O Canada! PCs Pass Resolution to Sing National Anthem Daily in Legislature
WINNIPEG — A Progressive Conservative resolution to add O Canada to the daily ceremonies of the Manitoba Legislature passed today, and the Official Opposition is now calling on the Rules Committee to meet without delay to ensure the anthem is implemented as soon as possible.
“As Manitobans increasingly seek opportunities to unify, it’s on us as legislators to set an example of what that can look like,” said Swan River MLA Rick Wowchuk, who sponsored the resolution. “Singing our national anthem in these chambers every sitting day will act as a daily, unified demonstration of our love for Canada.”
The resolution proposes that O Canada be sung each sitting day following the daily prayer and land acknowledgment, and calls for the Legislature’s Rules Committee to formalize the change. It responds to a growing demand for strong expressions of Canadian patriotism following recent threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to Canada’s economic security and sovereignty.
“O Canada reminds us of the bonds we share as Canadians, beyond political divisions and partisan lines,” said Wayne Ewasko, Leader of the Official Opposition. “Singing our national anthem celebrates the diversity of people we represent every day in the Legislature, commits to the full inclusion of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s prosperity, and reinforces our responsibility to make this country the best it can be.”
Premier Wab Kinew chose not to vote.
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