Calgary city councillor Dan McLean has announced his intention to seek the United Conservative Party (UCP) nomination for the upcoming provincial byelection in Calgary-Shaw, a seat being vacated by Rebecca Schulz. The byelection is required following Schulz's impending departure from provincial politics, as she steps down from her role as MLA and former environment minister.
McLean's announcement and background
Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean confirmed his candidacy on Friday, stating in a social media video that he believes it is time to continue serving at the provincial level. McLean, who was first elected to city council in 2021, has represented the southwest suburban ward, replacing long-time councillor Diane Colley-Urquhart. He won the 2021 election with 47% of the vote, defeating Colley-Urquhart and Jay Unsworth.
Prior to entering politics, McLean owned and operated a golf cart business and was involved in federal Conservative Party election campaigns. On council, he has positioned himself as a fiscal conservative, frequently criticizing property tax increases and what he views as excessive spending at city hall. He opposed the previous council's declaration of a climate emergency and was a vocal opponent of blanket rezoning, which the current council repealed earlier this month.
Community ties and motivation
Calgary-Shaw is located on the southern tip of the city, straddling MacLeod Trail and encompassing communities such as Shawnessy, Somerset, Silverado, and Legacy. McLean noted that he grew up in this area and raised his family there, emphasizing his connection to the community. In his announcement, he said he has been speaking with residents in Silverado and across Calgary-Shaw, who encouraged him to take this step because both the city and the province matter.
Controversies and code of conduct violations
McLean has faced sanctions for violating council's code of conduct. In December 2023, an investigation by the integrity commissioner confirmed he attended a public hearing remotely from a golf course. He also received reprimands for not wearing a mask during a public event during the COVID-19 pandemic and after a 2022 video surfaced that appeared to show him mocking Indigenous people alongside political operative Craig Chandler and former justice minister Jonathan Denis. McLean later stated he had no recollection of the incident.
Despite these controversies, McLean remains confident in his candidacy, stating, "You know me as a fighter at city hall. For the past five years, I've stood for common sense, for fiscal responsibility, for safer communities, and you've seen how those values have often put me at odds with the progressive left and the NDP."
Byelection timeline and context
The byelection has not yet been scheduled, but it must be held within six months of Schulz's departure, which would be by November. Schulz announced in late December that she would resign from her cabinet post and transition away from provincial politics in May. The UCP will need to select a candidate to run in the riding, which has traditionally been a conservative stronghold.
