Preston Manning: podcast appearances and interviews

Ernest Preston Manning, born on June 10, 1942, is a retired Canadian politician. He was the founder and the only leader of the Reform Party of Canada, a federal political party that later evolved into the Canadian Alliance and ultimately contributed to the formation of the Conservative Party of Canada. Manning represented the federal constituency of Calgary Southwest in the Canadian House of Commons from 1993 until his retirement in 2002. He served as the leader of the Official Opposition from 1997 to 2000. Manning is the son of former Social Credit Premier of Alberta Ernest Manning. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics in 1964 and gained prominence in 1987 when he and allies created the Reform Party, which was rooted in anti-establishment right-wing populism with a regionalist focus on Western Canada. The party won its first seat in 1989 and saw significant growth in the 1993 federal election, securing 52 seats. By the 1997 federal election, the party increased its representation to 60 seats and became the Official Opposition. Although Manning did not become prime minister, he played a key role in the party's rise. After losing the leadership of the Canadian Alliance in 2000 to Stockwell Day, Manning continued serving in Parliament until his retirement. He remains active in Conservative Party politics and campaigns and is recognized for founding the green conservative movement in Canada. Following his retirement, Manning established the Manning Foundation for Democratic Education and the Manning Centre for Building Democracy, organizations dedicated to strengthening Canadian democracy aligned with conservative principles.