United right? Fort McMurray reacts to local MLA Brian Jean's political play

Some Fort McMurray residents said they'd support local MLA and Wildroseleader Brian Jean if he resigned from his party to run as leader of a united conservative front though some have concerns about what that will mean for the political landscape.

Jean, MLA for FortMcMurray-Conklin, announced Thursday that should the Wildrose and Progressive Conservative parties merge, he would step aside as Wildrose leader to run for leader of a new conservative front.

• Wildrose Leader Brian Jean willing to step down to head united conservative party

In a video posted to hisparty's website, Jean said uniting Alberta's two largest right-wing parties would give conservatives in the province their best chance to win the next election.

Jean had early onbeen a proponent of uniting theparties. Butlast fall after PC delegates at an annual meeting rejected a merger, he criticized the Conservatives for being confused on the issue and said conservatives should just unite under theWildrosebanner.

Outside the Fort McMurraySuperstore, Ike Omeje parked his shopping cart and paused to think about the idea of Jean leaving as leader of the Wildroseto run as leader of a new conservative party.

"I think it's better because it brings conservatives more cohesion," Omeje said."It's going to give them more opportunity to compete and the people would be willing to support them."

Linda and her husband John Mackfall pulled up outside the entrance of the busy grocery store to give their two cents on Jean's political proposition.

Both are Progressive Conservatives and they long to see a united front to defeat Premier Rachel Notley and the NDP. But instead of forming a new conservative party, they'd prefer the Wildrose join with the PCs.

"We have everything we want in one party not some here and some there," Linda Mackfallsaid.

• Wildrose leader rejects PC merger in speech to party faithful
• Jason Kenney's plan to unite Alberta's right could win the day, even if he loses

Her husband John added he just wants a party that isn't focused on enriching its own supporters and corporate donors.

"If we had a party that works just for the people," he said,"I think we would have a lot better province here."

Similar to the Mackfalls, Jake Shelley also wants a party that cares for all Albertans. Standing amidstrush hournear the Fort McMurraybus terminal, Shelley said he's more concerned about issues such as improving the province's education system.

Nevertheless, Shelley is worried Alberta's political scene would be worse if it had one less political party on the right.

"There could be different ideals for each right-leaning party," he said."It might be good for other people to have some options."

Brian Jean hopes to lead a united conservative party

8 years ago

Duration 1:07

In a prepared statement, Wildrose Leader Brian Jean announces his intention to run for a unified conservative party.

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