was a distraction, according to the councillor vying to replace him.

While Coun. Tim Cartmell commended Amarjeet Sohi’s attempt to return to Ottawa as a Liberal MP for Edmonton Southeast, he also insinuated the campaign was a hindrance to the city.

RELATED: Amarjeet Sohi defeated by Conservative candidate in Edmonton Southeast

Sohi was on unpaid leave from his duties as mayor during the election campaign, which ended with defeat to Conservative candidate Jagsharan Singh Mahal. Councillors Karen Principe and Anne Stevenson took turns as deputy mayor in Sohi’s absence.

“This moment is a reminder that Edmontonians deserve leadership fully focused on the challenges we face right here at home,” Cartmell, the councillor for Ward pihêsiwin, told CityNews in a statement.

“From affordability and safety to delivering basic city services, people are asking for action – not distractions.”

Sohi is returning to the city’s top job for the next six months – until the October municipal election. In his concession speech Monday night, the 61-year-old reiterated he will not be seeking re-election.

“I will not be running for mayor again, but I will be looking opportunities to serve Edmonton with volunteer positions that become available,” he said.

Andrew Knack says the result in Edmonton Southeast has no bearing on speculation he may run for mayor in October.

“The outcome, whether or not he was elected to Parliament, wouldn’t impact the decision that I’m going to make,” the Ward Nakota Isga councillor said.

Edmontonians head to the polls Oct. 20.