United Conservative Party MLA Peter Guthrie is running for re-election in the Airdrie-Cochrane constituency.

Guthrie, who has lived in Cochrane since 2009, is married, has two kids, and has worked in several industries.

"I'm a chemical engineer who worked eight years in the pulp and paper sector, 10 years farming and ranching in Consort, AB, and eight years in a retail business in Calgary."

Guthrie was named Alberta Energy minister last October when Danielle Smith became premier.

Guthrie's interest in entering politics was sparked when he owned a Mr. Lube franchise in 2015. He was attempting to expand his business at a time when Rachel Notley led the Alberta New Democratic Party, and Justin Trudeau and the Liberals were elected into power.

"These new governments were increasing costs on small businesses, and that was the motivating factor for me to start to get active."

Guthrie handily won the Airdrie-Cochrane race in 2019 with 65 per cent of the vote and hopes to retain the position. He believes the campaign is on the right track.

"The response has been fantastic. We've been out over the last couple of days, putting out signs from the hundreds of requests that we've had. The change in the weather has just caused a great amount of enthusiasm."

He says Airdrie and Cochrane are among the fastest-growing communities in Canada and with that growth comes needs.

"Just this year, Rocky View Schools was awarded four new schools, and two of those are in Airdrie. There was another one awarded last year. The 40th Ave. interchange project is underway. We just announced the new Balzac Interchange. As well, work is being done on affordable housing and seniors facilities."

The MLA also pointed to the work being done to the current healthcare facility in Airdrie and the feasibility study underway for the Airdrie Regional Hospital.

To help advocate for Airdrie's needs, Guthrie says it's important to maintain good relationships with the other MLAs and the municipal government.

"I've been working together in a positive fashion with the other local MLA there, Angela Pitt, as well as the local municipality, currently led by Peter Brown. We've been able to build a tremendous relationship and I want to be able to see that continue in order to help us provide for the needs of our Airdronians."

Guthrie says the election comes at an exciting time in the political landscape.

The 2023 provincial election takes place on May 29.