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Home : Top Stories : HAVE YOUR SAY: Did MPs need lyrics for 'O Canada'?

MP's sing 'O Canada' in the House of Commons

HAVE YOUR SAY: Did MPs need lyrics for 'O Canada'?

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Extended: MP's sing anthem in House of Commons
MPs are shown as they sing 'O Canada' before question period in the House of Commons.

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MP's sing 'O Canada' in the House of Commons

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MP's sing 'O Canada' in the House of Commons

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Date: Wed. Nov. 23 2011 10:42 PM ET

Video of two New Democrat MPs apparently needing to consult a lyrics sheet for O Canada has raised a lot of eyebrows, and triggered a backlash from NDP members.

A field producer for CTV's Ottawa Bureau first noticed the mysterious sheet of paper held by MPs Lise St-Denis & Djaouida Sellah in the House of Commons, and his Twitter post caused a mini-firestorm.

The NDP's national director said not every MP knows the anthem in Canada's two official languages, but St-Denis and Sellah appear to consult the lyrics sheet for both.

Watch the video above and judge for yourself: did they or didn't they? Then have your say below.

Comments are now closed for this story

Rita Murphy
said

That's sad. Embarassing for Canadians everywhere. Not only did they not know the words, but the rest of them certainly didn't have their heart in it either. Did ya see the man in the front at the end; looked just like a little kid. Could have been a poster boy for pablum. Canadians should be more patriotic. My dad fought WW11 and my maternal gramps fought WW1. I have not always felt free, but it's a genuine reminder.


XarxesB
said

They probably just needed it for the French part...


CJ Turanyik
said

what the hell is with the french in there, i dont know any french and dont care to learn any, im an english canadian and resent the fact that free loaders want to implement their tounge into our obviouse englich nation. and being is we came from the crown, thats english too, drop the french its an insult


Quiggs in SK
said

A couple NDPers forgot the words..not a big deal. The Conservatives remember the words but forget what democracy means..I think that's a little bigger of an issue. I personally only know the song in English..could have been taught bilingual at one point but English version is much more common in Sask. But seriously, why is this even newsworthy?


Cheryl in Ottawa
said

As long as you can sing O'CANADA(and know what the words mean) in the official language of your choice, what else matters. We do not NEED to know the same song in different languages!


Peggie Turnbull
said

I disagree - most Canadian Hockey teams sing the Anthem in English - and what does it matter what language mp's use in the house. The french insert means absolutely NOTHING to me - I always sing it in English regardless and don't care if the french mp's sing it all in French. You keep fooling yourselves that this is a bilingual country HA!


Just Saying - Ottawa
said

Guess now that the Bloq only have 4 members left in the House and the two women who were elected under the NDP from Quebec with the sheet music of O Canada...at least they have the right idea ..they are trying .. listen to the singing at the Hockey Games...official languages at all games in Canada "except" Montreal are sang in both languages..surprised they even accommodate the American anthem...but then again not too many Quebecers on that team either so one Country, one anthem and all should know it...either in both or one or the other..


Kaylea
said

I'd like to know why as an Ontarian I was expected to know "O Canada" in English and in French while attending school when our NEIGHBOUR (Quebec) does not teach "O Canada" in English OR in French to students??? I say separate if you can't be bothered to show some patriotism and teach the national anthem.


Glen
said

I was at the olympic torch relay in Brampton in Dec '09, front row when everyone sang O' Canada. The local liberal MP Gurbax Mahli(now not a MP) did not know the words. He tried to lip mouth them, it was awful watching, I should have video taped it. It was a great day to be a Canadian until that!


Frib
said

Singing O Canada in Quebec is unheard of. I'm from Quebec and we used to learn it in French but not anymore. My nephew from Quebec visited this summer and he was impressed that my 7-year old grandson knew it in English and French. As a matter of fact he was disappointed he didn't know either version. That tells you a lot about Quebec.


Jeff in Waterloo
said

Why are they singing O Canada in the House of Commons? We pay them to do important work for us, not to sing songs. Get on with the job, please.


