Nova Scotia Schools Directed to Play National Anthem Daily

Nova Scotia’s Education Minister, Brendan Maguire, has mandated that all public schools in the province play the national anthem, “O Canada,” each morning. This directive follows a letter from a group of Grade 12 students at Charles P. Allen High School in Bedford, expressing concerns about the anthem not being played.

The initiative was sparked by KC Min, a student who emigrated from South Korea in 2019. Min noted that he had not heard the anthem since starting high school two years ago. “I think it’s important to be patriotic… I thank this country for all the opportunities I have,” Min said. His sentiments resonated with his peers, prompting them to write a letter that garnered support from dozens of other students.

In their letter, the students articulated that the absence of the anthem undermines tradition and national pride. “O Canada, a patriotic symbol and a hallmark of our national identity, has been missing from our corridors and classrooms,” they stated. Their concerns highlighted the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and others who contributed to the Canada they cherish.

Minister Maguire acknowledged that he had learned “a few” schools were not playing the anthem regularly but did not specify the number. He emphasized the need for consistency across all schools in the province. “It’s less about individual schools, it’s more about just consistency right across the board,” he remarked.

The Nova Scotia Department of Education has implemented a new “National Anthem in Schools Policy,” effective immediately. This policy requires all principals to ensure that the national anthem is played at the start of each school day. Maguire clarified, “We’re not forcing kids to do anything, it’s just to be respectful during the national anthem.” He believes this practice provides an opportunity for reflection and a positive start to the day.

So far, Maguire has not received any objections from schools and anticipates full compliance with the directive. Min expressed his satisfaction with the minister’s response, stating, “It’s great to see… the minister of education taking action on this.” His fellow student, Ryan McFarlane, echoed this sentiment, praising the students’ initiative and the subsequent action taken by the education department.

The Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) also reacted to the situation, learning about the new directive from the Department of Education on the same day it was announced. HRCE spokesperson, Lindsey Bunin, indicated that the organization had its own policy requiring daily performances of “O Canada” for over 15 years. “We are aware that the Department of Education also shared a provincial policy today with the same direction,” she stated, confirming that HRCE schools would adhere to the new policy.

Bunin could not clarify why the anthem was not being played at Charles P. Allen High School but assured that it would be played daily moving forward. “I can’t speak to specifics as to why there was a change in practice at this particular school,” she noted, “but certainly can say that the anthem will be played tomorrow and every day going forward.”

With these developments, Nova Scotia aims to reinforce national pride and civic engagement among students, ensuring that the values represented by “O Canada” are recognized and celebrated within the school environment.