Canada votes to make national anthem 'O Canada' gender neutral

The lyrics of Canada's national anthem 'O Canada' will be changed to a more gender-appropriate version after the country's parliament passed a 225-74 member vote to substitute the words 'in all thy sons command' to 'in all of us command'.

Reuters reported the changes to the lyrics were brought forward by a private Liberal member and passed easily through the liberal parliament. Canada's new government headed by Justin Trudeau has widely publicised its push for gender equality in politics and in other walks of life.

Since his election in October, Trudeau has used his liberal mandate to appoint a gender-equal cabinet with 15 men and 15 women. The 44-year-old has also said he is an unabashed feminist, urging other men to also identify with the cause.

"I am going to keep saying loud and clear that I am a feminist until it is met with a shrug," Trudeau said in March.

Speaking ahead of the vote in Ottawa on 15 June, status of women minister, Patty Hajdu, told reporters the change in lyrics would be a strong gesture to towards gender equality.

"I think it's really important as a very strong symbol of our commitment to gender equality in this country," Hadju was quoted as saying.

Plans to change the Canadian national anthem, first adopted in 1980 and based on an original 19<sup>th century French hymn, were shelved in 2010 because of public outcry.

Once the vote was passed, the Canadian parliamentarians sang the new version in both English and French. Before it goes on the statute books the bill will have to pass thought the Senate. The upper Canadian house usually adopts measures passed by the parliament.