Edmonton mayor hires former NDP MP as chief of staff

Edmonton Griesbach MP Blake Desjarlais at his campaign office on April 15, 2025.

The mayor of Edmonton has hired a former NDP MP as his chief of staff.

Andrew Knack announced on Thursday Blake Desjarlais will become his new chief of staff next week.

Desjarlais was an MP in Edmonton Griesbach between 2021 and 2025, and lost to Conservative Kerry Diotte in the last federal election.

Interim Chief of Staff Gabrielle Blatz will support the transition until the end of April before she becomes Provincial Women’s Representative of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

“I am very excited for Blake Desjarlais to join the team and help us build a stronger Edmonton, together,” Knack said. “Blake’s experience working in local and federal governments is marked by his extraordinary talent for bringing communities together. His dedication to Edmontonians and his drive to make a positive difference is inspiring.”

“I am honoured to be able to serve Edmontonians as Chief of Staff for Mayor Knack’s office,” Desjarlais said. “I look forward to working alongside Mayor Knack and his entire team with the vision of building a stronger Edmonton, together.”

He will shape city policy, give strategic advice to the mayor, lead government relations and oversee community engagement, the city said.

Desjarlais starts the job next Tuesday.