Airdrie MLA Peter Guthrie launched the Progressive Tory Party Thursday night in Calgary.
In just a matter of a year, the MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane went from sitting in the UCP government caucus, then as an independent, to leading and launching a new political party in Alberta.
It hasn’t been an easy road for Peter Guthrie, but Thursday he and newly formed Progressive Tory Party of Alberta held a launch party in Calgary
Supporters gathered at the BMO Centre for the party’s formal unveiling. A similar event was held in Edmonton last month.
Guthrie was a member of the Smith government’s caucus, but was expelled last April after criticizing the province’s handling of the health contract controversy and aligning with the opposition on a public inquiry motion.
Guthrie said his party is the alternative for Alberta conservatives whose values no longer align with the direction of the UCP.
“We’ve had every obstacle possible put in front of us,” Guthrie said Thursday, “but there is a desire for that Progressive Conservative movement to be back – there’s a lot of people that feel politically homeless in this province.
“You could see it there tonight,” he added. “There’s a lot of energy, and it’s building.”
Guthrie said his party’s key pillars are fiscal responsibility, accountability, limited government, Alberta remaining a part of Canada, and evidence-based decisions.
With Albertans expected to head to the polls in 2027, Guthrie says his party wants representation in all 87 ridings.