Saskatoon mayor Charlie Clark won't seek re-election
Saskatoon mayor Charlie Clark won't run for re-election this fall.
He made the announcement during a news conference at city hall Wednesday afternoon.
"I only have a brief window of time to experience being a parent who isn't also a public figure and I want to get the most out of these last years with my kids," Clark said.
Clark has served two terms as mayor. Before that, he served as a city councillor for a decade.
"I actually didn't get into civic politics to make it a career. But after almost 18 years — life-changing years — on city council, I can tell in my heart that it's time for a new chapter in my life, and I honestly do not know what that is yet."
Clark preemptively dismissed any speculation he would plunge into provincial or federal politics.
"So to clear up some of the rumours, I do not plan on running for provincial or federal politics in any of the upcoming elections that are coming up in this cycle," Clark said.
At one point during his prepared remarks, Clark paused and choked as he reflected on some of the sacrifices that come along with the mayor's office.
"If you would look at the texts between Sarah (Clarks' wife) and I over the years, you'd see a record of so many nights when I said 'Oh I'll be home by five or 5:30 to help with supper and sit down with the family.' But some curveball would come in and I wouldn't be home until nine or 10," Clark said.
"And there have been so many nights when I've come home stressed and struggling with one issue or another."
Clark said he plans to stay on as mayor, serving out the rest of his term.
"This city council has been elected until November and we still have very important work to do in the coming months," Clark said, referencing plans for a downtown entertainment district, and work that's still to come on shelters, housing and bus rapid transit.
Clark unseated incumbent mayor Don Atchison in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020.
In 1988, Cliff Wright was the last Saskatoon mayor who left office voluntarily instead of seeing defeat in a municipal election.
Saskatoon's next election is slated for Nov. 13.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Passenger killed, 30 injured as Singapore Airlines flight hits severe turbulence
One passenger was killed and 30 injured after a Singapore Airlines SIAL.SI flight from London hit severe turbulence en route on Tuesday, forcing it to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, officials and the airline said.
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
Trump campaign calls 'The Apprentice' 'blatantly false,' director offers to screen it for him
Donald Trump's reelection campaign called 'The Apprentice,' a film about the former U.S. president in the 1980s, 'pure fiction' and vowed legal action following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. But director Ali Abbasi is offering to privately screen the film for Trump.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Mourners begin days of funerals for Iran's president and others killed in helicopter crash
Mourners in black began gathering Tuesday for days of funerals and processions for Iran's late president, foreign minister and others killed in a helicopter crash.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.