An Alberta political scientist says he doesn't blame Independent MLA Guy Boutilier for using a loophole to get more research money from the government.

Boutilier, the MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, announced in June he was signing on with the Wildrose Alliance, but he continues to sit as an Independent, in part because he gets more research money.

Peter McCormick, a University of Lethbridge professor, said the ruling Alberta Progressive Conservatives have rigged the financial rules to penalize the Wildrose Alliance.

"This is the Conservatives playing with the rules for their own convenience and I don't think we should see it as anything else."

Under the current rules, the Wildrose caucus gets far less in office allowances because leader Danielle Smith is not a sitting MLA.

"If you're an NDP MLA you get $300,000 a member. If you're a Liberal you get $200,000 a member. If you're Wildrose you get $100,000 a member, and if Guy Boutilier says out loud formally that he's Wildrose he gets his funding cut in half," McCormick said.

Boutilier said he is waiting until the fall session of the legislature before formally joining the caucus.

McCormick said he is somewhat surprised Boutilier hasn't yet crossed the floor, but said there's nothing wrong with the former environment minister waiting for the fall session.