Members of the House of Assembly broke into an impromptu rendition of the Ode to Newfoundland, followed by the Ode to Labrador following debate on Memorial University’s decision not to play the Newfoundland anthem during convocation this spring.

Opposition House Leader Barry Petten urged government to intervene and ask Memorial University to reconsider its decision, something on which Culture Minister Steve Crocker agreed.

“This should not be,” says Petten, “it’s an insult to the people of this province.”

Crocker told the Legislature that he and Petten seldom agree, “but I can tell you we agree here today Mr. Speaker.”

Both Petten and Crocker who will be attending convocation ceremonies in the coming weeks say they will rise and sing the Ode.

Petten jokes that he’s not much of a singer, but he’s attending convocation ceremonies on May 31 and may just break into song. Crocker, who as a parent will be attending convocation ceremonies on June 1, says “don’t be surprised if I don’t stand up and sing.”