FORT MCMURRAY, ALBERTA – On Friday, September 10th, Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray – Athabasca, hosted several Conservative MPs including five Parliamentary Secretaries, for an exciting and informative exploration of Northern Alberta. 

“I have been looking forward to this trip for a long time. I’m thrilled that it was such a great success and that all of my colleagues and their spouses really enjoyed themselves,” said Mr. Jean.  “Not only were they able to tour the oilsands and have a lot of their questions answered about the industry itself, but we were also able to have a fun-filled afternoon boating and fishing on the Clearwater River, with a lot of interesting, candid discussion.” 

Mr. Jean continues to promote Northern Alberta’s economic success, while also being vocal about the challenges facing forestry and agriculture in the region.  It is important for him to share both the positives and the challenges of our unique region with the rest of the country, in hopes that it will receive more positive federal and provincial attention.

“Federally, I have one of the most diverse and extraordinary ridings in Canada.  With the expanse of land that my constituency covers, from the high profile oilsands to the agricultural heart of the south, and the critical need to preserve and protect our untouched wilderness, it really is a place unlike any other,” explained Mr. Jean.  “I was proud to host my colleagues this week and I hope that they will speak out to both their constituents and their contacts, federally and provincially, to draw attention to our plight up here. We have a long way to go to catch up to our population in terms of quality of life and community and I will continue to fight for recognition and for funding in order to help us grow in a more sustainable and positive way.”

The day’s events were capped by a well-attended Fundraising Dinner hosted by the Fort McMurray – Athabasca Conservative Electoral District Association at the Sawridge Hotel.  Residents and community leaders had a chance to speak directly with the MPs and to discuss some of the important issues of the day.  Topics included the upcoming vote on the gun registry and the return of Parliament on September 20th. 

“All in all, the event was a great success and I’d like to express my thanks to my staff, to my EDA Board of Directors and to all of the local businesses and coordinators that helped to organize this trip,” said Mr. Jean. “I’m very grateful for everyone’s efforts to promote the spirit and potential of our region.  With any luck we can turn it into an annual event!”