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But some Conservative senators appear intent on picking up the fight of Tory MPs, who said the bill was being rammed through Parliament without proper time to study the proposed changes or consult with the public.

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As well, the priority for some Senate Liberals and Independents is to first pass several government bills still in the upper chamber, including on assisted dying.

“I’m disappointed the Conservatives are not able to move forward into the new party that will win the next general election, by blocking bills like this for Canadians,” Ruth told the Ottawa Citizen.

“I’m disappointed that my party cannot at this time, before Canada Day, pass it. I’m disappointed that Heritage Canada, in its preparations for 2017, will not be given more time to prepare for the introduction of our new, modern, up-to-date national anthem.”

Bélanger’s bill would amend the National Anthem Act to change two words in O Canada from “in all thy sons command” to “in all of us command.” The change would make the anthem gender-neutral, similar to how it was more than a century ago.

Independent Liberal Sen. Jim Munson, a close friend of Bélanger, also isn’t confident the bill will pass before the Senate is scheduled to adjourn.

“Personally, I would love to see Mr. Bélanger’s bill passed before July 1 so we could sing the new version on Canada Day. But I am not sure there is an appetite in the Senate to make it law before then,” Munson said.

Bélanger, who turns 61 on Wednesday, was diagnosed last fall with the fatal neuromuscular disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.