Christian Influence in Twentieth Century Alberta by Michael Wagner

From 1935 until 1968, Alberta had two premiers who were radio evangelists. They governed the province and also preached on a very popular gospel radio program once per week.

William Aberhart – who was popularly known as “Bible Bill” – became premier in 1935 and remained in office until he died in 1943. His successor was Ernest Manning who remained premier until he resigned in 1968.

Manning would subsequently be named to the Canadian Senate to represent Alberta, where he remained until 1983.

This Zoom presentation was made to ChristianRoots Canada www.christianrootscanada.org on August 25, 2023.

For detailed information about “Bible Bill” Aberhart and Ernest Manning, see the website of the Bible Bill Historical Foundation: http://www.aberhartfoundation.ca/Pages/Aberhart%20FrameSet.htm

For information about the origin and development of conservative Christian political activism in Canada, see the book Standing on Guard for Thee: The Past, Present and Future of Canada's Christian Right (https://merchantship.ca/products/standing-on-guard-for-thee?_pos=1&_sid=d888bb7bc&_ss=r).