Edmonton mayor’s chief of staff steps down after 3 months on the job
Posted July 8, 2026 3:23 pm.
Last Updated July 8, 2026 3:35 pm.
Three months after becoming the Edmonton mayor’s chief of staff, Blake Desjarlais is leaving the position.
Desjarlais, in a statement shared by a City of Edmonton spokesperson, said the decision to step down followed “careful reflection and discussion” with Mayor Andrew Knack.
“Serving our City has been one of the great privileges of my career. The lessons and stories shared with me during my time are ones I will truly treasure,” said Desjarlais.
“I leave with respect for our Mayor and Council as they continue the hard work of building a city for all.”
Calling the decision “mutual,” Desjarlais didn’t specify his reason for stepping down, nor what he plans to do next.
“I have always practiced my values and lessons learned from Elders and community and what I’ve learned is that there is a time for everything,” he said. “And although my time in the Mayor’s Office is coming to an end, I know that with every sunset there is a sunrise.”
The City of Edmonton spokesperson also shared a brief statement from Knack.
“I am proud of Blake’s service to my office and our city, and have no doubt that he will continue to serve Edmontonians to the best of his ability, thank you Blake,” the mayor said.
Desjarlais became Knack’s chief of staff in April. He was an MP in Edmonton Griesbach between 2021 and 2025.
