Minister of Energy and Minerals
The Honourable Brian Jean was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche May 29, 2023. He had previously served in the same role from 2019-2023, and as MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin, from 2015 to 2018. He was Leader of the Official Opposition from 2015 to 2017.
On June 9, 2023, he was sworn in as Minister of Energy and Minerals.
Before 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 a 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.
Before becoming a lawyer, Mr. Jean pursued entrepreneurial endeavours, owning and operating several 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 law, Mr. Jean holds a bachelor of science degree and a master’s degree 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.