Nova’s Rays Exclusive: The Rewrite!

O Canada, welcome to the 21st century!
Rahman Mohamed

Earlier this month Nova’s Rays reported that Canadian parliament was considering changing the lyrics of O Canada.  On June 16 BBC reported Canadian MPs voted to change the Canadian anthem to make it gender neutral and was being taken to the final stage: the Senate.  Bill C-210, a Private Member’s Bill, may not be passed in its entirety before Summer Recess; it is currently on Second Reading at the Senate and is considered an “Other Bill”; the House of Commons has risen for Summer RecessSenate is scheduled to sit until tomorrow, June 30.  Canadians and tourists may be forced to sing the past historical anthem that does not reflect gender equality on Friday, Canada Day 2016.

Nova’s Rays has obtained exclusive content of the full changes of the English and French anthems of Canada planned by Parliament.  They are not limited to gender equality.   Sources say these changes will be brought on a gradual basis to prevent extreme coverage from the media and retaliation from the public.  The changes are set in a schedule to be in place before July 1, 2017, Canada’s sesquicentennial to ensure Canada has a 21st century national anthem.

Below are drafts of the new English and French Canadian anthems exclusive to Nova’s Rays.

Continue reading

O Canada; Possible Lyric Rewrite?

Gender equality, the only glitch in “O Canada”?
Rahman Mohamed

After a court battle in 2015 the Supreme Court gave the federal government until 6 June 2016 to create a bill legalizing Doctor Assisted Suicide.  Passing reading in the House of Commons on May 31 it is now faced by the Senate.  On May 30 Toronto Star reported Parliament would likely miss the deadline and that the Bill has brought division within Parliament as well the Liberal government.  Assisted Suicide is the prime focus of Parliament but it is expected to face a new challenge soon: O Canada.

Continue reading

Post-Election: Syria and Canada

Refugees and bombing
Rahman Mohamed

Once upon a time Syria was a country that was barely known.  Only its neighbours would know it existed and its condition.  Today it’s a household name.  In Canada it’s not just known; it’s debated.  After winning the 2015 Federal Election, the Liberal government is facing its first international challenges: the environment and climate change conference in France and its position on Syria.

Continue reading