Bill C-210 (Historical)

An Act to amend the National Anthem Act (gender)

This enactment amends the National Anthem Act to substitute the words “of us” for the words “thy sons” in the English version of the national anthem, thus making it gender neutral.

[The Speaker, Geoff Regan]

Order, please. I have the honour to inform the House that a communication has been received as follows:

Rideau Hall

Ottawa

February 7, 2018

Mr. Speaker:

I have the honour to inform you that Ms. Assunta Di Lorenzo, Secretary to the Governor General, in her capacity as Deputy of the Governor General, signified royal assent by written declaration to the bill listed in the Schedule to this letter on the 7th day of February 2018, at 11:00 a.m.

Yours sincerely,

Christine MacIntyre

Executive Director, Events, Household and Visitor Services

The schedule indicates the bill assented to was Bill C-210, An Act to amend the National Anthem Act (gender).

National Anthem

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to speak today in memory of the hon. member who held this seat before me.

Last night, I was honoured to be present in the gallery as Bill C-210, an act to amend the National Anthem Act, was voted on by senators. After sitting in the other place for 19 months, including nearly a year at third reading, I was delighted to see senators finally adopt the bill and send it for royal assent.

Our anthem will very soon be gender-neutral, promoting Canada's commitment to the equality of sexes and women's rights.

Mauril's dedication to making the national anthem gender neutral will stand as his legacy to future generations.

I am very proud to stand here today and sing along with all my hon. colleagues.

Canadian Heritage

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Minister of Canadian Heritage]

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-210 is an act to render the English version of O Canada gender neutral. It aligns with the Government of Canada's commitment to promote gender equality and the advancement of women's rights.

Bill C-210 was presented by the hon. member for Ottawa—Vanier, whose dedication to the principles of justice in general, and gender parity in particular, was an inspiration and an example for all of us.

Canadian National Anthem

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, later this afternoon, the House is going to have the opportunity to debate Bill C-210.

This is a bill dealing with Canada's national anthem. We are hopeful that all members will recognize the importance of this, specifically in regard to the member for Ottawa—Vanier, who has put in a yeoman's effort to raise what is a very important issue for the House of Commons. We are hopeful that we will be able to see the bill come to a vote today.

Business of the House

[Andrew Leslie, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, should you seek it, I hope you will find unanimous consent for the motion that notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, when the order is for consideration of report stage or at third reading stage of Bill C-210, An Act to amend the National Anthem Act (gender), if the member for Ottawa—Vanier is not present to move the concurrence of report stage or the third reading motions, they may be moved by the member for Orléans.

Canadian Heritage

[Hedy Fry, Liberal, Vancouver Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage in relation to Bill C-210, an act to amend the National Anthem Act (gender).

The committee has studied the bill and decided to report the bill back to the House without amendment.