Forerunner to the New Democratic Party, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation was established in Calgary, 1932 with J.S. Woodsworth at its helm. The CCF was a political coalition of progressive, socialist, and labour forces. In 1933, the CCF adopted the Regina Manifesto, which outlined its goals including, among other things, laying the infrastructure for a modern welfare state. Although never holding power nationally, the CCF managed to initiate many important social programs and to provide a critical voice for the Canadian political Left.
