Strong reaction is pouring in from across the country after Wednesday's throne speech mentioned a proposal to modify a lyric in the Canadian anthem.
The speech promised to look into the wording of 'O Canada' to make it more gender neutral, suggesting the line, "all thy sons command" could be replaced.
"Our government will also ask Parliament to examine the original gender-neutral English wording," said Canada's Governor-General Michaelle Jean.
Just the slight mention of change has many Canadians fired up, especially those who most recently boasted their Canadian pride during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
"I think it should just stay the way it is, it's been around for a long, long time," said Joe Nykoluk, store owner of O Canada.
The English version of the anthem was written back in 1908 by Robert Stanley Weir. The line originally read, "Thou doust us all command."
The writer's grandson, Steve Simpson, says the word "son" is not about gender -- but a reference to a patriotic command from a maternal goddess.
"It has nothing whatsoever to do with whomever, male or female, politically or economically," said Simpson. "It is she who commands our true patriot love," he added.
A parliamentary committee will be formed to look into the idea of revising the lyrics. It's expected the committee will come back with some recommendations, but as to when that might happen is still unclear.
With files from Bill Fortier
