Lac La Biche residents hope MLA Brian Jean will bring money, change for region

Residents of the Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche riding are hoping their new MLA, Brian Jean, will push for more infrastructure funding for the region, but some worry his focus is entirely on bringing down the Alberta premier.

"It seemed like his whole focus was to defeat Jason Kenney," said Dave Phillips, president of the Lac La Biche Chamber of Commerce. "We know that he has other talents and that he could be good for us, but that was largely his message."

Jean easily won the byelection earlier this month with 63.6 per cent of the votes, though voter turnout was a dismal 24 per cent.

Jean's campaign focused heavily on his determination replace Kenney as leader of the United Conservative Party, making him premier.

Having a premier in the north would be a boost for the region, said Lee Thom, a Kikino Métis Settlement councillor and Lac La Biche business owner.

Thom said he has had several conversations with Jean and none with Kenney.  

"That's what I'm looking for in a provincial leader, is an open phone line," he said. 

The Kikino Métis Settlement is challenged by aging infrastructure and needs more housing, rural crime reduction and programs for youth education, Thom said.  

"Our settlements are tax-paying people," he said. "We deserve a positive relationship with the province, which I can say is lacking right now with this current government." 

Danny Smaiel, owner of Smiley's Furniture, said he would like to see Lac La Biche get more of a "fair share" when it comes to the benefits of the oil and gas industry.

"We're not fairly treated with the amount of dollars that they're taking out of our communities in the form of oil and gas," Smaiel said.

He wants to see investments in schools, roads and hospitals. 

"If that doesn't happen, these communities will disappear," Smaiel said. 

Ali Fyith, president of the Lac La Biche Muslim Association, said Jean's run for leadership could mean Lac La Biche is left behind.