Mayor Jeff Genung of Cochrane has addressed the recent departure of Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie from the United Conservative Party (UCP) caucus, emphasizing the town’s commitment to working collaboratively with the now Independent MLA to support Cochrane’s priorities.
“We are aware of the recent decision by the United Conservative Party regarding MLA Peter Guthrie’s removal from its caucus,” Mayor Genung said. “As Mr. Guthrie continues to serve as the elected representative for the Airdrie-Cochrane constituency, the Town remains committed to working collaboratively with him and with the Government of Alberta to advance the priorities and needs of our growing community. We will continue to monitor the situation and remain focused on delivering for Cochrane.”
Guthrie is currently in his second term as MLA for the Airdrie-Cochrane riding, a position he has held since 2019. Over his tenure, he has been involved in several important local projects, including efforts to build a new senior’s lodge and new K-8 schools in the region.
Despite his suspension from the UCP caucus earlier this year, Guthrie remains committed to his role as MLA. He stepped down as Minister of Infrastructure in February, and since then, he has been vocal about concerns surrounding the handling of health-care contracts. On Monday, April 14, Guthrie raised further questions regarding the 'CorruptCare' scandal, a term coined to describe controversial dealings within Alberta’s health care procurement process. He also voted with the Opposition NDP on a non-binding motion to urge the government to call for a public inquiry into these practices.
“I have a number of documents for tabling, but to properly represent my constituents, I cannot be held in perpetuity to a suspension from caucus, which comes with a gag order,” Guthrie said during the session. “I am now at day 48 of my so-called 30-day suspension, impeding my democratic right to fully represent the people of Airdrie-Cochrane.”
The documents referenced by Guthrie include a Don Braid article titled “Government Tries to Deflect Auditor General to Lawyers – No Way, Says Doug Wylie” and a submission by Dr. Paul Parks, Dr. Braden Manns, and Dr. Jon Meddings titled ‘One inquiry to rule them all; separate probes into Alberta Health decisions limit transparency.’
“These documents highlight some of the very reasons I resigned from cabinet and why I called for a judicial review, cooperation with the RCMP, and our government’s full support of the investigation of the Auditor General,” Guthrie explained.
With his departure from the UCP caucus, Guthrie now joins Scott Sinclair as the second UCP member expelled in 2025. He will continue to serve as the MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane but will sit as an Independent in the legislature.
The UCP’s official statement clarified the party's position.
“MLA Guthrie has made it clear that he does not support the Government’s decision to wait for the investigations of both the Auditor General and Judge Raymond Wyant to conclude prior to taking further action on the issue of AHS procurement practices and the allegations made by the former AHS CEO. It is also clear that he wishes to continue to publicly voice his opposition to the government on that issue. We wish him well as he continues in his role as MLA for his constituency.”
For the Town of Cochrane, Guthrie’s removal from the UCP caucus is a matter of local interest, but Genung has stressed that the Town will continue to work closely with the MLA, regardless of his party affiliation. Cochrane has several key priorities, including healthcare, infrastructure development, and education, all of which require continued collaboration with the provincial government.
As Guthrie continues to serve in his role as MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane, the political landscape remains in flux. His ongoing opposition to aspects of the UCP’s approach to healthcare procurement could fuel further political tension in the coming months. For Cochrane residents, the key takeaway remains that the Town will continue to advocate for its priorities and collaborate with all levels of government to bring about positive change.
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