Rahim Jaffer, who once represented Edmonton-Strathcona as a Conservative MP, officially announced his candidacy for Edmonton’s 2025 mayoral race yesterday during a community event in Churchill Square. The announcement marks Jaffer’s return to politics after a 15-year absence following his 2008 electoral defeat.
“Edmonton deserves leadership that balances fiscal responsibility with community investment,” Jaffer told a crowd of about 150 supporters. “I’ve learned from both my successes and challenges in public life, and I’m ready to bring that experience to city hall.”
Jaffer’s political comeback faces significant hurdles. His departure from federal politics was followed by legal troubles in 2010 when he faced charges of cocaine possession and drunk driving in Ontario. Though the drug charges were dropped in a plea deal, the incident damaged his political reputation.
The 53-year-old former parliamentarian appears to be positioning himself as a business-friendly candidate, emphasizing economic development and budget restraint. His announcement speech highlighted plans to streamline city permitting processes and address Edmonton’s growing homelessness crisis through public-private partnerships.
“We need to stop treating our business community like an ATM and start treating them like partners,” Jaffer said, criticizing what he called “excessive commercial property taxes” under current city leadership.
Edmonton political analyst Susan Thompson says Jaffer’s candidacy adds an interesting dimension to the race. “He brings name recognition, which is valuable, but also considerable baggage. Voters will have to decide if his past controversies outweigh his political experience.”
Current polling data from the Edmonton Community Research Institute suggests Mayor Amarjeet Sohi enjoys a 58% approval rating despite challenges with the downtown revitalization projects and transit safety concerns. Sohi has not officially announced his re-election bid but is widely expected to run.
Jaffer immigrated to Canada from Uganda as a child and made history in 1997 as the first Muslim MP elected to the House of Commons. During his announcement, he emphasized his immigrant background and deep connections to Edmonton’s diverse communities.
“This city gave my family refuge and opportunity when we needed it most. I want to ensure Edmonton remains that kind of place for everyone,” Jaffer told supporters, many from the city’s South Asian business community.
Community reaction has been mixed. Local business owner Maria Gonzalez attended the announcement and expressed cautious support: “I like his focus on reducing red tape for small businesses, but I need to hear more about his plans for affordable housing and transit.”
Climate activist Jordan Williams was less enthusiastic, noting Jaffer’s past opposition to the Kyoto Protocol during his time in Parliament. “Edmonton needs forward-thinking leadership on climate issues, not someone stuck in old ways of thinking,” Williams said.
The 2025 mayoral race is still taking shape, with Councillor Tim Cartmell and community advocate Nasreen Ahmed also rumored to be considering runs. The election is scheduled for October 20, 2025.
Jaffer’s campaign will face questions about his controversial past, including his 2011 dealings with the federal government after leaving office. A parliamentary committee found he had inappropriately used his connections to lobby for green energy projects without registering as a lobbyist.
“I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve paid for them,” Jaffer acknowledged when pressed by reporters. “I believe in second chances, and I’m asking Edmontonians to judge me on what I can do for this city going forward.”
Political science professor Dr. Raymond Chen from MacEwan University suggests Jaffer’s candidacy represents a broader trend of political comebacks. “We’re seeing more politicians re-emerge after scandal or defeat, betting that voters have short memories or are willing to forgive past transgressions if they believe the candidate has something valuable to offer now.”
Jaffer plans to release a detailed platform in the coming weeks, focusing on what his campaign calls “the Edmonton Renewal Plan” – addressing downtown safety, economic growth, and infrastructure maintenance.
Whether Edmonton voters are ready to embrace Jaffer’s return to public life remains the campaign’s central question. As Thompson noted, “In politics, timing is everything. Jaffer will need to convince voters that his time has come again.”
