There has been a long string of failed attempts to make the national anthem gender-neutral, but this time it looks like it's actually going to happen.

A bill to change the words of "O Canada" overwhelmingly passed its first vote in the House of Commons Wednesday evening by a count of 219-79.

The bill still needs to go through study and a couple more votes before getting final approval. But after receiving support from every present Liberal and NDP MP Wednesday, as well as a handful of Conservatives, its chances seem extremely good.