Today, Members of Parliament will be voting on Bill C-210 -- An Act to amend the National Anthem Act, at Second Reading. Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, issued the following statement in advance of this vote:

"Later today I will vote on a bill that would change our national anthem. While I respect the motivations of my honourable colleague I cannot support this legislation for a number of reasons.

While in Government, the Conservative Party proposed similar legislation that would have changed our national anthem. The public response was strong and very negative. At that time, we heard loud and clear that Canadians value tradition and symbols of our national identity. We are hearing the same sentiment at this time.

Canadians want us to leave national symbols alone and respect our valued traditions.

Symbols of our heritage are everywhere. For example, every day the House of Commons opens with the carrying of the mace into the chamber even though the mace is no longer used in combat. It is a symbol of our heritage.

As we approach the 150th anniversary of Confederation, it is important for us to value our national symbols and traditions rather than trying to change them.

It has been reported that a strong majority of Canadians are opposed to this legislation. That being said, my vote tonight will be reflective of the expressed opinions of my constituents."

source: media release