Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie has issued an open rebuke of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith regarding the so-called "CorruptCare" scandal — accusing her harming the United Conservative Party (UCP).
“It has been my distinct honour and privilege to serve the people of Airdrie-Cochrane as UCP MLA,” Guthrie said in a letter posted to social media.
"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.”
The CorruptCare scandal, now under RCMP and auditor general investigation, prompted Guthrie’s exit. He criticized Smith’s refusal to launch a judicial review, which he called “required to restore public confidence through a formal legal judgment.”
Instead, Alberta appointed an out-of-province judge to lead an inquiry Guthrie described as a “classic whitewash, seemingly designed to conceal wrongdoing rather than expose it.”
Guthrie highlighted an alleged toxic work environment at AHS, where staff fear sharing critical information. He noted the inquiry’s alleged limited scope, inability to compel testimony, and the dismissal of key AHS personnel, which he said undermines its credibility.
“Competent, honest governance has taken a back seat to political maneuverings that jeopardize the best interest of Albertans,” he said.
Guthrie also decried alleged fiscal irresponsibility under Smith, aligning with concerns from independent MLA Scott Sinclair. He pointed to a 24% rise in the government’s operational budget, a 14% expansion of Alberta’s government, and new Crown corporations, contributing to a projected $5.4 billion deficit.
“Fiscal responsibility remains a core principle encompassing balanced budgets, limited government, reduced debt and lower taxes,” Guthrie said.
While he supported the UCP’s tax cut, he argued it does little to offset broader fiscal mismanagement.
"I have consistently spoken out in defense of core conservative principles, honesty, transparency and good governance," said Guthrie.
"On April 16, 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."
Additionally, Guthrie questioned Smith’s motives, suggesting she may be using the federal election to elevate her national profile, potentially undermining Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre.
He expressed unease about Smith's vision for Alberta’s role in Confederation, further distancing himself from her leadership.
Guthrie was expelled from the UCP caucus on April 16 for challenging the party’s alleged drift from “honesty, transparency and good governance.”
He pledged to serve Airdrie-Cochrane as an independent, vowing to hold the government accountable and represent his constituents’ interests.
None of CorruptCare allegations have been tested in court.
In a statement, Smith's press secretary Sam Blackett said, "MLA Peter Guthrie is entitled to hold and voice his own opinions. As we've said many times, these allegations surrounding AHS procurement are under review by various bodies including the auditor general and an independent review by former Manitoba chief judge Raymond E. Wyant."
"We’re going to let these processes conclude and await their recommendations. Alberta has seen the fastest population growth in Canada and our government is focused on meeting the needs of Albertans to ensure our province remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Further, the premier has stated on multiple occasions that she and our UCP caucus support a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.”