The Progressive Tory Party in Alberta has officially selected its first candidate and aims to participate in the upcoming Calgary-Shaw byelection. Led by MLA Peter Guthrie, the party emerged last year following Guthrie’s reinvigoration of the Alberta Party. Guthrie, a former UCP MLA and cabinet minister, now serves as a Progressive Tory member in the provincial legislature.
Bonnie Critchley, a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces who contested against Pierre Poilievre in the federal Battle River-Crowfoot byelection in August 2025, has been nominated as the Progressive Tory candidate in the provincial Camrose riding. Despite finishing second to Poilievre in the federal election, Critchley had initially not planned to re-enter politics. However, the UCP government’s swift bill passage to end a teachers’ strike prompted her to take action after consulting with Guthrie.
Critchley expressed concerns over the UCP’s use of legislative power to curtail rights, prompting her reluctant decision to run in the 2027 provincial election. She emphasized the need for accountability in politics, with the Progressive Tory Party prioritizing new legislation to combat corruption.
Guthrie’s efforts to establish the party have gained momentum, with plans to nominate more candidates in the coming weeks and field a full slate for the fall 2027 provincial election. Despite assertions from the UCP that voters will support them, Guthrie remains optimistic about the party’s prospects and commitment to contesting all 91 constituencies.
Critchley and Guthrie have refuted claims that their party’s emergence will divide conservative votes, benefiting the NDP. Guthrie highlighted the UCP’s shift towards populist views and the need for a more balanced political landscape. The Progressive Tory Party also advocates for Alberta’s unity within Canada, a stance supported by Critchley in the Camrose riding.
While some speculate about the party’s impact, Phillips, a former NDP MLA, believes the Progressive Tories may challenge the NDP as they both occupy the political center. She emphasized the importance of a clear party message beyond opposition to the UCP. Guthrie remains undeterred by skepticism, emphasizing the party’s readiness to adapt to changing political dynamics.
Critchley echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for voters to choose representatives based on alignment with their values rather than fear. Both Critchley and Guthrie are determined to offer a viable alternative in Alberta’s evolving political landscape.