Preston Manning is one of Canada's great political visionaries who has tirelessly championed the cause of democratic and political reform. He founded two political parties - the Reform Party and the Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance - both of which became the official Opposition on the Canadian Parliament. Mr. Manning served as the Leader of the Opposition from 1997 to 2000.

Since retirement from Parliament in 2002, Mr. Manning has released a book entitled "Think Big," served as a Senior Fellow of the Canada West Foundation, and as a Distinguished Visitor at the University of Calgary and University of Toronto. Mr. Manning is currently a Senior Fellow of the Fraser Institute.

As founder, President and CEO of the Manning Centre for Building Democracy, Mr. Manning continues his lifelong commitment to improving Canada's democracy.