So, we’re tinkering with our National Anthem, eh? Again with the tinkering.

The government wants to make the lyrics to O Canada gender-neutral. I say, why not?

Recently, I flew from Cranbrook to Victoria, with a transfer in Vancouver. Prior to takeoff from Vancouver to Victoria, the co-pilot — a young woman — greeted the passengers, and introduced the captain — another young woman — and off we went. Ten minutes later, it occurred to me that this was something I’d never seen before — a commercial flight piloted by women, and that no one batted an eye or thought it any big deal whatsoever (in Saudi Arabia, by contrast, it would probably be considered an immense deal).

This is one of the things that makes Canada great, I thought; that the genders can, in theory at least, achieve such a level of professional equality that is taken for granted by us all. This is possible in Canada; we are heading in a great progressive proper direction, and this should be reflected in our national anthem.

Besides, other nations tinker with their anthems from time to time — though not as much as we do. Great Britain, for instance, took that verse about Marshall Wade crushing the rebellious Scots out of God Save the King.

It is possible that making O Canada gender neutral is a cynical example of political opportunism — like seeking to boost the female vote, or the “politically correct” vote. Oh well. In 10 years, what will that matter, when the result will more aptly mirror our national self?