The Progressive Tory Party in Alberta has officially nominated its first candidate and is preparing to participate in the upcoming byelection in Calgary-Shaw. Led by Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie, the provincial party adopted its new name following Guthrie’s reactivation of the dormant Alberta Party. A former UCP MLA and cabinet minister, Guthrie now represents the Progressive Tory Party in Alberta’s legislative assembly.
Bonnie Critchley, a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces who contested against Pierre Poilievre in the August 2025 federal byelection in Battle River-Crowfoot, has been named the Progressive Tory candidate for the provincial Camrose riding. Despite finishing second to Poilievre in the federal byelection with 9.8% of the votes, Critchley had not initially planned to re-enter politics after highlighting Poilievre’s candidacy in a disconnected riding.
However, Critchley’s perspective changed after the UCP government swiftly passed a bill to end a teachers’ strike last fall, utilizing the notwithstanding clause to shield the legislation from legal challenges. Feeling compelled by public sentiment, Critchley, following discussions with Guthrie, reluctantly decided to enter the political arena once again for the 2027 provincial election.
Expressing her concerns about the UCP’s actions that she believes infringe on Albertans’ rights, Critchley emphasized the need for accountability legislation to hold politicians accountable for corrupt practices. Meanwhile, Guthrie has been diligently building the Progressive Tory Party’s infrastructure, establishing 30 constituency associations with plans to nominate additional candidates in the upcoming weeks.
Looking ahead to the fall 2027 provincial election, Guthrie aims to field a full slate of candidates across all 91 constituencies. Despite concerns about potential vote-splitting and its impact on the NDP, both Guthrie and Critchley remain resolute in their commitment to offering Albertans an alternative to the existing political landscape. Emphasizing the party’s stance on accountability and commitment to the province’s unity within Canada, the Progressive Tory Party seeks to carve out its place in Alberta’s political future.