The major political traditions upon which Manning drew most heavily were those of the Reform tradition of pre- Confederation Canada, namely, the writings and experiences of Baldwin and La Fontaine, leaders of the Reform Parties of Upper and Lower Canada; and Joseph Howe, leader of the Reform Party of Nova Scotia. Later influences included those of Louis Riel, the Metis Leader and Father of Manitoba; F. W. G Haultain, the last and greatest Premier of the old Northwest Territory, J. S Woodsworth, Thomas Crerar, and Agnes Campbell McPhail of the Progressive Party of Canada; Henry Wise Wood of the United Farmers of Alberta; Tommy Douglas of the CCF, and William Aberhart and Ernest Manning of the Social Credit Party.