Education
The son of Bernard Canning and Elizabeth Pomroy, he was born in 1915 in Merasheen and was educated there and at Memorial University College.
The son of Bernard Canning and Elizabeth Pomroy, he was born in 1915 in Merasheen and was educated there and at Memorial University College.
He represented the electoral district of Burin-Placentia West in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly from 1949 to 1972 and 1975 to 1979. Canning joined the Royal Navy in 1940 and saw service in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean during World World War World War II After the war, he taught school for several years and then was employed as manager for James Baird Limited. in Marystown from 1949 to 1951. In 1951, he set up his own business Central Stores there.
Canning also served as president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Truckers" Association.
Canning was first elected to the Newfoundland assembly in 1949 and then was reelected in 1952, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1966 and 1971. He was defeated when he ran for reelection in 1972 but was reelected in 1975, defeating cabinet minister Leo Barry.
Canning retired from politics in 1979 and died in 1991.
He was a member of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.