St. John’s, N.L. (February 5, 2025) – Paul Dinn, Progressive Conservative Shadow Minister of Education and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, today is expressing dismay over the long-drawn-out process to reinstate the Ode to Newfoundland to convocation ceremonies at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN).

Dinn noted that an ad hoc committee of the Senate was formed to investigate, consult, discuss and consider the inclusion of the “Ode to Newfoundland” at convocation. The committee has met not less than 35 times, plus numerous consultations, in the last year and just recently posted a very brief online survey on the topic.

“This is truly a very troubling process given the university is celebrating its 100^th anniversary, a university established as a tribute to those who died in World War I and subsequent wars. We had the ceremony commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the National War Memorial this year, repatriating the remains of our son home to Newfoundland and Labrador. I don’t have the words to truly express what the “Ode to Newfoundland” means to many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

Dinn stated that inclusion should not be attained by exclusion. Of note the HOA now incorporate both the Ode to Newfoundland and the Ode to Labrador when ending sessions. 

“The Ode Newfoundland and the Ode to Labrador are very much a part of our history, heritage, and our culture. There are ways to celebrate the culture of the many students attending the university without eliminating our own culture.  Our culture, history and most of all people are central to the amazing experience of visitors and students. We should not take that for granted and we should reinstate the Ode to Newfoundland to convocation ceremonies immediately. I would hope that the Ad hoc Committee has not been short-sighted and will also provide new and innovative ways of inclusion to represent the diverse university population. We love thee, smiling land.”

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