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OTTAWA — The 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.

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As well, although Liberal leader 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, Mr. 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.”

Mr. 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.