Preston Manning, founder of the Reform Party that changed the face of Canadian politics, will be the guest speaker at a tribute dinner for Chilliwack's long-time MP Chuck Strahl.
"We hope many can join us and Preston Manning to celebrate Chuck's career and thank him for all that he's done for our communities and this country," Jeremy Giesbrecht, president of the local Conservative Party association, said in news release.
Strahl was part-owner of a local logging company in 1993 when he was first elected to Parliament in the Reform Party sweep led by Manning of Canada's western provinces.
Strahl was re-elected by huge margins thereafter, even though the Reform Party eventually disappeared and despite his controversial role at the head of a "renegade" pack of MPs.
After the new Conservative Party was born, Strahl continued to hold important cabinet posts, even though he had challenged Stephen Harper for the leadership.
Last March, now a grandfather many times over, Strahl announced he would not run again for re-election.
The tribute dinner will be held Nov. 12 at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel.
Reservations for the $125 per person seats can be made by calling 604-799-9296 or email chuck.strahl.tribute.dinner@gmail.com before the Oct. 29 deadline.