Brian Jean Running for UCP Nomination in Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche

Former Wildrose Leader and UCP MLA Brian Jean will attempt to run under the UCP banner in the upcoming Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche byelection, which has yet to be scheduled.

“Something must be done or Rachel Notley will win the next election with an overwhelming majority. That will be bad for Alberta,” he wrote on his Facebook page . “The NDP won’t want me to be in the legislature. Some in the UCP will want to stop me as well.”

Jean has been a frequent critic of Premier Jason Kenney’s leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has called on him to resign.

“I’ve called on Jason Kenney to step down. I stand by it. I would not have made that comment if I didn’t believe it and I will stand by it,” Jean said. “I think he’s got an opportunity for people to think very highly of him. There’s only one thing he needs to do and that’s to step down graciously and immediately so the conservative movement in Alberta can get back to what we do well and that’s governing for Albertans.”

“That’s why I want to return to the legislature. So I can be a catalyst for change,” he said. At present, a leadership review is scheduled for Kenney in April.

The Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche riding has been vacant since former MLA Laila Goodride resigned to run as the Conservative Party’s candidate for the Fort McMurray-Cold Lake riding, ultimately resigning in March 2018, citing a desire to be closer with family.

Joshua Gogo is also presently pursuing the UCP nomination for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche . Gogo is chief economist and president of Global Advisory & Transaction Support at Afcote Associates, according to the firm’s website.