Tories say ‘God Save the King’ should remain an option
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Winnipeg Free Press subscription for only
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*$1 will be added to your next bill. After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $4.99 a X percent off the regular rate.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
WINNIPEG — With U.S. President Donald Trump threatening Canada’s economy and sovereignty, Manitoba Tories say now is not the time to scrap legislation requiring the singing of the royal anthem in schools.
A bill introduced in March proposes the removal of “God Save the King” as an optional patriotic observance in schools. Bill 40 passed second reading Thursday and must go to committee, where the public will have an opportunity to comment.
The Progressive Conservatives say the government bill was rushed following a push to reinstate the singing of “God Save the King” in the Mountain View School Division that’s headquartered in Dauphin.
Progressive Conservative education critic Wayne Ewasko wants schools to retain the right to play the royal anthem. (Mike Deal/Winnipeg Free Press files)
Although the requirement to sing the royal anthem in schools hasn’t been enforced for decades, school divisions should still have the option to include it as part of their daily routine, PC education critic Wayne Ewasko said in a news release, noting the PCs are proposing changes.
“Our amendments will preserve the school divisions’ freedom to make decisions at the local school division level,” Ewasko said.
Premier Wab Kinew said the bill would eliminate a redundant rule and schools can still sing the royal anthem if they wish.
“This is just red tape,” Kinew said Friday at an unrelated news conference. “This is just something that nobody has observed for decades, and so we’re removing it from statute.
“Everyone’s free to wear your monarchist pin and sing ‘God Save the King’ and to gossip about (Royals) Meghan and Harry to your heart’s content,” Kinew said.
Royal traditions have tied Manitoba and the monarchy together for more than 150 years. Last November, the premier received the King Charles III Coronation Medal from Gov. Gen. Mary Simon. A month later, the premier awarded 27 Manitobans with King’s Coronation Medals to recognize their contributions to the province, country and world. This spring, Kinew travelled to Ottawa to watch the King deliver the Speech from the Throne.
“Why does Wab Kinew think now is the right time to strip the royal anthem from schools?” asked Ewasko. “Does his allegiance, patriotism and respect for the Crown and Canadian traditions only apply when cameras are rolling?”
» Winnipeg Free Press