Edmonton Mayor's Controversial Appointment of Former NDP MP as Chief of Staff
In a move that has raised eyebrows across Edmonton's political landscape, Mayor Andrew Knack has appointed former NDP Member of Parliament Blake Desjarlais as his new chief of staff. This decision comes after an unusually long six-month vacancy in the crucial position, during which Knack essentially served as his own chief of staff despite the demanding nature of municipal leadership.
The Partisanship Conundrum in Municipal Politics
The appointment presents immediate optics challenges for a mayor who has publicly championed non-partisanship in municipal government while simultaneously facing criticism for allegedly relying too heavily on NDP networks during his election campaign. Hiring a former federal NDP parliamentarian to serve as his right-hand advisor appears contradictory to Knack's stated principles against political partisanship at the city level.
Desjarlais arrives at Edmonton City Hall with what political observers describe as "bright orange baggage"—a reference to the NDP's signature color—that won't be easily discarded. While municipal positions traditionally emphasize non-partisan public service, the reality of modern politics often sees party affiliations influencing perceptions and relationships at all levels of government.
Mixed Reactions and Political Experience
Those familiar with Desjarlais's parliamentary career describe him as a likeable, hard-working, and competent representative, though some characterize him as quite partisan—an assessment Desjarlais himself reportedly disputes. In today's polarized political climate, where partisanship has become almost a job requirement for many elected officials, this background raises questions about how effectively he can transition to a supposedly non-partisan municipal role.
"For a mayor who has spoken aggressively against partisanship in municipal government but has also faced some criticism for perhaps relying on NDP circles a little too much to get elected, hiring a former NDP MP to be his right hand is not exactly ideal optics," notes political analyst Keith Gerein.
Potential Advantages Amid Controversy
Despite the controversy, Desjarlais brings substantial political and administrative experience to the position. His five-year tenure as director of public affairs and national operations for the Metis Settlements General Council involved significant team-building, negotiation, and communication work—skills directly applicable to a chief of staff position. Additionally, his understanding of partisan dynamics at provincial and federal levels could prove valuable for a mayor navigating complex intergovernmental relationships.
As one city hall insider pragmatically noted regarding potential tensions with the provincial government: "The UCP government doesn't particularly like Edmonton's council anyway, so is this really making things worse?"
Broader Political Implications
The appointment may complicate Knack's efforts to build a broader coalition of allies and make inroads with both the United Conservative Party provincial government and federal Liberal representatives. In municipal politics, where effective governance often depends on productive relationships across party lines, the perception of partisanship can create unnecessary barriers.
However, as with any new appointment, Desjarlais deserves the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities before final judgments are rendered. The true test will be whether he can effectively separate his federal partisan background from his municipal responsibilities and contribute to Edmonton's governance in a genuinely non-partisan manner that serves all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
