Ex-minister Guthrie says Smith won't survive UCP crisis after 75% referendum vote
Peter Guthrie, now leading a rival party, argues Monday's referendum result left Premier Danielle Smith with more political enemies than supporters within the UCP.
Why it matters
The dispute over the UCP's direction following the referendum could shape Alberta's political landscape ahead of next year's provincial election.
Peter Guthrie, a former Alberta cabinet minister who was removed from the UCP caucus after criticizing the government over a health-care procurement scandal, says Premier Danielle Smith will not survive the fallout from this week's separation referendum. Guthrie now leads the newly formed Progressive Tory Party of Alberta.
He argues that Monday's vote angered both federalists and separatists, leaving Smith facing more opposition than support within her own party. About 75 per cent of voters chose to keep Alberta in Canada, rejecting a push for a second, binding referendum on independence.
Smith's office rejected Guthrie's claims, saying he is out of touch with Albertans and spreading misinformation. On Wednesday, the premier said anyone running for or speaking on behalf of the UCP must accept the party's pro-Canada position, and that separatists wanting to turn the UCP into a vehicle for independence should join a different party instead.
Smith warned that internal division within the UCP could jeopardize the party's chances in next year's provincial election.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.