Knack giving up ‘dream job’ on Edmonton City Council as he considers MLA attempt

Edmonton’s longest-serving city councillor is calling it quits as he ponders a run at provincial politics.

“Today I’m making one of the toughest decisions I’m ever going to make,” Andrew Knack said Monday to a room of reporters, photographers and his council colleagues.

“This is truly my dream job. So, the choice to give it up is not done easily.”

Knack plans to stay on as councillor until the next election in 13 months but said he will not run again

Knack was asked whether tax hikes, toxicity in politics, or the province introducing parties to municipal votes were factors in his leaving.

While he acknowledged those things, he kept coming back to his initial point that it’s time for change.

“At some point, you have to make space for others too. And I know there’s great people ready to go and I think that’s important,” Knack said.

Knack has represented Ward Nakota Isga in west Edmonton since 2013, although he started running for the job in 2007.

He lost twice in what was then Ward 1 but has since cruised to victory in three straight elections, securing 66 per cent of the votes in 2021.

Several of Knack’s fellow councillors came to his announcement and all gave him a hug, while Knack fought back tears.

“Andrew has always been a team player. He’s always been someone who’s willing to listen open-mindedly,” said Erin Rutherford, who represents Ward Anirniq.

“He always keeps a clear mind and an openness to talk to the public and that’s really admirable. We really love that about him,” said Aaron Paquette, councillor for Ward Dene.

“If Mayor Sohi decides not to run again, I think Andrew is probably our next mayor,” said Michael Janz, from Ward papastew.

Amarjeet Sohi also looked on as Knack made his announcement. The mayor spoke highly of Knack but refused to say whether or not he is planning to run again. 

“There will be many opportunities to tell you about what I’m thinking about my future,” Sohi told CityNews.

“We’ll let you know. Today is about councillor Knack, so let’s celebrate his work.”

Knack gave no indication he wants the mayor’s job but did leave the door open to running for a position as an MLA. 

“For the first time ever, I’ve thought about what the idea of provincial politics could look like and how we work on that. But it’s way too early to say,” Knack said.

Edmonton’s next election is in October 2025. Knack is the first member of council to announce he’s not seeking re-election.