Can Man Dan steps down from corporate role, citing difference of ideas

Dan Johnstone, or Can Man Dan, on Dec. 5, 2025. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)

Daniel Johnstone, otherwise known as Can Man Dan, has announced his immediate departure from a corporate consulting role he announced only last month.

At the end of January, Johnstone and Belmont Sobeys said they had begun a joint charitable partnership in which Johnstone would act as a liaison and community engagement specialist within the store.

On Tuesday, Johnstone announced his “immediate departure” from the role, citing both differences in ideas and corporate concern.

Johnstone said the program, which was piloted by him and Belmont Sobeys owner Jerry MacLachlan, was meant to tackle rising food insecurity in Edmonton communities by offering guidance to local non-profit organizations.

“However, once Sobeys Corporate became aware of this initiative, they determined that I violated their internal policies and are currently not interested in continuing this partnership,” he wrote in a post Tuesday.

“I perhaps put myself in a role they already had covered, thus inserting myself into conservations I was not required for,” he continued. “Our ideas of tackling food insecurity look very different and that’s OK.”

A spokesperson for Sobeys corporate affairs told CTV News Edmonton the grocery chain has an ongoing program, the Community Action Fund, designed to help local stores and charitable organizations.

“We have the privilege of working with incredible organizations in the Edmonton area that provide access to healthy and affordable food, nutrition education and early interventions in child and youth mental health,” the statement read.

“To ensure a balanced and consistent process, organizations that wish to partner with Sobeys are encouraged to visit our Community Action Fund or connect with their local store.”

In his brief time in the role, Johnstone said he was “bombarded” with requests and was able to give out more than $1,300 in community grants through the Can Man Dan Foundation.

“Just to be clear, Belmont Sobeys still rocks and I am very grateful for the experience!” he concluded.