Blake Desjarlais steps down as Andrew Knack’s chief of staff after 3 months

Newly-elected NDP member of Parliament Blake Desjarlais takes part in a caucus meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Mayor Andrew Knack and his chief of staff Blake Desjarlais have amicably decided to part ways after just three months of working together.

“Serving our city has been one of the great privileges of my career,” said Desjarlais in a statement Wednesday. “The lessons and stories shared with me during my time are ones I will truly treasure.”

The former new democrat MP for Edmonton-Griesbach was hired by Knack in April after Desjarlais lost to Conservative Kerry Diotte in the last federal election.

“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,” said Knack in a statement.

Desjarlais was responsible for giving strategic advice to the mayor, leading government relations and overseeing community engagement.