(November 12, 2022, St. John’s) – Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition House Leader and MHA for Conception Bay South, says he was pleased to see the House of Assembly agree to a PC Official Opposition Motion to have Memorial University include both the Ode to Newfoundland and Ode to Labrador at future convocation ceremonies.

“Inclusion of one group should not mean the exclusion of another. We agree that Labrador deserves inclusion and recognition in convocation ceremonies, which is why our motion calls for the inclusion of the Labrador anthem in addition to the Ode,” said Petten.

“The decision makers at Memorial University missed the mark with their exclusion of the Ode. Public consultation on historically and culturally significant decisions are important and should not be forgotten. We encourage MUNL leadership to rethink their stance and find a way to increase inclusion, without excluding others.”

The motion was unanimously passed in the Legislature. The end of the Fall sitting of the legislature included the singing of both the Ode to Newfoundland and the Ode to Labrador.

“I’m proud to see the legislature send a clear message to Memorial University. If our legislature can recognize both anthems, then so can we all,” said Petten.

“I hope MUNL leadership will listen to this example and work to ensure the inclusion of one does not come at the cost of exclusion of another.”

-30-

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca