Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba

The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba is a right-of-centre political party in Manitoba, Canada. It is currently the official opposition party in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

In the political wilderness (1915-1940)

Aime Benard was chosen as leader pro tem of the party on August 15, 1915, and Albert Prefontaine was chosen as the official parliamentary leader shortly thereafter. The party was a minor force in parliament, however, and was largely sidelined by the radical farmer and labour movements of the late 1910s.

Related Topics:
Aime Benard - August 15 - 1915 - Albert Prefontaine

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On November 6, 1919, the Conservative Party chose farmer R.G. Willis to lead the party into its next electoral campaign. Willis's selection was a response to the provincial victory of the United Farmers of Ontario the previous month; he defeated Major Fawcett Taylor after three other candidates (including Prefontaine) withdrew their names. The vote total was not announced.

Related Topics:
November 6 - 1919 - R.G. Willis - United Farmers of Ontario - Major Fawcett Taylor

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Willis was defeated in the election of 1920, and the Conservatives became the fourth-largest group in parliament with only six seats. John Thomas Haig subsequently became their parliamentary leader, and Fawcett Taylor was chosen as the official party leader in early 1922.

Related Topics:
1920 - John Thomas Haig - 1922

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The Conservatives gradually regained support in the following twenty years, but were unable to defeat the Progressive government of John Bracken. In 1932, Bracken's Progressives formed an alliance with the Manitoba Liberal Party to ensure that Taylor would not become the province's Premier.

Related Topics:
Progressive - John Bracken - 1932 - Manitoba Liberal Party

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Taylor resigned as party leader in 1933, and W. Sanford Evans served as parliamentary leader for the next three years. In 1936, Errick Willis (son of R.G.) was acclaimed as party leader. He led the party in another unsuccessful challenge to the Bracken ministry in 1936.

Related Topics:
1933 - W. Sanford Evans - 1936 - Errick Willis

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