Do English and French speakers sing the same words to “O Canada”?
- No, French and English Canadians sing different words
- There are no official lyrics
- Yes, everyone sings the English words
- Yes, everyone sings the French words
Answer: No, French and English Canadians sing different words
No. French and English Canadians sing different words to the anthem. The English version begins “O Canada! Our home and native land!” and the French one begins “Ô Canada! Terre de nos aïeux.” It was first sung in Québec City in 1880.
Learn more: Official languages and anthems
- English speakers (Anglophones) and French speakers (Francophones) have lived together for more than 300 years.
- To become a citizen you need adequate knowledge of English or French. Applicants aged 55 or over are exempt.
- Parliament passed the Official Languages Act in 1969.
- The Act has three main objectives: equality of French and English in Parliament, the Government of Canada and institutions under the Act; maintaining and developing official language minority communities; and promoting equality of French and English in Canadian society.
- “O Canada” was first sung in Québec City in 1880 and proclaimed the national anthem in 1980.
- English and French Canadians sing different words. English lyrics begin “O Canada! Our home and native land!” French lyrics begin “Ô Canada! Terre de nos aïeux.”
- The Royal Anthem is “God Save the King” (“God Save the Queen” when the Sovereign is a queen). It can be played or sung whenever Canadians wish to honour the Sovereign.