Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi says the revival of the Progressive Conservative Party by two former United Conservative MLAs is a sign of growing discontent within Premier Danielle Smith’s government.
In a statement, Nenshi accused the UCP of fostering “corruption, incompetence and chaos,” and claimed recent internal dissent points to deeper fractures within the governing party.
"Alberta’s official opposition caucus has consistently stood against the cuts, chaos and corruption brought on by this current UCP government,” the statement reads. “UCP MLAs like Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair have expressed their own serious concerns over the past few months — highlighting the corruption, incompetence, and dangerous flirtation with separatism that characterize Danielle Smith’s government.”
The NDP also took aim at the Premier directly, accusing her of prioritizing power over the interests of Albertans.
“We know this premier will do anything to protect her own power and is fighting to maintain confidence within her caucus under the pressure of massive corruption and threats of separatism,” the statement said. "The decision by these two former UCP MLAs to revive the PC party is another clear sign that Albertans are unhappy with this current UCP government and are demanding better for our province.”
Guthrie and Sinclair have launched a petition to revive the PC brand in Alberta, which had been effectively dissolved during the formation of the UCP in 2017. They need to collect roughly 8,900 signatures, but their goal is 12,000.
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Former Alberta Infrastructure minister Guthrie recently stated volunteers are already canvassing across the province, and the team is planning door-knocking campaigns and appearances at local events.
The NDP says the move signals growing dissatisfaction among conservatives and a desire for change.
“With 38 MLAs dedicated to listening to and supporting Albertans, Alberta’s New Democrats remain the only choice for positive change for our province,” Nenshi.
The UCP has not publicly commented on the NDP’s remarks.