He worked as a real estate broker and farmer,[1] and served as president of McLean and Grisdale Ltd.

The Conservatives won a majority government in this election, and McLean served as a backbench supporter of Rodmond Roblin's administration.

In 1915, the Roblin administration was forced to resign from office after a report commissioned by the Lieutenant Governor found the government guilty of corruption in the tendering of contracts for new legislative buildings.

During World War I, McLean served overseas as commander of the 101st Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

He served as mayor of Winnipeg in 1928–29,[2] succeeding fellow Conservative Ralph Webb.