Brian Jean seeking UCP nomination in byelection, calls for Kenney resignation

A former Wildrose Party leader vying for MLA in Fort McMurray-Lac La Bichesays he'll run as an independent if he doesn't getthe United Conservative Party nomination.

Brian Jean announced on Facebook Wednesday that he plans toreturnto provincial politics and will seekthe UCPnomination in anupcoming byelectionto fill the vacancyleft by former MLA Laila Goodridge, who was elected as aMember of Parliament inSeptember.

The date for a byelection in Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche has not been announced. ButJean told CBC News Thursday that, if he doesn't get the party'snomination, he'll run as an independent candidate.

"If there isn't a change, Rachel Notley and the [Opposition] NDP will win an overwhelming majority, and I believe her second term as premier of Alberta will be much worse for Alberta than her first term," he said.

"There are still moments left to turn things around."

Brian Jean to re-enter Alberta politics

3 years ago

Duration 1:26

The former Wildrose Party leader will run in the upcoming Fort McMurray byelection, saying that change is needed if the conservatives want to remain in power in Alberta.

Premier Jason Kenney said Friday he welcomes Jean seeking the nomination and would endorse him "100 per cent" if party members choose him as the UCP's candidate.

But he can anticipate questions about his commitment,Kenney told reporters during a news conference on the province's hydrogen strategy.

"I'm sure that the local members will have some questions about his reliability, given that he did not complete his term as a Member of Parliament, he did not complete his term as an MLA," Kenney said, adding that Jean has also expressed interest in joining other political parties.

"I'm sure the members will have questions about his reliability and his commitment in that respect, but if he runs that will all be part of the democratic debate."

Jean, 58, was the last leader of the Wildrose Party when it merged with the Progressive Conservatives to form the UCP.

He left the UCP party in 2018, months after losing the UCP leadership race to Kenney. At the time, Jean said he left because he wanted to spend more time with his family. Some members of his family were ill at the time, he told CBC News.

The 2017 leadership race wassubject to accusations of voter fraud. Jean hadnot previously commented on theallegations, but now sayshe was interviewed by the RCMP, first in 2018.

Jason Kenney welcomes Brian Jean to run in byelection

3 years ago

Duration 1:52

Premier Jason Kenney will not block Brian Jean from running in the upcoming Fort McMurray byelection, but says he wont be surprised if voters doubt Jeans reliability.

The RCMP were taking the investigation seriously andsenta team to interview himin Fort McMurray, Jeansaid. Hespoke to the RCMP two or three times after that.

Jean said he didn't hear from Kenney for four months and "he wanted me out," he said.

"So I obliged," he said. "I wanted to get out of the way so my constituents would not have this situation.

"Can you imagine, for a minute, your boss not talking to you for four or five months? I wasn't going to make a difference in that environment."

Jean calls for Kenney to step down as party leader

Jean said he holds no grudge toward Kenney, but believes the premier needs to step aside so the United Conservatives have a chance in the next provincial election, which is slated for 2023.

"A good quality future is at stake and we need to focus on that," Jean said.

If Jean gets the UCP nomination, and Kenney steps down as leader of the party, then Jean wants to make a run for premier, he said.

Jean, pointing to his past successes building teams in business and politics, says his leadership style differs from Kenney's. Jean believes in building a team and listening to those around him, he said.

The UCP spokesperson told CBC News that the party's nomination isn't open at the moment.

Anyone who has been a UCP member for six months is eligible to run in the nomination.

Jean has not been approved to run under the UCP banner at this point. He has taken out an application to run for the party, but has yet tosubmit it.