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CBC
26-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Former conservative MP Rahim Jaffer running for mayor, after years out of the public eye
A former conservative MP who left public life nearly 15 years ago says he wants to be Edmonton's next mayor. Rahim Jaffer — who represented Edmonton-Strathcona in Parliament for more than 11 years — says a private life of parenthood, running a small business, and sitting on school councils has put him in touch with community needs. Jaffer made headlines during his days in politics and in years to follow after a flurry of controversies, including a traffic violation, a finding that he broke the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct and a phoney interview on a Vancouver radio show. Why is he running for mayor? "The amount of challenges and lack of focus that I find in creating an environment for Edmontonians to really succeed, whether it's in business or any other area that they are focused on," he said in an interview Wednesday with CBC News. "Our city can do so much better, and I hope to offer that change." Five other contenders have also signalled their intent to run for mayor in Edmonton's Oct. 20 municipal election. They are: Past councillor Tony Caterina Ward pihêsiwin councillor Tim Cartmell Geological engineer Abdul Malik Chukwudi Ward Nakota Isga councillor Andrew Knack Pediatric dental surgeon Omar Mohammad Jaffer says feedback from customers at his Whyte Avenue restaurant, The Rooster, and the struggles of small business owners are among the frustrations prompting his council run. He says business owners are facing insurmountable costs and lengthy delays when trying to get permits to improve commercial properties. Jaffer said sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option for him. "Over the last decade, I've just seen a decline of the city," he said. "What I've continuously heard from people, over and over, is we really need some change. So today I'm going to offer that change." He said what differentiates him from other candidates who share his ideology is that he hasn't spent years in council chambers. Jaffer has a colourful history from his time as an MP, and in the years immediately following elected life. He says he won't try to run from those controversies — that at least his skeletons are all out in the open. "I was given a pink card, and it gave me a chance to take some steps back and think about things," said Jaffer, 53. "I was very fortunate to be able to have a son soon after. I had all that excitement when I left Ottawa, so I really focused on that." All that excitement, as he called it, includes a conviction for a provincial traffic offence of careless driving in connection with a September 10, 2009, incident in the village of Palgrave, Ont, after he'd left office. Jaffer accepted a plea deal, allowing him to dodge a criminal record after a traffic stop left him charged with impaired driving and possession of cocaine. A month later, Jaffer and his then-wife, Stephen Harper cabinet minister Helena Guergis, were at the centre of vague allegations of wrongdoing that saw Guergis kicked out of the Conservative caucus. The RCMP later cleared the couple of any criminal wrongdoing. Investigative reports suggested Jaffer had offered a businessperson special access to the Prime Minister's Office — access Harper's spokespeople said Jaffer didn't have. Guergis faced accusations that Jaffer was using the leverage of her office to make business deals. She then sat as an independent, and then lost the seat in the 2011 election. In 2011, the federal lobbying commissioner ruled Jaffer and his business partner at the time broke federal rules by neglecting to register as lobbyists while seeking federal funding for their projects. Jaffer also faced heat earlier in his political career when one of his staffers imitated him for a 45-minute live segment on a Vancouver radio station. Jaffer denies lobbying, drug use Alliance MP suspended over aide's impersonation What would 2025 Jaffer say to his 38-year-old self? "Hopefully you've learned a lot of lessons," he said. "I was young when I was in politics. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to serve this community for almost 12 years as the member of Parliament. And you know, when you have that kind of profile, you're also a target. So, look. I made mistakes." Businessperson and former Edmonton MP Ian McClelland, who served alongside Jaffer in Parliament and officiated his wedding to Guergis, said he was surprised to hear about Jaffer's mayoral run. "My initial reaction is, 'Why would he want to put himself into that position?'" he said in an interview Wednesday. "And my secondary reaction was, everyone deserves a second chance. He's a bright person. He comes from a very good family … I don't know anybody that hasn't made a stupid mistake in their life." McClelland says he hasn't talked to Jaffer in years. He said city council could benefit from more members who have experience trying to run a business in Edmonton. "Rahim has a huge hill to climb, and if he's able to do it, more power to him," he said.
