The ruling United Conservative Party (UCP) caucus has kicked out Peter Guthrie, MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane. He was the only member of his party to vote for a public inquiry into allegations of foul play behind Alberta’s security-washing of health procurement. This decision follows Guthrie’s resignation as Infrastructure Minister, where he served since June 2023, citing concerns regarding the government’s procurement practices.
Guthrie’s expulsion is the most significant moment yet as Republicans today deal with dissent in their own ranks. His actions raise serious questions about transparency and accountability with the UCP. Particular concerns have focused on their controversial approach to managing public health contracts and their governance.
Resignation and Allegations
On February 25, 2025, Guthrie resigned from his cabinet position. He delivered his resignation letter to Premier Danielle Smith that same day. In this letter, he asserted that other ministers—at the health cabinet committee meeting on January 30—had been “deliberately misled.” He was not just blowing smoke either. This deception, as Guthrie explained, was what directly resulted in the firing of the Alberta Health Services (AHS) board.
In his correspondence with Premier Smith, Guthrie claimed that both she and Health Minister Adriana LaGrange were aware of ongoing procurement issues with AHS and Alberta Health prior to the board’s dismissal. His letter has now become a key document in the still-ongoing investigation into these allegations.
“I was asking for openness, transparency, honesty, and instead of embracing that… the government has done everything that it can to impede processes,” – Peter Guthrie
The final straw, according to Guthrie, was being barred from attending UCP caucus meetings since February 26. This makes him more insulated from key party conversations. His stance on the issue provoked fierce backlash from the UCP caucus. In fact, more than 60 percent of his fellow representatives voted to remove him from their party.
Impact on Party Dynamics
With his expulsion, Guthrie will join former UCP MLA Scott Sinclair as an independent member. Sinclair, who has served as an independent since March, applauded Guthrie for his bravery in surrendering his cabinet post to fight for the truth and transparency.
“Giving up a cabinet position in this world we live in, is extremely, extremely courageous,” – Scott Sinclair
Guthrie’s departure from the UCP highlights a growing divide within the party regarding its approach to governance and procurement practices. Party members have made it very clear what they would like to see in how dissenting voices are treated. Others argue that the lack of public transparency is detrimental to party unity.
Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi explained what was happening beautifully. He cautioned that party dynamics could result in self-harm for the party.
“When you treat your caucus members like mushrooms, you might find a poison one,” – Naheed Nenshi
Government Response
In defense of these allegations made by Guthrie, Premier Danielle Smith held a question and answer press conference last month. She went on to state that the government is resolute in their desire to investigate procurement practices in order to ensure accountability within the health sector.
“Absolutely. That’s why we’re getting to the bottom of this,” – Danielle Smith
Sam Blackett, a spokesperson for the UCP, claimed that they provided all the pertinent information to the Health Portfolio Governance and Coordination Committee (HPGCC). He underlined the directness and transparency of their communication. He stated there was “no information withheld from the HPGCC relevant to this issue,” aiming to counter claims made by Guthrie.
The controversy surrounding Guthrie’s expulsion and his allegations of misleading information raises questions about the future of governance in Alberta’s health sector. As these investigations proceed, public pressure as well as party infighting make up the daily current of this developing story.
