Born in 1908 at Carnduff, Saskatchewan, Ernest Manning became the youngest cabinet minister in the British Commonwealth at the age of 26. His legendary common-sense approach to politics made him a popular favorite of the people as well as a formidable adversary in parliament.
His belief in recognizing the intelligence of the common person as well as his strong ideals of honesty, integrity and sincerity allowed him to retire undefeated, the longest serving elected leader in Canada’s history.
The Ernest C. Manning Innovation Awards program was named in honour of and under the patronage of this statesman whose own innovative ideas provided much inspiration during nearly half a century of public service.