STATEMENT: How Tim Cartmell is the epitome of the status quo

Edmonton, AB (Sept. 26, 2025) – Today, Edmonton mayoral candidate Rahim Jaffer released a statement responding to Tim Cartmell’s claim that the choice in this election is between him and the status quo.

“Tim Cartmell is the epitome of the status quo and hypocrisy at City Hall. Despite all his election slogans, for eight years, he’s been pushing endless tax hikes, red tape, disastrous development policies, and soft-on-crime attitudes that have left Edmonton far less safe.

“Tim gave in to the anti-police agenda, and tried defunding the Edmonton Police Service by $16 million. He also suggested they should have their firearms and uniforms replaced, so they appear less ‘threatening.’ Moreover, Tim endorsed Edmonton’s disastrous blanket re-zoning policy that is destroying neighbourhoods and communities, then didn’t even bother showing up when he tried to move a motion to change it. Additionally, Tim supported many of the tax hikes that have made life unaffordable for families and businesses, including a whopping 6.4 per cent hike next year. And, to add insult to injury, he supported the city’s wasteful plan to spend $100 million on bike lanes.

“Today, Tim suddenly claims to be against all the things he once championed. One day he’s for defunding police, tax hikes, red tape, out-of-control infill policies, and wasteful bike lane spending - the next, he pretends to be their biggest opponent. That’s why people are calling him ‘Turnaround Tim.’ He’ll say whatever he thinks Edmontonians want to hear, but at the end of the day, he simply can’t be trusted.

“Edmonton deserves a leader who says what they mean and means what they say. I’ve been honest about my past, and it’s time for status quo candidates like Turnaround Tim to be honest about theirs. Our city doesn’t need more empty promises or flip-flopping - it needs real change and new leadership.”

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