SASKATOON (Staff) – Former Alberta premier and evangelical spiritual leader Ernest Manning has died at 87 after a long illness.
Manning was elected to the Alberta legislature at the age of 26, became premier in 1943 and served for 25 years as the head of the Social Credit government.
In Alberta he was perhaps equally well known for his “Back to the Bible Hour” radio broadcasts and always considered himself as a preacher first, politician second. His strong Baptist views infused both his political and radio careers.
Reform Party leader Preston Manning is Ernest’s son.
