Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is responding to Brian Jean announcing he will seek UCP nomination in a seat for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche.
The Former Alberta Wildrose Party leader made the announcement on his Facebook page Wednesday night.
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During an announcement on the province’s new Hydrogen Roadmap, Kenney responded to a question about Jean, saying there may be some questions raised if he decided to run.
“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.
Premier Kenney says he would endorse Brian Jean if the latter earned the UCP nomination in Fort McMurray.
However, the Premier raised what he sees as questions about Jean's candidacy. #yeg #Yyc #ableg pic.twitter.com/U83BF902kF
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) November 5, 2021
Kenney added, during the last provincial election, Jean was openly calling people about becoming leader of the Freedom Conservative Party.
“Then, just a few weeks ago, he said that he was interested in starting and leading a new ‘Centrist Party’, so I’m sure the members will have questions about his reliability and his commitment in that respect,” Kenney said.
Jean would be running to fill the void left by Laila Goodridge, who left provincial politics to run in this year’s federal election.
She was elected in the riding of Fort McMurray-Cold Lake on Sept. 20
Since Goodridge resigned from her job as an MLA, a by-election will be needed to fill the vacancy.
Elections Alberta says a vote will need to be called within six months of Goodridge’s departure–so, at the latest, something would need to be called by Feb. 15, 2022.
Kenney was asked if he would endorse Jean should he run.
“Yes.
“I would endorse whoever the members choose. 100 per cent.”
