Prince George, B.C. – The battle to keep the Hockey Night in Canada theme has hit the political arena.

 

At issue, the CBC’s desire not to renew the license agreement with the composer of the song which has been dubbed Canada’s “other” national anthem. Each time the CBC plays the familiar tune before Hockey Night in Canada, the composer, Dolores Claman gets $500. The current license agreement has run out, and the CBC says it wants to go down another road.

 

 

Earlier today,  B.C. New Democrat, Mike Farnworth issued a release calling on the CBC to keep the familiar tune“ “For many of us, when we hear that first ‘Dunt-da DUNT-da Dunt’, we’re reminded of a childhood growing up on hockey.  One of the CBC’s responsibilities is the protection and promotion of Canadian culture.  I cannot think of a more fitting representation of our country’s culture.  The CBC must ensure it continues to be heard across the country now and for future generations,” Farnworth said.

 

Not to be outdone, the National Liberals are putting pressure on the Harper Government’s Minister of Heritage, Josée Verner. The Minister “ must stand up for one of Canada’s most famous musical traditions and do what she can to ensure the CBC keeps the Hockey Night in Canada musical theme, Liberal Heritage Critic Denis Coderre said today.

“The Hockey Night in Canada theme is a part of Canada’s culture that goes beyond sport,” said M. Coderre. “This is a great opportunity for the Heritage Minister to finally get off the bench by defending an important Canadian tradition.”

The CBC has delivered a proposal for a new license of the theme.  Those who negotiate the license say they can only assume the reversal in the CBC’s thinking is “due  to the remarkable public response.”

 

Dolores Claman, has been deeply touched by the strong show of support she's received from fans around the world. "I wrote this song with a picture of warriors in my head…hockey warriors. Now it would seem the hockey fans are the true warriors. Thank you so much for all of your kind words and anecdotes about how much the song means to you."

 

We are waiting to hear if the new proposal will be accepted.