The United Conservative Party (UCP) has expelled former cabinet minister Peter Guthrie from its caucus following his alignment with the New Democratic Party’s call for a public inquiry into allegations of improper contracting and procurement within Alberta’s health care system. The decision marks the second expulsion of an MLA from the party in just over a month. Investigations by the RCMP and the Auditor-General are ongoing, although the allegations have not yet been tested in court.
Peter Guthrie, who resigned from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s cabinet in February, has consistently expressed concerns regarding the government’s handling of the allegations. These concerns, initially reported by The Globe and Mail, relate to claims made by former Alberta Health Services (AHS) chief executive Athana Mentzelopoulos. She alleged that government officials, including the Premier’s former chief of staff, pressured her into making deals that favored private businesses. As a result, several investigations have been launched, and a retired judge from Manitoba was appointed to conduct a third-party review.
In response to these allegations, Guthrie advocated for a public inquiry, criticizing the government’s decision to wait for the conclusions of the Auditor-General and Judge Raymond Wyant’s investigations before taking additional action. The UCP’s statement emphasized that Guthrie’s continued public opposition to the government’s approach prompted his removal.
Guthrie, a two-term MLA who previously served as the Minister of Infrastructure, has stated that although he does not intend to join the NDP, he is prepared to sit as an Independent. His expulsion follows the removal of Scott Sinclair, another MLA who was ousted from the UCP in March for his inability to support the government’s budget and his support for the NDP’s call for a public inquiry.
Athana Mentzelopoulos has alleged that she was dismissed because her actions hindered the government’s priorities, specifically the expansion of chartered surgical facilities (CSFs) to address surgical backlogs. The government counters that her termination was due to her failure to align with these priorities. Mentzelopoulos’s lawsuit claims that some CSFs received contractual benefits with fees surpassing those of similar agreements.
The Societal Shift
The expulsion of Peter Guthrie from the UCP caucus highlights the internal discord within Alberta’s ruling party regarding the handling of health care contracting allegations. For Alberta residents, this development underscores the complexities and challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability within public sector operations, particularly in the health care system. With multiple investigations underway, citizens are likely to pay close attention to the outcomes, as these may influence future government practices and policies.
The controversy also raises questions about the balance between public and private interests in the health care sector. As the government moves to expand chartered surgical facilities, the public will be closely monitoring how these decisions affect access to and the quality of medical services. The unfolding situation could have broader implications for how health care is managed and delivered in the province, potentially impacting wait times, service costs, and overall patient satisfaction.
