Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie has released a letter - his first official statement following his expulsion from the Alberta's United Conservative Party (UCP) last week.
Guthrie had represented the riding since 2019, but had come under fire after repeated criticism of the government's handling of the health-care contract scandal.
"It has been my distinct honour and privilege to serve the people of Airdrie-Cochrane as UCP MLA. When I first sought the nomination, I was filled with hope for our newly unified party and a belief that we could form a government grounded in core conservative principles - one that would rebuild public trust through integrity and responsible leadership.
Regrettably, under Premier Smith, the UCP has morphed into a party with a number of objectives that I opposed internally and can no longer, in good conscience, support.
Competent, honest governance has taken a backseat to political manoeuvrings that jeopardize the best interest of Albertans.
In my opinion, key conservative principles are openness, transparency, good governance and fiscal responsibility. Yet, these ideals have been abandoned by the Premier in her handling of serious allegations facing the Department of Health. Staff operating in a toxic environment fear sharing potentially critical information that could be vital to uncovering the truth. As the RCMP and the Auditor General investigate the case, the Premier staunchly refuses to be transparent and initiate a judicial review, the very thing required to restore public confidence through a formal legal judgement. I felt compelled to ask why she remains firm in this stance which, in my view, cannot be defended or supported.
The government's commissioned investigation, led by an out-of-province judge with no legal authority in Alberta, is unlikely to earn public trust. Judge Wyant, no doubt a well-respected professional, is nevertheless limited by a narrow mandate designed to deflect criticism rather than uncovering the truth. I made it clear to caucus that this review resembles a classic "Whitewash Report", seemingly designed to conceal wrongdoing rather than expose it - an approach that risks triggering serious accusations of a coverup.
The scope of the investigation is confined to reviewing legislation, regulations and procurement policies within government agencies and lacks the mechanisms necessary to pursue accountability. Witnesses are not compelled to testify, and any information provided is tightly controlled by government officials. A number of key personnel and senior staff within AHS have already been dismissed, further hampering the credibility of the inquiry.
Given these limitations, it is critical that we rely on independent bodies - namely the Auditor General and the RCMP, to carry out thorough investigations. Only through their work can Albertans hope to receive a trustworthy and transparent outcome.
In addition to these concerns, l've also highlighted the troubling lack of fiscal accountability within Executive Council; an issue my now - independent colleague, MLA Scott Sinclair, has also raised. Under Premier Smith, the UCP government has increased its operational budget by more than 24 per cent, including a 14 per cent expansion in the size of the GOA. This erosion of fiscal discipline - combined with the creation of multiple new Crown corporations - has contributed to a projected deficit of $5.4 billion.
While conservatives may hold diverse views on many issues, fiscal responsibility remains a core principle encompassing balanced budgets, limited government, reduced debt, and lower taxes. To its credit, the UCP delivered on their promise of a tax cut, which I supported as a way to ease the burden on Albertans facing rising inflation.
However, this action alone does little to offset a broader lack of fiscal discipline.
In Alberta, we are quick to criticize the federal government for its unsustainable spending, ballooning debt, and inflationary impact on families and communities. We cannot, in good faith, denounce that approach in Ottawa while turning a blind eye to similar issues here at home.
Finally, it appears the Premier may be using the federal election as an opportunity to raise her own national profile - possibly at the expense of the CPC and Pierre Poilievre's efforts to become Canada's next Prime Minister. Recent developments in her political agenda raise legitimate questions about her intentions for Alberta's role within the Canadian Federation, another area where I find myself at odds with her leadership.
I have consistently spoken out in defense of core conservative principles - honesty, transparency, and good governance. On April 16th, I was removed from the UCP caucus for challenging the party's departure from these values. Under Premier Smith's leadership, the identity of the UCP is eroding just as quickly as its commitment to fiscal responsibility, accountable government and justice.
While I am disappointed at the events that have occurred, I will continue to serve as an Independent Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Airdrie-Cochrane. My commitment to holding the government accountable and representing the people of this constituency remains steadfast.
Thank you sincerely for your continued support, encouragement and kind words."
Guthrie had been vocal about allegations regarding the UCP government pressuring Alberta Health Services to accept exorbitant contracts to operate chartered surgical facilities.
Guthrie gave up his ministerial position in February over concerns about government contracts, with his pushback against Premier Danielle Smith leading the caucus to suspend him from voting in caucus matters.
He will remain in the legislature as an Independent.
