Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie says it’s critical to rely on independent parties such as the RCMP and the Auditor General to get to the bottom of the Alberta Health Services (AHS) procurement investigation.
In his first letter to constituents since being ousted from the UUCP caucus, Guthrie announced his intention to continue serving as an independent MLA and vowed to hold the government to account.
In the April 23 letter, Guthrie sharply criticized Smith, saying the UCP has drifted away its core conservative principles of openness, transparency, good governance, and fiscal prudence.
“Yet, these ideals have been abandoned by the premier in her handling of serious allegations facing the Department of Health,” the letter states. “Staff operating in a toxic environment fear sharing potentially critical information that could be vital in uncovering the truth.”
He accused Smith of refusing to be transparent and failing to initiate a judicial review, a decision he says cannot be defended or supported.
Guthrie also expressed doubt about the credibility of the government-appointed commission, which is being led by an out-of-province judge with no legal authority.
“The commission’s narrow mandate appears designed to criticize without uncovering the truth,” he wrote. “I made it clear to caucus that this resembles a classic ‘whitewash report,’ seemingly designed to conceal rather than expose — an approach that risks triggering serious accusations of a cover-up.”
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Guthrie reiterated his concern over what he believes is unsustainable government spending. He cited a 24 per cent growth in the operating budget over three years and a 14 per cent expansion in government as inconsistent with conservative values of balanced budgets, limited debt, and lower taxes.
“In Alberta, we are quick to criticize the federal government for its unsustainable spending, ballooning debt, and the inflationary impact on families and communities,” he wrote. “We cannot, in good faith, denounce that approach in Ottawa while turning a blind eye to issues here at home.”