Alberta MLA Peter Guthrie quits cabinet, citing concerns over procurement

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's infrastructure minister is quitting his cabinet post, citing concerns over contract procurement practices.

Peter Guthrie, Alberta’s minister of infrastructure, has resigned from cabinet because of a lack of support for his concerns with “inconsistencies” in Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services.

Guthrie, the MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane, made the announcement on social media on Tuesday.

“In recent months, I have voiced concerns regarding the Government of Alberta’s procurement practices across all departments,” he said.

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“Unfortunately, the majority of cabinet does not appear to share my concerns.”

As a result, Guthrie said he was resigning from his cabinet position but would continue to serve as a UCP MLA and voice his concerns as a private member.

In a statement on Tuesday, Premier Danielle Smith said she accepted Guthrie’s resignation but insisted his concerns were “serious” and were under investigation.

“We have pledged our government’s full cooperation and support to the auditor general to expedite his review so we can have answers as soon as possible,” Smith said.

‘CorruptCare scandal’

The Alberta NDP, in a statement on the resignation, said the wrong person stepped down from cabinet in response to the scandal.

“Today’s resignation should have been the health minister,” said Christina Gray, the leader of the opposition, in a statement.

“And the premier herself should step aside while her government is investigated for the worst corruption scandal Alberta has ever seen.”

Gray says Guthrie’s resignation is a signal for a judicial-led public inquiry into the matter.

In her statement, Smith said her government is committed to the investigation and is seeking “a highly credible third party” to help understand exactly what happened.

“I want to reiterate that I was not involved in these procurement decisions, nor am I aware of any wrongdoing with regard to the issues raised by the former CEO.

“My actions were straightforward: the government made a policy decision to expand surgical facilities to tackle the critical issue of wait times, and we all trusted that that direction would be acted upon and implemented by AHS.”

Does Guthrie have support?

Political experts say it’s really no surprise that Guthrie quit cabinet, especially after his recent leaked memo, but it’s still a unique circumstance.

“It’s rare that you see a cabinet minister resign on principle,” said Duane Bratt, political scientist at Calgary’s Mount Royal University.

“He didn’t use the line, ‘spending more time with my family’ or anything. He said specifically he doesn’t have confidence in the government.”

Bratt says there are several different ways cabinet ministers can share feedback with leadership.

“You can issue your displeasure in private – that would be your voice. Or, you could loyally soldier on even though you disagree with the decision or you can exit.”

Guthrie’s departure from cabinet is another development in the MHCare scandal that Bratt says Smith is attempting to pin on AHS.

“That’s not what this is about – this is about corruption and pay to play and Guthrie’s calling that out. He is specifically saying there are problems with procurement.”

Bratt said Guthrie speaking out against leadership is nothing new - he was outspoken against many of former premier Jason Kenney’s policies as well, but he wasn’t the only one.

“There were many others that opposed Kenney’s approach to COVID, so the question is, does he have support in the caucus? Does he know there are other ministers to leave? Are there going to be other back benchers to speak out or is he out on an island by himself?

“That we will wait to see.”

Guthrie’s office involved in MHCare land purchase

The ex-minister’s office was also directly involved in the government’s purchase of land, owned by MHCare CEO Sam Mraiche.

In a statement from Guthrie to CTV News, the province bought a portion of land, adjacent to the Muriel Stanley Venne Provincial Centre.

“Given its location next to the Muriel Stanley Venne (that houses the Provincial Operations Centre) it was acquired to address space and parking constraints in the current building,” he said.

Since the infrastructure office has authority to buy land based on government directives and requests, Guthrie was not made aware of the deal.

On Feb. 19, Guthrie said he directed his department to conduct an audit of that deal and “any other building or land purchases that would be considered abnormal over the last two years.”

“(This is to) ensure all procedures were appropriately followed,” Guthrie said.

The auditor general was also notified about the issue, he said.

Bratt says Smith was asked about the request for an investigation into the ministry of infrastructure.

“The premier said yesterday that they’re not going to do that – that that would be a witch hunt but, clearly, there is a problem here.”