Conservatives oppose changing national anthem
Conservatives oppose changing national anthem
The majority Conservative government says it won’t change the lyrics of the national anthem in the wake of a bid by a Liberal MP to do just that in order to make it gender-neutral.
The firm declaration by the governing Tories means the proposed bill — although sure to prompt debate in the Commons — is likely headed for defeat.
As well, although Liberal MP Justin Trudeau says he welcomes the debate that will come in Parliament on the bill by Ottawa-Vanier MP Mauril Belanger, he hasn’t decided whether he will support it when it comes to a vote.
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair will vote for the bill so it can be examined by a parliamentary committee.
Earlier this week, Belanger introduced a bill that would replace two words in the national anthem so it is “gender-inclusive.”
Currently, Canadians begin the anthem by singing:
“O Canada, our home and native land
True patriot love
In all thy sons command.”
Belanger’s version would have Canadians sing:
“O Canada, our home and native land
True patriot love
In all of us command.”
The bill comes four years after Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government quickly ditched its own plan to adjust the words of the national anthem after the idea was assailed by Conservative supporters.
On Tuesday, Harper’s office referred questions about whether the government will support Belanger’s new bill to Canadian Heritage Minister Shelly Glover’s office.
Mike Storeshaw, Glover’s director of communications, responded to the question through an email.
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“I can tell you on behalf of Minister Glover that our government has no intention of changing the lyrics to the national anthem,” he wrote. “Our focus remains on the economy and job creation.”
The Conservatives hold a majority in the House of Commons and without their support, Belanger’s bill won’t pass.
Trudeau, speaking to reporters Tuesday, said that all MPs have the prerogative to put forward private members’ bills to be debated in the Commons.
“I’m proud that the Liberal party holds free votes on private members’ businesses and I look forward to a fulsome debate. I haven’t decided yet how I am personally going to vote on it. I look forward to discussion and debate.”
Belanger’s bill is expected to be debated in late November or early December — to be followed by more debate and then a vote, likely in early 2015.
If MPs vote in favour of his bill, it will be then sent to the Commons heritage committee for public hearings and further study.
George Smith, executive assistant to Mulcair, said that New Democrats will be given a free vote.
“Mr. Mulcair supports bringing this bill to committee where it can be properly examined,” he said.
“Making sure that people don’t feel excluded by our national anthem is a good thing.”
Belanger said his changes are long overdue.
“To me it is representative of the evolution of our society,” he said.
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