In an interview with the CBC radio program As It Happens, taped on April 26 for broadcast during the holiday, and which subsequently exploded onto front pages and the top of news reports across Canada, External Affairs Minister John Manley chose Victoria Day Weekend to renew his call for a Canadian republic.

Mr Manley dubbed the Queen "foreign," and called the Monarchy "an institution that's a bit out of date for Canada to continue with." He went on to attack the hereditary principle, observing "Having the oldest son inherit the responsibility of being head of state ­ that's just not something that in the 21st century we ought to be entertaining... That's why it ought to be a person who is Canadian, who reflects Canadian diversity, and who is chosen by Canadians."

As with his previous remarks advocating a republic for Canada, made in the UK within a few weeks after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, Manley's proposal found open disavowals from his cabinet colleagues and swift opposition from the other federal political parties. A quasi-official statement from Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray added to the disapproving chorus; but no word came directly from the Prime Minister, although Mr Chretien's spokesman said "we're not about to open a debate on the monarchy in this country."

The Monarchist League of Canada, The Royal Canadian Legion and a variety of other organizations condemned Mr Manley's opinions. William Barclay, Dominion President of the Royal Canadian Legion, wrote Mr Manley, "Why would you want to disrupt and destroy an institution that has served us so well? Why do you think less of us as Canadians if we trust and believe our historical roots? Why would you choose to undermine the most successful parliamentary system that is founded on the rock of the monarchy? Why would you wish to rob this country of its unique character, history and identity ­ all related to the Monarchy...?"

Monarchist League Chairman John Aimers told National Post that "what is really to be regretted is that on the weekend of a great national holiday a leading member of the Cabinet ­ rather than leading us in celebrating the reality of our heritage and history ­ is attacking one of our fundamental institutions." Other commentators asked how Mr Manley could continue to represent Canada abroad when he disagrees with its governing principle, the Crown.

In identical letters sent Mr Aimers and all those who opposed his initiative, Mr Manley seemed to soften his tone, while maintaining his basic message. Here is his response:

"Thank you for the e-mail concerning Canada's relationship to the Monarchy. The Monarchy is an integral part of Canada's history and identity, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's role as Canada's Head of State is a source of profound pride to a large number of Canadians.

"At the same time, many Canadians are voicing their opinions that a natural evolution of Canada's nationhood should involve the eventual adoption of a system that would see a Canadian as Head of State. The Queen or King would still be the Head of the Commonwealth and would enjoy great respect in Canada as such. It is interesting to note, as well, that of the 54 Commonwealth member nations, only 16 retain the Queen as Head of State.

"While I share the above views personally, I greatly respect your position and those of others. I also strongly believe that any change to Canada's relationship with the Monarchy should be the subject of a vigorous debate which takes the perspectives of all Canadians into account.

"In view of the many pressing and important issues currently facing Canadians, however, it is not a priority of this Government to move forward on this matter at the present time. Should a review of the nature of Canada's Head of State occur in the future, I am confident that all Canadians will have an opportunity to participate fully.

"In the meantime, Canada enjoys a fruitful and active relationship with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and members of the Royal Family. I look forward to contributing positively to Canada's ongoing engagement with the Monarchy."

Support for Mr Manley's position seemed limited to another already-declared republican, Brian Tobin, the Industry Minister. "I think it's a debate that could and should occur over the next few years."

Intrigued to examine Canada's attitude towards the monarchy through a British perspective, the Daily Telegraph sent its crack Washington correspondent Ben Fenton to Toronto. Mr Fenton interviewed the Dominion Chairman of the Monarchist League of Canada and a clutch of Canadians he met on the streets of urban Toronto and rural Queensville. His conclusion? Three extracts from the report in the Telegraph's June 23 issue: 1) headline: Canadians happy to stick with the Queen; 2) "...adherence to the Crown [was] repeated in dozens of conversations with people in Ontario..."; 3) "There is no republican movement in Canada."

"I see the Crown as an important part of our constitutional arrangements, and therefore, I don't see any reason to enter into this debate."
ANNE McLELLAN, MINISTER OF JUSTICE

 

"It is our policy to continue supporting the Monarchy and continue having The Queen as Head of State." HERB GRAY, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

 

"I think John's all wet on this issue." DAVID COLLENETTE, MINISTER OF TRANSPORT

 

"I certainly don't think it's a good idea. What are we going to have, a President Chretien?"
PETER GOLDRING, MP, (CA, Edmonton Centre East, AB)

 

"I don't know what they've got against the Queen." GRANT HILL, MP (CA, Macleod, AB)

 

«La Couronne canadienne constitue un symbole, une institution et un principe constitutif. D'abord et avant tout, elle est l'expression de la continuité de notre nation.»
SEN. SERGE JOYAL (LIB-QUE)

"I think the Monarchy serves a useful role in the country. It's an institution that tends to be very important to a lot of Canadians."
HON. LORNE NYSTROM, MP (NDP, Regina- Qu'Appelle)

 

 

"I feel pride every time I go into a citizenship ceremony and I repeat the Oath of Citizenship and I pledge allegiance to the Queen." ELINOR CAPLAN, MINISTER OF CITIZENSHIP

"I am shocked and appalled that a Minister of the Crown would make unwelcome and unsolicited comments about the monarchy on the eve of Victoria Day... The Minister has made some very serious accusations about the performance of the Queen as our head of state, but I would question the manner in which he himself is representing Canada when his views are so wildly at odds with the majority of Canadians."
ELSIE WAYNE, MP (PC-Saint John, NB)

 

"Mr Manley is a damn republican, and he's out to sink the monarchy. That he chose this weekend to float his anarchist balloon is no surprise... As for Her Majesty, long may she reign over us."
REX MURPHY, COMMENTING ON CBC-TV NATIONAL NEWS, MAY 21, 2001