2005:04 INCLUSIVE WORDING FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM ENGLISH VERSION
The original English words for “O Canada” were gender neutral. “All thy sons” was adopted by Act of Parliament in 1914.
NCWC has proceeded ever since a survey of its members was done in 1982-3 at which time members approved changing “all thy sons” to “all of us”, and “native land” to “cherished land”.
However, this action was never prepared as a Policy statement to be included in the Policy Book.
Therefore this Resolution was prepared to correct that oversight.
Whereas: our National Anthem should be one to which everyone in Canada can relate; and
Whereas: the words “native land” refer only to the people who were born in Canada; and
Whereas: the words “sons” is not gender inclusive; therefore be it
Resolved: that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that the words of the National Anthem be inclusive of everyone; and be it further
Resolved: that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to change the words of the National Anthem to make them more inclusive by changing “native land” to cherished land, and “all thy sons” to all of us.