(Peter Guthrie, Facebook)

By The Canadian Press

Provincial Politics

Alberta UCP boot former cabinet minister from caucus over scandal criticism

Apr 16, 2025 | 4:06 PM

Alberta’s United Conservative Party says it has expelled former infrastructure minister Peter Guthrie from caucus over his repeated criticism of the government’s handling of the health-care contract scandal.

Guthrie gave up his ministerial position in February over concerns about government contracts and has been sitting as a backbencher for his Airdrie-Cochrane riding.

His pushback against Premier Danielle Smith also led the caucus to suspend him from voting in caucus matters.

Earlier this week, Guthrie again criticized the handling of the scandal, saying the government is obstructing the auditor general’s investigation and muzzling government officials.

He also voted with the Opposition NDP on a non-binding motion to have the government call a public inquiry.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Guthrie will now sit as an Independent in the legislature.

He’s the second UCP member expelled from caucus this year. Scott Sinclair was kicked out in March for threatening to vote against the government’s budget over concerns that rural communities weren’t being supported.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 16, 2025.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.