Forbes
05-05-2025
- Forbes
Mother's Day Gift Guide 2025: Best European Destinations For Wellness
Charming and exclusive, J.K. Place Capri is one of the most sought-after boutique hotels in the region Europe is always a good idea, especially when it's with your loved ones. Whether you are celebrating Mother's Day with a thoughtful gift or simply wanting to create memories that'll last a lifetime, a mother-daughter escape solely dedicated to wellness and relaxation is the ultimate luxury that will nurture both your body and soul. From sleep clinics to Guerlain Spa, expect nothing but pure bliss at these European destinations. The first boutique resort of its kind in the region of Val di Noto, Sicily's serene UNESCO World Heritage destination, Il San Corrado di Noto is simply the perfect option for mothers and daughters looking for a slice of Sicilian authenticity and an abundance of space and privacy. With just 26 suites (each complete with an outdoor patio) and eight pool villas, the resort's spa comprises a hammam, Finnish sauna, frigidarium, solarium and relaxation space, fitness suite and tennis court. Think waking up to private yoga class while enjoying the views of the surrounding countryside or an afternoon outing discovering the lesser-known region and its history dating from 664 BC. Sunset at Il San Corrado di Noto Nestled within the mystical landscape of Antiparos, Greece, The Rooster exists in complete harmony with nature. With only 17 individual suites, villas and houses of differing size, the wellness retreat offers guests unparalleled relaxation in total privacy, all in an authentic — and breathtaking — setting of the soulful Greek island. The House of Healing is the resort's santuary for relaxation, where wellness experts give guests their own personalized consultation before assisting them in eliminating stress, fostering quality sleep and nurturing meaningful human contact. Indulge in Greek hospitality at the Rooster Just a few minutes' drive from Saint Tropez, Hôtel Lily of the Valley is perfect for the mother-daughter duo who wants a side of retail therapy and buzzy lunches to their wellness trip. Dedicated to wellness, detox and sport, the property's holistic approach revolves around three essential pillars: nutritional gastronomy developed with expert Jacques Fricker, targeted physical activities, and customized therapeutic treatments — all designed to rejuvenate both body and soul while still celebrating the pleasures of Mediterranean living. Exterior pool at Lily of the Valley The grand dame of the Amalfi Coast, the five-star property has been family-owned for over a century and is renowned for its unparalleled position offering uninterrupted panoramic sea views and warm Italian hospitality. If the Mediterranean way of living is not therapeutic enough, the hotel offers authentic Mediterranean Aromatherapy including a wide range of beauty treatments for the face and body, together with unique rituals that promote balance, harmony and serenity. Exclusive to the property is the famed 'Oro di Amalfi' — a massage that relaxes and stimulates the Chakras by using a delicate lemon-based oil for a toning, smoothing, and purifying effect. Room at Hotel Santa Caterina Newly open in January 2o25, ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea is designed to be the space where inner care and innovation merge. Located in Alicante, Spain, the property offers seven integrated health and wellness programs that promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual care, with options ranging from 3 nights with the Essential Program to more extensive personalized ones from 7 to 21 nights. The property's onsite ZEM Clinic offers a complete range of services in 25 specialities and 32 medical practices — think face and body scans and advanced genetic and cognitive diagnostic techniques, all under the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable medical team. For those looking for integral wellbeing, the 4,000m² ZEMness & Spa offers sensory experiences such as Himalayan salt cabin, hammam or cryotherapy. The ZEM Clinic at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea offers services in 25 specialities and 32 medical practices Beyond just rich heritage and unbeatable luxury in a scenic setting, this Puglia institution offers the perfect sanctuary for mother-daughter wellness escapes. Its award-winning Vair Spa blends advanced wellness diagnostics with personalized therapies that nurture both body and spirit, encouraging a shared journey of balance and renewal rather than quick fixes. Think Bioelectric Impedance Analysis, Oligoscan, and gradual, nurturing journey tailored to the individual. Beyond the spa, guests can deepen their bond through authentic cultural experiences with local artisans, chefs, and musicians — creating meaningful memories amidst the rich traditions of southern Italy. The Vair Spa at Borgo Egnazia encouraging a shared journey of balance and renewal rather than quick fixes With breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc from 26 luxury suites, The Woodward Auberge is the perfect destination for mother-daughter wellness retreats. The bespoke 'Like Mother Like Daughter' package, available at the property's chic Guerlain Spa, offers guests tailored treatments like classic massages and modernized beauty rituals aimed at celebrating generational bonds like no other. Those looking to enrich their shared experiences are in for a treat — think watchmaking masterclasses and creating personalized Guerlain fragrances, followed by culinary excellence at L'Atelier Robuchon, Geneva's only two-Michelin star restaurant. Suite overlooking Lake Geneva at The Woodward Set in Limousin, France, this stunning 13th-century château retreat offers an enchanting setting for a mother-daughter wellness getaway across its 2,500 acres of private countryside. In celebration of the property's new spa partner, Odacité, and just in time for the spring/summer season, the estate's exclusive 'Séjour Bien Être' package features bespoke Odacité spa treatments, complemented alfresco picnics overlooking the château, Michelin-starred dining as well as guided meditation and wellness walks over a two-night stay. For those wanting to dive deeper in spiritual rejuvenation, Stephanie Waxberg's 4-day summer sound healing retreat offers sunrise and sunset sound baths, meditation, and a cacao ceremony, while the property's Gallo-Roman thermal baths, extensive trails, and activities from caviar harvesting to horse riding ensure even the most energetic have plenty to do. Le Moulin Spa at Domaine Des Etangs offers a profoundly restorative and immersive wellness experience in harmony with nature
