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I met with my MP (Hon. Joe Oliver) about this matter in December 2011, and he felt that if he were to bring forth the idea of changing the anthem in parliament, he would be overruled on the basis that the Parti Québécois is so adamant about their ties to history, they would never agree to change the anthem, regardless of the fact that they do not even stand to recognize the anthem when it is being played in parliament.

Mr. Oliver suggested that I contact the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Hon. James Moore for assistance in this matter. Mr. Moore’s reply to my letter in February 2012 stated, “On July 1, 1980, ‘O Canada’ became an official national symbol by Royal Proclamation and, through the unanimous passing of the National Anthem Act, was officially proclaimed Canada’s national anthem. Since subsequent changes must be made through an amendment to the Act, it should be noted that the Government of Canada has no plans to seek changes to the national anthem at this time.”

The government of Canada fears the response from a minority in the government over an issue that affects the entire country. The national anthem is sung across Canada in both languages and needs to reflect our diverse population. I believe nothing has been done about this for so long because the majority of Canadians are not familiar with the lyrics in French. If people knew the meaning of the words they were singing, I think they would be appalled and demand change.

The problem of a lack of true bilingualism in Canada continues to exist and exhibits itself in a variety of ways. One of these ways is the drastically different versions of our national anthem and the fact that the outdated French version discriminates against those who are not of the Christian religion. I feel that making people aware of this issue will encourage examination of possible solutions to this problem.

Raising this issue publicly is what is needed to begin the process of change. Our national anthem is a glaring example of the lack of true bilingualism in Canada.

National Post