O Canada, The Anthem

There’s been lots of talk over the years and more recently about changing the words in Canada’s National Anthem to make it “more Inclusive” and better reflect our current and complex population.. Gender neutrality is the subject du jour. But, methinks that gender neutrality is but a part of the opportunity. To be truly inclusive, in addition to changing the current reference “in all thy son’s command” to” “in all our command”, let’s go for the gusto and make the all the changes to “Neutralize and Reflect and Represent”. Here’s a few ideas.

THE WORDS…(1st verse the only Official one) 1.O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee. God keep our land, glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee; O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. 2. O Canada! Where pines and maples grow, Great prairies spread and Lordly rivers flow! How dear to us thy broad domain, From East to Western sea! The land of hope for all who toil, The true North strong and free! God keep our land, glorious and free. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee! 3. O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies, May Stalwart sons, and gentle maidens rise. To keep thee steadfast thro' the years, From East to Western sea. Our own beloved native land, Our true North strong and free! God keep our land, glorious and free. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee! 4. Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer, Hold our Dominion, in thy loving care. Help us to find, O God, in thee, A lasting rich reward. As waiting for the better day, We ever stand on guard. God keep our land, glorious and free. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

THE CHANGES EH….. - “Our home and native land” to something like: “Our home and common land” - “God keep our land glorious and free” to something like: “We’ll keep our land...” - “Great prairies spread and Lordly rivers flow” to something like: “...and Mighty rivers flow” - “May Stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise” to something like: “May Stalwart communities and people rise...” - “Ruler Supreme, who hearest humble prayer...Hold our Dominion in thy loving care...” to something like: “Justin Trudeau, who hearest our every wish...Hold our Nations in thy respectful care”.” - “Help us to find, O God, in thee, a lasting rich reward” should be changed to to something like: Help us to find in our democracy...a lasting world peace”

Best of all, we could change the last line every time we elect a new government! 

There you have it...All inclusive to the core.