The National Citizens Coalition recently held two very successful dinners in Toronto and Calgary to honour Preston Manning C.C. with the 2008 Colin M. Brown Medal of Freedom.  Named for the late founder of the NCC, the Freedom Medal recognizes outstanding Canadians who share Colin Brown Sr.’s unshakable belief and courage to defend Canada’s freedoms and values. 

In the early days of the National Citizens Coalition, Preston’s father Ernest Manning was on the advisory council of the NCC and was a trusted and respected voice in the early formative years of the organization.

Preston’s speech which you can read here was very entertaining and filled with ideas of how the country needs to move forward in a more business like environment and to develop ideas that make sense for the 21st century.

We were very fortunate to have The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, attend the dinner in Calgary. His introduction of Preston Manning and his kind words about the visionary path that Preston Manning led with the Reform Party and later the Canadian Alliance were well received by all and especially by Preston. 

Kevin Libin from the National Post wrote a great article about the Calgary dinner, which you can read here.

Preston Manning is continuing on his great work as President and CEO of the Manning Centre for Democracy, which supports research, education and communication initiatives designed to achieve a more democratic society in Canada guided by conservative principles.

Once again, congratulations Preston on receiving this award and continued success in all of your endeavors.

Peter Coleman
President & CEO
The National Citizens Coalition