Deputy Prime Minister John Manley, the Queen greeting well wishers in Vancouver (BBC image)

Manley and the Monarchy

FTLComm - Tisdale - Monday, October 7, 2002

The Deputy Prime Minister also serves as Minister of Finance does not have the luxury of having personal views so when he made some negative comments about the relevance of the Monarchy the reaction from coast to coast has been profoundly negative to John Manley and reflects badly on the government he represents.

We received three very upset commentarys from Canadians, the references at the bottom of the page are from today's media as they have reported the incident and reactions from Canadian politicians and the public. But first here is what three contributors have to say:

Boorish views.

White Rock, B.C. - by: Brian Marlatt

The Right Honourable Joe Clark has called for Prime Minister Jean Chretien to reconsider Mr. Manley's duties to host the Queen during Her Majesty's visit to Ottawa this week.(1) Our prime minister, or more correctly Her Majesty's prime minister, should listen to the advice of Mr. Clark. I hope he does. Mr. Manley's boorish views are no part of my identity as a Canadian. Pride in Her Majesty the Queen, our Crown and Monarchy are, for me, part of what defines us.

Brian Marlatt

The position of the others?

Niagara Falls, Ontario - by: Joe Hueglin

One Liberal Leadership candidate has declared the aim of abolishing the Monarchy. Might be interesting to know the position of the others. Particularly Paul Martin, who seems to have something to say on almost everything these days. Can we anticipate the question being asked?

Joe Hueglin

Re: Manley suggests Governor General could become Canada's head of state (Montreal: CP)

Victoria, B. C. - by: Jean Howell

By calling for a republic while hosting the Queen, John Manley has removed himself from the Liberal Leadership race. Whatever the personal sentiments of Liberals, whatever his positive qualities, Mr. Manley's ill timed comment will not be forgotten. Monarchy, the Liberal leadership knows, is part of the cultural heritage of Canadians, the putty in the Canadian mosaic. By calling for a republic while hosting the Queen, John Manley has removed himself from the Liberal Leadership race. Whatever the personal sentiments of Liberals, whatever his positive qualities, Mr. Manley's ill timed comment will not be forgotten. Monarchy, the Liberal leadership knows, is part of the cultural heritage of Canadians, the putty in the Canadian mosaic. Combining this faux pas with the rapid backtracking on Federal funding for hockey teams (2) creates too many liabilities for him to be selected or even considered as Liberal Leader. Manley, by twice misreading the public, has shown himself to be anything but astute as a politician. Combining this faux pas with the rapid backtracking on Federal funding for hockey teams (2) creates too many liabilities for him to be selected or even considered as Liberal Leader. Manley, by twice misreading the public, has shown himself to be anything but astute as a politician.

Jean Howell

References:

1. Manley's antil-monarch comments rude and unacceptable: Joe Clark

2. Charles, Rod Government pulls plug on NHL bailout Feds reverse decision, will not support Canadian NHL teams financially. January 21, 2000

3. Queen 'treasures' her role in Canadian identity, Monday, October 7, 2002, CBC

4. Hunter, Stuart, British Columbians outraged at Manley, October 7, 2002, The Province (Vancouver)

5. Queen 'treasures' Canadian role, Monday October 7, 2002 BBC

6. Lawlor, Allison Queen pays tribute to Canada, Monday, October 7, 2002, Toronto Globe and Mail

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