{"id":2938,"date":"2025-01-14T07:00:55","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T13:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/?p=2938"},"modified":"2025-01-14T07:00:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T13:00:58","slug":"ernest-preston-manning-edmontons-political-leader-and-champion-of-democracy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/ernest-preston-manning-edmontons-political-leader-and-champion-of-democracy","title":{"rendered":"Ernest Preston Manning \u2013 Edmonton\u2019s Political Leader and Champion of Democracy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Every individual has the ability to utilize the tools provided by democracy to influence the composition of elected assemblies and the direction of their city and country.&#8221; \u2013 Ernest Preston Manning<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Preston Manning boasts extensive experience in public service. A founder of the Reform Party and a Member of Parliament, he has dedicated his life to defending people\u2019s rights and promoting democracy in both society and politics. More on <a href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/\">edmonton-yes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0c2ebac51d5\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0c2ebac51d5\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/ernest-preston-manning-edmontons-political-leader-and-champion-of-democracy\/#A_Legacy_of_Leadership\" >A Legacy of Leadership<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/ernest-preston-manning-edmontons-political-leader-and-champion-of-democracy\/#Education_and_Early_Aspirations\" >Education and Early Aspirations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/ernest-preston-manning-edmontons-political-leader-and-champion-of-democracy\/#Entry_into_Politics\" >Entry into Politics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/ernest-preston-manning-edmontons-political-leader-and-champion-of-democracy\/#Founding_the_Reform_Party\" >Founding the Reform Party<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/ernest-preston-manning-edmontons-political-leader-and-champion-of-democracy\/#Life_After_Politics\" >Life After Politics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/eternal\/ernest-preston-manning-edmontons-political-leader-and-champion-of-democracy\/#Legacy_and_Recognition\" >Legacy and Recognition<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Legacy_of_Leadership\"><\/span>A Legacy of Leadership<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-11-1024x536.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2939\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-11-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-11-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-11-768x402.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-11-696x364.png 696w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-11-1068x559.png 1068w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/1-11.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ernest Preston Manning was born on June 10, 1942, in Edmonton, Alberta, into a devout Baptist family that emphasized faith in God and a commitment to serving others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His father, Ernest Charles Manning, had relocated from Saskatchewan to Alberta to attend a Bible college, where he met Preston\u2019s mother, Muriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ernest Sr. played a crucial role in Alberta politics, witnessing the devastating effects of the Great Depression and committing himself to public service. Elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta with the Social Credit Party, he became a pivotal figure in the province\u2019s political history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Preston was just a year old, his father assumed the role of Alberta\u2019s Premier. Preston frequently visited the Alberta Legislature as a child, walking from his elementary school to have lunch with his father. These visits allowed him to observe government operations firsthand, instilling in him the values of public service and responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the age of 11, Preston\u2019s family moved to Edmonton\u2019s east side, settling near the North Saskatchewan River. His teenage years were marked by a deep commitment to his faith and active participation in the Baptist Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Education_and_Early_Aspirations\"><\/span>Education and Early Aspirations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"745\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/2-12-1024x745.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2942\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/2-12-1024x745.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/2-12-300x218.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/2-12-768x559.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/2-12-696x506.png 696w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/2-12.png 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1958, Preston enrolled at the University of Alberta. By 1964, he had earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, laying the foundation for his future career in politics and governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Entry_into_Politics\"><\/span>Entry into Politics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"852\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/3-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2945\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/3-1.png 852w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/3-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/3-1-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-yes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/01\/3-1-696x392.png 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 852px) 100vw, 852px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1965, Manning ran for a seat in the House of Commons as a member of the federal Social Credit Party. Despite his loss, he remained undeterred and pivoted his focus to building a career in management consulting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1967, he married Sandra Beavis, and together they built a life centered on community and professional development. Over the next two decades, Manning\u2019s consulting business thrived, specializing in strategic planning for the energy sector, Indigenous community development, and public policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By 1980, Manning had returned to politics, driven by a vision of creating a new political party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Founding_the_Reform_Party\"><\/span>Founding the Reform Party<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1987, Manning organized a pivotal conference in Vancouver, which led to the creation of the Reform Party of Canada. As its leader, he sought to address issues of Western alienation and build a platform for nationwide reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Initially headquartered in Edmonton, the party moved its base to Calgary as it grew. By 1993, the Reform Party had 52 Members of Parliament, solidifying its place as a political force in Canada. Manning\u2019s leadership played a key role in transforming the party from a regional to a national entity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Life_After_Politics\"><\/span>Life After Politics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2000, the Reform Party was rebranded as the Canadian Alliance Party. Shortly after, it merged with the Progressive Conservative Party to form the modern Conservative Party of Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manning retired from politics and, in 2005, co-founded the Manning Centre for Building Democracy alongside his wife. The center\u2019s mission is to support political research, education, and communications infrastructure while promoting democracy grounded in conservative principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legacy_and_Recognition\"><\/span>Legacy and Recognition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For his contributions to Canadian politics and public life, Preston Manning has received numerous accolades, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. His work continues to inspire political leaders and citizens alike to engage in democracy with integrity and purpose.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Every individual has the ability to utilize the tools provided by democracy to influence the composition of elected assemblies and the direction of their city and country.&#8221; \u2013 Ernest Preston Manning Preston Manning boasts extensive experience in public service. A founder of the Reform Party and a Member of Parliament, he has dedicated his life [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":415,"featured_media":2948,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[490],"tags":[1332,1293,1343,1341,1337,1336,1345,1338,1333,1342,1339,1348,1340,1334,1335,1344],"motype":[491],"moformat":[89],"moimportance":[101,104],"class_list":{"0":"post-2938","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-pro-polituky","8":"tag-alberta-history","9":"tag-alberta-politician","10":"tag-canadian-alliance-party","11":"tag-canadian-political-leaders","12":"tag-canadian-politics","13":"tag-conservative-politics","14":"tag-democracy-in-canada","15":"tag-ernest-preston-manning","16":"tag-federal-politics","17":"tag-house-of-commons","18":"tag-manning-centre","19":"tag-manning-family-legacy","20":"tag-order-of-canada","21":"tag-preston-manning","22":"tag-reform-party-of-canada-3","23":"tag-social-credit-party","24":"motype-eternal","25":"moformat-vlasna","26":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","27":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2938","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/415"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2938"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2938\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2951,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2938\/revisions\/2951"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2948"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2938"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2938"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2938"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2938"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2938"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-yes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2938"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}