NB省学校应该播放国歌

[SIZE="3"]The New Brunswick government will be examining rules that allow schools to independently decide whether they will play the national anthem on a daily basis, says Education Minister Kelly Lamrock.

Lamrock made the announcement on Thursday after it was revealed on Wednesday that an elementary school in southern New Brunswick had stopped playing O Canada at the start of each school day about a year ago.

Belleisle Elementary School Principal Erik Millet said the decision was made to accommodate some parents, who indicated they didn't want their children taking part in the daily singing of the anthem.

Millet did not disclose why the parents didn't want their children taking part, citing privacy reasons. He said the change was part of a package of reforms designed to make the school feel more inclusive and to allow the school to run more smoothly.

The national anthem is now only played at monthly assemblies and special events.

"I believe school should play the national anthem," Lamrock told CBC News on Thursday.

Lamrock said he is looking into changing the legislation to require O Canada to be played in schools.

"I believe they should play it because the diversity of religious views, cultural views and political views we hold also requires — to be upheld — … a shared belief in nationality," Lamrock said.

School District 6 Supt. Zoe Watson said she has heard from parents around the province and the country about the anthem not being played at Belleisle.

"[There's] certainly strong support for the daily singing of the national anthem in our schools," Watson said.

The school district will also be urging the school's principal to at least revisit the decision, Watson said.

Meanwhile, parents are also circulating a petition asking the school to reverse its decision.[/SIZE]