Charles Avery Dunning was born on July 31, 1885 in the small village of Croft, Leicestershire, England. As a young man, he worked in the iron industry in his native country before deciding to move to Canada in his late teens. Once in Canada, he quickly became involved in the political scene, eventually serving as Vice President of the Territorial Grain Growers' Association.
Dunning's political career truly began when he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. He went on to hold the office of Third Premier of Saskatchewan, representing the Liberal Party. His tenure as Premier was marked by progressive policies and a strong focus on economic development.
After his time in provincial politics, Dunning successfully ran for a seat in the Canadian Parliament. He was later appointed as Canada's Minister of Finance, where he played a key role in shaping the country's economic policies during a period of great change.
Despite leaving politics behind, Dunning continued to make a significant impact on Canada's development. He was instrumental in establishing the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which has since played a vital role in providing affordable housing for Canadians. Additionally, he served as a key member of the board of the Canadian Pacific Railway and was appointed as Chancellor of Queen's University.
In his later years, Dunning resided in Montreal, Quebec, where he continued to be involved in various philanthropic efforts and community initiatives. His contributions to both the political and social landscape of Canada were significant and long-lasting.
Charles Avery Dunning's legacy as a politician and public figure is one of dedication, intelligence, and innovation. His progressive policies and steadfast commitment to serving the people of Canada have left a lasting impact on the country's history. He was a trailblazer in many ways, paving the way for future generations of leaders to follow in his footsteps.