About

Brian Michael Jean was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche on March 15, 2022. He had previously served as an MLA representing Fort McMurray-Conklin, from 2015 to 2018 and was Leader of the Official Opposition from 2015 to 2017.

On October 24, 2022, he was sworn in as Minster of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development.

Prior to serving as a provincial representative, Mr. Jean served as the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Fort McMurray-Athabasca from 2004 to 2014. During his tenure he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, a position he held from 2006 to 2011.

Before entering public service, he dedicated 11 years to private legal practice as partner at a large Northern Alberta law firm, primarily as a litigator. Mr. Jean’s areas of practice included corporate/commercial, criminal, constitutional, real estate, personal injury, family, wildlife and First Nations law. He also provided pro bono and legal aid counsel during this time.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Mr. Jean pursued entrepreneurial endeavors, owning and operating a number of successful small businesses.

In addition to his extensive public service, he also has a long history of community service, including serving as director of the Fort McMurray chamber of commerce, president of the downtown business association and as honorary chair of the Children’s Health Foundation for northern Alberta.

Over the years Mr. Jean has received numerous honours and awards, including being appointed as Queen’s Counsel and being presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.

In addition to a bachelor of laws, Mr. Jean also holds a bachelor of science degree and a masters in business administration.

Mr. Jean, the youngest of 11 children, has lived in Fort McMurray since the age of four and is a father of three. He has been a printer, a logger, a farm hand and a registered trapper, and is an avid outdoorsman, boater and hunter.