Northern Alberta MLA Commits to Independent Representation
In a significant political development, Lesser Slave Lake MLA Scott Sinclair has publicly declared his intention to continue serving as an independent member of Alberta's legislative assembly, firmly rejecting an invitation to join former independent MLA Peter Guthrie's Progressive Tory Party.
A Decision Rooted in Constituent Priorities
Sinclair shared his decision through an open letter posted on social media Thursday night, explaining that he had received numerous inquiries from constituents about his political plans ahead of the legislative session's resumption on February 24. "After careful consideration, I've decided to continue serving as an independent MLA," Sinclair wrote, emphasizing that this choice reflects his commitment to Northern Alberta residents.
"This decision was not made lightly," Sinclair continued. "It comes from a firm belief that my responsibilities first and foremost are to the people of Northern Alberta. Remaining independent allows me to speak plainly, advocate freely, and work constructively with anyone, regardless of political stripe, when it benefits our region."
From Rising Star to Independent Voice
Sinclair's political journey has taken several dramatic turns since his election as a United Conservative Party (UCP) member in the 2023 provincial election, where he was initially viewed as a rising political star. The relationship with his former party deteriorated significantly in March 2025 when Sinclair publicly criticized the UCP's budget, describing it as "indefensible" and "at best, disappointing and, at worst, unacceptable for Albertans."
His vocal opposition proved costly. Within a week of his budget criticism, fellow UCP MLAs voted to remove Sinclair from the party's caucus, citing the importance of unified budget support. This expulsion forced Sinclair to assume independent status in the legislative assembly.
Parallel Paths of Political Dissent
Sinclair's situation mirrors that of former infrastructure minister Peter Guthrie, who faced similar consequences for his criticism of the government. In April 2025, Guthrie was expelled from the UCP caucus following his public and private objections to the government's handling of corruption allegations within healthcare contracting and procurement.
Both Sinclair and Guthrie subsequently explored reviving the Progressive Conservative (PC) party brand that governed Alberta for decades. However, their efforts encountered legal obstacles when the UCP filed lawsuits claiming ownership rights to the PC name and branding.
Legislative Hurdles and Party Evolution
The political landscape became more challenging in December 2025 when Justice Minister Mickey Amery introduced legislation prohibiting new political parties from using words, phrases, or initials drawn from existing registered party names, including the term "Conservative." This legislative move complicated efforts to establish new conservative-aligned parties in Alberta.
Following these developments, Guthrie joined the Alberta Party as its leader before rebranding it to its current iteration as the Progressive Tory Party. Despite this new political formation, Sinclair has chosen to maintain his independent status rather than align with Guthrie's revived political vehicle.
The Significance of Political Independence
Sinclair's decision highlights the ongoing tensions within Alberta's conservative political movements and underscores the challenges facing MLAs who prioritize regional representation over party loyalty. His commitment to Northern Alberta constituents reflects a growing trend of political figures choosing independence to better serve their communities without the constraints of party discipline.
As Alberta's legislative session prepares to resume later this month, Sinclair's independent status will allow him to advocate for Northern Alberta interests without party restrictions, potentially influencing how other MLAs approach their representation responsibilities in an increasingly polarized political environment.
