The recently established Progressive Tory Party in Alberta has selected its inaugural candidate and is gearing up to contest the upcoming byelection in Calgary-Shaw. Led by Peter Guthrie, a former UCP MLA and cabinet minister who now represents the Progressive Tory Party in the Alberta legislature, the party adopted its new name last year after Guthrie assumed leadership of the previously dormant Alberta Party.
Bonnie Critchley, a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces who ran against Pierre Poilievre in the Battle River-Crowfoot federal byelection in August 2025, has been chosen as the Progressive Tory candidate in the Camrose riding for the provincial election. Despite finishing second in the previous federal byelection with 9.8% of the vote, Critchley initially had no intentions of re-entering politics after highlighting Poilievre’s lack of local ties. However, her stance changed following the UCP government’s swift passage of legislation to end a teachers’ strike last fall using the notwithstanding clause, prompting calls for her to take action.
In an interview with CBC News, Critchley expressed her reluctance to rejoin politics but emphasized the need to protect Canadians’ rights in the face of concerning government actions. She outlined the Progressive Tory Party’s commitment to introducing new accountability measures to hold politicians accountable for corruption as a top priority.
Guthrie’s efforts to establish the Progressive Tory Party have been ongoing since January, focusing on building essential political infrastructure, including constituency associations. With plans to nominate more candidates in the coming weeks, Guthrie aims to field a full slate of candidates for the fall 2027 provincial election. Additionally, the party intends to contest the upcoming Calgary-Shaw byelection, triggered by the resignation of former UCP MLA Rebecca Schulz.
While some have raised concerns about potential vote-splitting benefiting the NDP, both Guthrie and Critchley dismiss such claims, emphasizing the Progressive Tory Party’s distinct platform and objectives. Guthrie affirmed the party’s commitment to upholding Alberta’s status within Canada, with Critchley highlighting the majority support for remaining part of the country in the Camrose riding.
Regarding potential impacts on the political landscape, opinions vary. Former NDP MLA Shannon Phillips suggested that the Progressive Tories might pose a challenge to the NDP given their shared centrist positioning, stressing the importance of a clear party identity beyond opposition to the UCP. Phillips advised the new party to focus on developing a strong brand to effectively communicate its values to voters.
Despite skepticism from critics, Guthrie remains optimistic about the Progressive Tory Party’s prospects, acknowledging the dynamic nature of politics and expressing readiness to seize opportunities for change. Critchley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of voters selecting representatives based on shared values rather than fear tactics, advocating for a return to a more moderate political landscape.