Here’s what conservatism looks like, ousted former minister tells legislature

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Macleod Gazette

A former UCP minister promoted his vision of conservatism Tuesday in his first member’s statement on the floor since being removed from caucus.

Peter Guthrie, who sits as an Independent for Airdrie-Cochrane because of his views on government procurement, told the legislature that conservatism is based on limited government, disciplined spending, individual freedom and “pragmatism over ideology.”

Peter Guthrie, a former UCP minister and the second elected representative this year ousted from the Alberta party's caucus, used his maiden member statement as an Independent to extol the values of conservatism. The MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane is shown here in a social media post during the federal election. Facebook

Guthrie stepped down as infrastructure minister in late February, citing concerns about procurement practices across all departments. On April 16 the UCP released a statement that he’d been removed from caucus for not supporting the UCP’s approach to investigations into procurement by Alberta Health Services.

The government stance is that investigations by the auditor general and a judge need to conclude before it takes any action. The controversy stems from accusations made in a lawsuit filed by former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos.

Said Guthrie in his statement: “Good government isn’t loud. It doesn’t chase headlines or stir up chaos to appear active. Instead, it’s guided by the foundational principles of conservatism: fiscally responsible, socially reliable, limited government and a belief in the strength of personal responsibility.”

While still in the UCP caucus, the former cabinet minister voted with the NDP on a non-binding motion that the government call an inquiry.

Guthrie said “a truly conservative government is steady and competent.” His statement did not call out the UCP by name.

Guthrie continued that a conservative government “doesn’t impose itself unnecessarily into the lives of its citizens; it trusts them. It manages taxpayers’ dollars with discipline, keeps its promises and focuses on delivering tangible results, avoiding political theatre.

“I believe government should be focused on what matters: safe communities, strong institutions, sound infrastructure, and an economy that rewards hard work and initiative. When government does its job well, it doesn’t need to be in your face, because people see the results in the reliability of their services, the confidence of investors and the strength of civil society.”

He spoke of avoiding waste, reducing debt, protecting families, heritage and culture, and “creating space” for markets, entrepreneurship and competition to thrive.

Guthrie concluded: “Above all, (conservatism) means putting pragmatism over ideology, governing for all, not just the few. This is the conservative vision: responsible, capable, grounded in values that have stood the test of time; a government that serves, not rules.”

He’s the second MLA removed from the UCP caucus this year. Scott Sinclair, the now Independent member for Lesser Slave Lake, was kicked out after criticizing the UCP’s budget over what he called a lack of spending in the north, especially on health infrastructure and highways in his riding.