Mandate letter

The Premier's mandate letter to the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development outlines the objectives and priorities of the work they will focus on in their role.

Read the mandate letter See all mandate letters

From the Minister

December 20, 2022 | Business and economy
Championing opportunities in Alberta’s north

A message from Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development

Accomplishments

A person working at a desk workspace with a computer, phone and stationery around the computer.

Employers can save time using employment standards and OHS online services to access applications, submit appeals and create reports.

Chef in a restaurant with a window open to the street

Resources are available to help community leaders, industry and business diversify and grow their regional economies.

Key information

  • Jobs – Promoting safe, fair and healthy workplaces

    • Safe, fair and healthy workplaces support jobs and Alberta’s economic growth.
    • We are helping ensure Albertans work in safe, fair and health environments by establishing and enforcing employment standards and laws governing the health and safety of Alberta’s workplaces.

  • Economy – Driving job creation to support growth

    • Alberta’s government is removing policy and regulatory barriers that hinder economic growth so that the province returns to a free enterprise economy.
    • We are working to ensure job creators have supports to grow and thrive – this includes enhancing access to financial supports and capital.
    • We are helping match job seekers with employers through initiatives such as Workforce Partnerships Grants and the Canada-Alberta Job Grant.

  • Northern and regional development – Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce

In focus

Alberta is Calling

Affordable, friendly and rich in opportunity, Alberta is the answer to building your future.

Northern Alberta Development Council Bursary

Bursaries are available to students training for jobs that are in demand in northern Alberta.

Remembering fallen workers

Non-profit and public sector organizations can apply for funds to create physical memorials for workers who died as a result of their work.

Film and television tax credit

Tax credit supports medium and large-scale productions filming in Alberta.

Biography

Brian Jean is a legislator, a lawyer, a businessman, and a community leader.

Brian Jean is the current MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche. He has previously served as an MLA, as the Leader of the Official Opposition, and as a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2014. As an MP, he was appointed the Parliamentary Secretary to three different Ministers of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

Before entering public service, Brian dedicated 11 years to private legal practice as partner at a large Northern Alberta law firm, primarily as a litigator. Before becoming a lawyer, Brian owned and operated 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 Fort McMurray downtown business association, serving on the boards of childrens and health charities.

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

Brian, the youngest of 11 children, has lived in Fort McMurray since the age of four and is a father of three, and a grandfather of two. He attended Prairie College in Three Hills for High School. He has been a printer, a logger, a farm hand and a registered trapper, and is an avid outdoorsman, boater and hunter.

Mr. Jean was sworn in as the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development on October 24, 2022.