VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Canadian politicians voiced outrage and embarrassment following remarks by Deputy Prime Minister John Manley, who attacked the British monarchy as Queen Elizabeth II and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, embarked on a 12-day tour of Canada.
The visit is part of the queen's Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years as sovereign.
Manley raised eyebrows and hackles on Friday by reiterating a view that Canada has outlived a need to remain part of the royal domain and suggesting that Canada should sever ties with the British monarchy.
Long known as an outspoken critic of the monarchy, Manley joked Friday as the queen arrived in Canada, that pop star Celine Dion as head of state would be preferable to the current royal affiliation. Later he quipped that he thought Elvis was king.
"I continue to think that for Canada after Queen Elizabeth, it should be time to consider a different institution for us, and personally I would prefer a wholly Canadian institution," he said.
His remarks have led to demands that he be stripped of the privilege of acting as official escort when the royal couple arrives in Ottawa on Sunday.
"Given the deputy prime minister's public insult, it would be totally inappropriate for him to act as the queen's escort when she visits us here in Ottawa," said Canadian Alliance Member of Parliament Jason Kenney.
But the prime minister's office indicated it has no intention of removing Manley from his assigned royal duties.
On Monday, Manley was again rebuked by his Cabinet colleagues and unceremoniously crowned "King John" by opposition members. However, Prime Minister Jean Chretien again downplayed the furor, saying, "It's a personal view. It's not the position of the government."
Meanwhile, in Vancouver, the queen saluted her "bond with Canadians" on Monday night by saying she has watched with admiration over the last 50 years as Canada evolved into playing an important role in global affairs. "I treasure my place in the life of Canada and my bond with Canadians everywhere," she said, adding, "Here in British Columbia, as elsewhere in Canada, you are crafting a multicultural society that provides a model for the rest of the world."
Quebec, unlike all the other provinces and territories, did not request a formal state visit. The province has long expressed a desire to separate from Canada and does not officially recognize the monarchy. However, an "unofficial" black-tie dinner party is scheduled for Sunday in Gatineau, Quebec, near the Quebec-Ontario border.
Gilles Duceppe, leader of the separatist Bloc Quebecois party, said that he does not feel the queen represents Quebec. "We certainly recognize the queen of England, but as the queen of Canada, we don't recognize her authority," he said.
The royal couple began their Canadian tour in Canada's newest territory, Nunavut, in the far north, on Friday. Following a choir recital of "God Save the Queen" in Inuktitut, English and French, the queen told the people of Nunavut that the land is their strength and it will guide their future. "It speaks of your ancestors, Canada's original citizens; one of the nation's founding cultures that speaks to your elders whose lifelong struggles are part of the foundation upon which you are building a bright future," she said.
The queen and duke travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Tuesday afternoon before moving on to Toronto, Ontario, Fredericton, New Brunswick, and then the nation's capital at Ottawa, Ontario, on Sunday.
(Reported by Martin Stone in Montreal)
