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Brian Jean steps down as Fort McMurray-Conklin MLA

Last Updated Mar 5, 2018 at 6:14 pm MDT

Alberta Wildrose leader Brian Jean walks through the crowd after being declared the official opposition in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Tuesday May 5, 2015. Alberta's Wildrose Opposition leader has opened the door to uniting with the Progressive Conservatives to end more than a decade of infighting between the centre-right parties. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Former Wildrose Leader Brian Jean announced Monday that he will be stepping aside from his position as Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Fort McMurray-Conklin.

Jean said in a release that he wants to focus on his family and rebuilding his house that was lost in the 2016 wildfire.

“I believe now is an important time in my life to draw closer to my family, my kids and my grandchildren. My beautiful wife Kim was my greatest support during my time as MLA, leader and leadership candidate, and it’s time for us to take the next steps on our adventure together – including finally getting our home rebuilt in Fort McMurray.”

He said the decision to step aside was not made lightly, as representing the people of Fort McMurray since 2004 has been one of his greatest honours.

Jean won leadership of the Wildrose Party in March 2015 with the belief that Albertans deserved better from their government. He was particularly outspoken on a number of subjects including health care and equalization.

In 2017 he even motioned to provide sensitivity training for provincial judges in cases involving sexual assault passed in the legislature.

United Conservative Leader Jason Kenney thanked Jean for his huge contributions over the past 14 years.

“While it is a loss for our caucus that he has decided to return to private life, I understand and respect his personal reasons for doing so. His legacy in public life will endure in the United Conservative Party which he helped to create.”

Kenney also talked about Jean’s compassion and leadership during the wildfire, saying he stepped up at a difficult time for his family, which only highlighted him as a strong Leader of the Opposition at a key time in Alberta history.