Brian Jean looks to replace ‘PC dynasty’ in Alberta with fiscal values
Posted Apr 30, 2015 9:30 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
This week, 660News is profiling the five leaders running in the provincial election, and we continue today with Wildrose Leader and Fort McMurray-Conklin candidate Brian Jean.
It’s been just a little over a month since Brian Jean ascended to the Wildrose throne and already things are looking up for the hopeful-Premier and candidate in Fort McMurray Conklin.
The former Member of Parliament for the region stepped up to the plate after former leader Danielle Smith and eight other MLAs publicly crossed the floor to the Progressive Conservatives.
Jean chose to run the riding because in his words, “he’s not afraid of a fight.”
And already the party appears to be benefiting from its change in leadership; several polls are showing the Wildrose is gaining momentum and in a three-way tie with the PC party and the NDP.
The veteran politician however isn’t trying to put the cart before the horse and is focusing now on his “end-game”, otherwise known as Election Day.
He’s easily put thousands of kilometres onto his newly acquired RV, in riding with him to his next event, it isn’t long before the vehicle is spotted and someone waves or honks their horn.
There are emotional moments for Jean right now; it’s been just a few weeks since he lost his son to cancer…. what appears to keep him going is his passion for the province.
The disappointment on his face is easy to spot after he’s emailed a picture of 20-30 damaged “Brian Jean” signs in his riding.
In a very candid interview with 660News, the Wildrose leader is well aware we could end up in a minority situation.
“We will clearly govern for all Albertans if we do have the privilege of serving as government and we will make sure that all Albertans recognize that we can be trusted,” he said. “And if they do that, see what we’re going to do we actually do.”
He’s ruled out a coalition saying he doesn’t believe any of the other parties have the same fiscal prudence as that of the Wildrose.
When asked about some of the biggest challenges he’s facing on the doorsteps, it’s his belief they’ve turned a page and put those “lake of fire” moments behind them.
“I’ve not heard anything for two weeks on that,” he said. “For instance, social issues I’ve made it very clear that we’re not going to govern on social issues. I think church and state should be separate and it’s truly none of my business what people do in their own time or their own home. I don’t think it’s an issue because people recognize I’ve come out very clearly on it.”
His message to the Alberta voter:
“Take a look at our platform, take a look at our fiscal plan, it’s a good plan, take a look at our five priorities please and recognize that we are the only party, the Wildrose is the only party that won’t raise your taxes.”
To hear the full interview with Wildrose Leader Brian Jean click play below.
