Loading articles...

Brian Jean campaigns to lead new United Conservative Party

Last Updated Jul 25, 2017 at 6:01 am MDT

Wildrose Party leader Brian Jean speaks to reporters at the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton, Alta., on Monday, March 20, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan

Brian Jean officially launched his campaign to become leader of the new United Conservative Party of Alberta on Monday, July 24, 2017.

Members of the Wildrose party and the Progressive Conservatives voted in a landslide this weekend to join forces ahead of the next election, set for the spring of 2019.

PC Leader Jason Kenney and longtime P-C strategist Doug Schweitzer have also signed up for the leadership race.

Jean said the leadership vote on Oct. 28 will be the most important choice facing conservatives in generations and will come down to who is best to unify all conservatives and take control of Alberta from the NDP.

“Touring the province for the past two years as the leader of the opposition, I’ve seen the desperation in the eyes of Albertans looking for hope and a better future,” said Jean. “We cannot risk putting our new party in a position that leaves us vulnerable by the time of the next election. I will be here for Albertans, championing them and standing on their side every step of the way.”

Jean said Albertans can expect him to bring a bold vision for the province that unites Albertans behind the values of fiscal responsibility, smaller government, low taxes, free-enterprise and strong families.

“We need to build a new Alberta Advantage for all Albertans so we can create tens-of-thousands of new jobs and secure our long-term prosperity,” said Jean.