Discontented UCP MLAs contemplating formation of new political party to contest Premier Smith's leadership
In a move aimed at offering a centrist conservative alternative to the current political landscape in Alberta, two former United Conservative Party (UCP) MLAs, Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair, are working to revive the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta (PC Party). The party, which governed Alberta from 1971 to 2015, was responsible for bringing the PCs and the Wildrose Party together to form the UCP.
The duo's dissatisfaction with Premier Danielle Smith's government has led them to this decision. They have expressed concerns over issues such as fiscal mismanagement, rising expenses, and a perceived shift towards separatism within the UCP ranks. Guthrie and Sinclair hope to appeal to Albertans who feel politically unrepresented by both the current UCP government and the left-leaning NDP, aiming to offer a more balanced and sensible approach that reflects a broader array of Albertans' concerns.
To officially re-establish the party, Guthrie and Sinclair need to gather 8,900 signatures, but they are aiming for about 30% more to ensure success. The name Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta was recently reserved by an individual and subsequently offered to them for this purpose.
However, their efforts have not been without criticism. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has quipped that Guthrie and Sinclair are creating a "party that says they're not corrupt by using the name of a previously corrupt party." Meanwhile, the UCP is currently enjoying popular support and is out-fundraising the NDP.
Premier Smith has stated that the NDP wins when the conservative movement splits. Guthrie, in response, estimates that one-third of the UCP caucus supports Alberta leaving Confederation. Groups are also planning to collect signatures for and against to force a referendum vote on seceding from Canada.
This report was first published on July 2, 2025, by The Canadian Press. Lisa Johnson is the author of this report. The effort is underway with public announcements made, petitions being circulated, and a target to have the party re-registered and operational by the fall of 2025.
- The revival of the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta (PC Party) is driven by concerns over the fiscal management, rising expenses, and perceived shift towards separatism within the UCP government, as expressed by former UCP MLAs Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair.
- In an attempt to provide a more balanced and sensible approach that reflects a broader array of Albertans' concerns, Guthrie and Sinclair aim to re-establish the PC Party, having secured the party name following its recent reservation.
- Despite public announcements, circulating petitions, and a target to re-register the PC Party by fall 2025, the efforts of Guthrie and Sinclair have drawn criticism, with NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi labeling the initiative as a party that claims to be non-corrupt by using the name of a previously corrupt party.
