Jaffer calls out debate exclusion

Edmonton, AB (October 3, 2025) - Today, Edmonton mayoral candidate Rahim Jaffer called out local broadcaster Ryan Jespersen for excluding him from a mayoral debate on his show Real Talk. The debate will feature only status quo candidates Tim Cartmell, Andrew Knack, and Michael Walters - three councillors who together have spent nearly 30 combined years at City Hall, presiding over failure and decline.

“There’s nothing real about this so-called debate,” Jaffer said. “70 per cent of Edmontonians believe these councillors have done a terrible job and want them gone. I have emerged as the leading voice for real change in this election, and Edmontonians should be able to hear what that looks like. Excluding me only proves the people that made this mess are scared of being held accountable.”

Jaffer said his campaign is gaining momentum by focusing on the issues Edmontonians care about - high taxes, out-of-control crime, getting back to basics - areas where the other candidates have a long and proven record of failure.

“This debate is only current or former councillors, circling the wagons and trying to get a promotion,” Jaffer said. “Edmontonians are angry, and now the status quo is trying to convince them they don’t have a real choice, but they do. On October 20, Edmontonians can vote for real change by electing Rahim Jaffer as their next mayor.”

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