A significant new political force has emerged in Alberta, as former United Conservative Party member Peter Guthrie has officially launched the Progressive Tory Party of Alberta. The move comes months after Guthrie was expelled from Premier Danielle Smith's governing caucus, marking a notable fracture on the province's political right.
From Expulsion to a New Political Venture
The genesis of this new party is directly tied to internal conflict within the United Conservative Party (UCP). Peter Guthrie, the MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane, was a member of Premier Danielle Smith's government until April of this year. His expulsion followed his public criticism of the government's handling of a health contract scandal and his decision to vote with the opposition on a motion calling for a public inquiry.
"Trust and accountability matter," Guthrie stated in the party's launch release. "Albertans expect these principles to be upheld by their government. We will restore confidence and build a government that works for all Albertans."
The Platform of the Progressive Tory Party
The newly formed party positions itself as a "progressive conservative option" focused on three core pillars: fiscal responsibility, social reliability, and respect for democratic institutions. In his statement, Guthrie emphasized that Albertans are seeking a government that reflects their values.
"They want careful financial management, strong and reliable public services, and leadership that brings people together to move Alberta forward," he was quoted as saying.
Legislative Hurdles and a Race to Establish
The launch of the Progressive Tory Party follows recent legislative action by the UCP itself. Earlier in December 2024, the UCP approved legislation that restricts the names new political parties can use. This move came after Guthrie and Independent MLA Scott Sinclair had both stated their intentions to establish a new progressive conservative party.
The new law prohibits the use of distinctive words and phrases including conservative, independent reform, democratic, green liberal, communist, republican, and wildrose in new party names. Guthrie's party, announced just after this legislation, appears to have navigated these new rules by using "Progressive Tory" in its title.
The establishment of the Progressive Tory Party of Alberta signals a potential shift in the province's political landscape, offering a new option for voters who may feel disenfranchised by the current UCP government. As the party begins to organize, its ability to attract candidates and define its policy differences will be closely watched in the lead-up to the next provincial election.
