Beyond Politics
Preston Manning
Even before he was elected, Preston Manning was a political force to be reckoned with. Perhaps no one in the last 25 years has had the same impact on Canadian politics. For his entire political career, Preston Manning rarely spoke of his personal life. In this interview with Catherine Clark he speaks candidly about growing up in the shadow of one this country's great premiers, about Sandra, his wife of over 40 years, their five children and ten grandchildren, and how his faith has guided him over the years. Born in 1942, Preston was the second son of Alberta Premier Ernest Manning. Even though Preston was curious about politics and enjoyed being invited to lunch with his father's cabinet, he never showed any inclination to run until he was well into his 40s. Disillusioned with the mainstream parties, Preston Manning had a vision for a party that would do politics differently, and in 1987 established the Reform Party of Canada. Today, its roots are firmly established in the ruling Conservative Party of Canada.
