The national anthem is now officially gender neutral after legislation altering the lyrics received royal assent Wednesday morning, Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly told reporters. Now, women across this country will be well-reflected in their own national anthem," Joly said as she looked at Bélanger's widow. Members of Parliament traditionally sing the national anthem each Wednesday before the start of business, and Joly said she would proudly sing the new lyrics. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Scheer said he's "disappointed" by how the government went about changing the lyrics to O Canada. MPs sing the gender neutral version of O Canada1:20Bill C-210 passed the Senate last week after more than 18 months of debate.

Source: CBC News February 07, 2018 19:32 UTC