Ward 13 Councillor Dan McLean is making a significant move up the political ladder, announcing his intention to seek the United Conservative Party nomination for the provincial riding of Calgary-Shaw.
The announcement comes as former UCP cabinet minister Rebecca Schulz prepares to vacate her seat after resigning from cabinet in December. Schulz has committed to staying in the role through May, at which point a provincial byelection will be triggered under Alberta law.
McLean, first elected to city council in 2021 and re-elected last October, said constituents have encouraged him to step forward for the provincial role.
"I have been encouraged to step forward because residents want a continuation of the strong, principled leadership Rebecca has demonstrated, and I would be honoured to carry that work forward," McLean said in a statement.
The councillor emphasized his alignment with Premier Danielle Smith and the current UCP government, pledging to maintain momentum and prevent the province from moving backward. He pointed to his proven track record as a city representative as evidence of his ability to deliver results for Albertans.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas publicly endorsed McLean's ambitions, highlighting his strong performance at the municipal level.
"He's been a great constituency representative. He got the largest share of votes of any of the other council colleagues that I get to work with. He's been a leader on financial responsibility, on public safety, and I certainly wish him the best in his endeavours," Farkas said Friday.
The Balancing Act of Dual Campaigns
Under Alberta's Municipal Government Act, councillors who are elected to the Legislative Assembly must step down from their city council seats. However, the provincial Alberta Election Act allows councillors to take an unpaid leave of absence once a byelection writ is issued, providing an escape hatch if their provincial bid fails.
That flexibility may prove crucial for McLean. Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt notes that while movement between municipal and provincial politics is common in Canada, the demanding schedules of both roles create real challenges.
"He could risk upsetting some constituents who voted him onto council only months ago," Bratt cautioned, noting the potential friction of juggling two full-time political responsibilities.
Under provincial law, the byelection must be called within six months of Schulz's departure. This timeline gives McLean a narrow window to secure the UCP nomination and campaign for the provincial seat while managing his current council duties.
This article was adapted from reporting by CBC Calgary.