Close X
Friday, November 1, 2024
ADVT 
National

Mauril Belanger's Funeral Ends With Gender Neutral Rendition Of O Canada

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 27 Aug, 2016 01:39 PM
    OTTAWA — Veteran Liberal MP Mauril Belanger's funeral has ended with mourners singing a rousing, gender-neutral rendition of O Canada.
     
    Belanger, who died last week after a 10-month battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gherig's disease, championed a bill to change the English lyrics to the national anthem from "in all our sons command" to "in all of us command."
     
    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former governor general Michaelle Jean were among those who spoke during the funeral service at Ottawa's magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica.
     
    Trudeau said generations of Canadians to come won't necessarily know Belanger's name, but they'll be honouring his commitment to inclusion and equality every time they sing O Canada.
     
     
    Belanger's bill was passed by the House of Commons in June; it must still be approved by the Senate.
     
    Belanger was also remembered as a champion of minority language rights, a passionate advocate for democratic development in Africa and a hardworking MP who was devoted to his constituents.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Montreal Man, 80, Charged With First-degree Murder In Wife's Death

    Montreal Man, 80, Charged With First-degree Murder In Wife's Death
    Salomon Abeassis appeared briefly before a Quebec court judge today after being escorted to the prisoner's box in a wheelchair.

    Montreal Man, 80, Charged With First-degree Murder In Wife's Death

    19 Dogs Rescued By RCMP In B.C., Woman From Saskatchewan Ticketed

    19 Dogs Rescued By RCMP In B.C., Woman From Saskatchewan Ticketed
    RCMP say officers found five full-grown Labrador retrievers and 14 puppies inside the vehicle and no safety measures were taken to protect them during transport.

    19 Dogs Rescued By RCMP In B.C., Woman From Saskatchewan Ticketed

    Canada Aims To Spread Chinese Immigrants Across Country: John McCallum

    Canada Aims To Spread Chinese Immigrants Across Country: John McCallum
    John McCallum recently returned from China where he lobbied officials to double or even triple the number of visa application centres in the country

    Canada Aims To Spread Chinese Immigrants Across Country: John McCallum

    Quebec Man Wraps Up 3,200-kilometre Trek Down Yukon River

    Quebec Man Wraps Up 3,200-kilometre Trek Down Yukon River
    On the last leg of his 3,200-kilometre voyage down the Yukon River on a riverboard, Denis Morin was moved to tears.

    Quebec Man Wraps Up 3,200-kilometre Trek Down Yukon River

    Sonia Gandhi Admitted To Ganga Ram Hospital

      Gandhi, admitted to the hospital on Wednesday evening, will be there for at least two days, according to Congress sources.

    Sonia Gandhi Admitted To Ganga Ram Hospital

    Halifax Cab Driver Facing Sex Assault Charge Now Charged In Second Incident

    Halifax Cab Driver Facing Sex Assault Charge Now Charged In Second Incident
    Police arrested a 44-year-old man on July 9, shortly after a 20-year-old woman reported that a taxi driver had kissed and touched her in a sexual manner without her consent.

    Halifax Cab Driver Facing Sex Assault Charge Now Charged In Second Incident