BUBB
said

I'd rather they sing from a sheet than mess up the words.


Barb
said

I know both French and English, but the 'mixed' version ALWAYS throws me off. I would need a sheet. If I were an MP, I would have it there as a safety net, rather than make an error. I'm always ready to just continue in whatever language I'm in - the switch always takes me a few beats to change tracks! Don't be so cruel. They are up there and singing. That is what is most important.


bob
said

This is the issue that you choose to hold the politicians accountable for ? Get a grip CTV and report on some real stories. How about you hold our PM accountable for the number of issues he has lied and mislead the public about ? that would be to hard for you wouldn't it? or are you concerned about loosing advertising money ? Starting to remind me of Fox news.


edCP
said

The "honorable" members don't know the words - they are very intense looking at them. If they can't take time to learn the words of our national anthem I'd say a size eight to the posterior would be appropriate.


Les
said

COME ON!!! They are our members of parliament. They should know the words off by heart! I know both the English and French versions of O'Canada and I learned both in school. And I'm from Ontario! If we are supposed to be a "bilingual" country, then everyone should be taught in school how to sing both versions, regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds, in every province and territory!! You live in Canada, you learn OUR national anthem!!! If you don't like it, don't let the door hit you in the A#* on the way out!!! Disgusting!!


Frank Buchan
said

When I think of all the people I see who could and should sing the anthem, and don't bother, I'm hard pressed to be offended by a pair who did make an effort. And, maybe they were nervous. Who wants to mess up the anthem due to a case of nerves?


geebee
said

We were taught the National Anthem in school....back in the days when education was seriously administered. It's not surprising the separatists within the New Democratic Party are unfamiliar with the words. They march to the money tune while peddling lies on how badly they're treated by the rest of Canada.


Jack
said

This is what happens when you take the singing of our national anthem out of the schools


hhhhhhhhhrg.
said

For Crying OUT LOUD, if they don't know the lyrics as a MP's, then they should not be MP and stay away. It is like a must to have.I am not saying anything else. aaaaaaargh


SaskNewfie
said

First, I'm glad this is news! Second, I would need the lyrics to the bi-lingual version...English version, not an issue.


Jessie
said

While I agree they should not have needed the lyrics, with the sheet in front of you it's natural to glance at it whether needed or not.


B Gates
said

Bravo! At least they are singing it and trying. Walk down the infamous Robson street and see if you can find ANYONE that can sing the bilingual version let alone the English or French version. Rather than make a big deal if it why don't you print the lyrics so we can all have something to hold onto instead of flubbing it. Shame on CTV for making an issue of this


drndrfn
said

I'd rather listen to Celine Dion sing it!! Come home Celine...


jeffwilkinson
said

It doesn't surprise me that two Quebec MPs don't know the words to our national anthem. Many Quebec MPs don't even want to be a part of this country. Maybe it's time we granted them their wish.


Gerald Edmoton
said

Why be appalled, they were separatist before probably! At least they sang it, be appreciative of that!


Tim out west
said

Not a big deal as far as I'm concerned. It would be good if they learned the lyrics fairly soon though.


C. Bryce Code, esq. Calgary, AB
said

Sadly, we are probably the only country on earth where few, if any, know the "official" national anthem. I learned it from listening to Roger Ducet sing it during Montreal Canadiens games. However, I cannot, today, recite the French and English version. While I am extremely critical of Quebec's constant whining and demands, this is not one of those issues where one can complain given the lack of ability of any Canadian to sign the official version.


E Rushton
said

Typical waste of the taxpayers money. This government across Canada is more like a disease then honorable members of the community. This is a glareing example of how unprepared most politicians are when even the most minimum task is at hand.There is no honor in ripping of the public by being useless and a drain on this country.The manitoba gov.is corrupt as hell M.P.I.C. & W.C.B. are no account useless monopolies that legitimately have no place in any Free society and or democricy. Politician around here are even more sickening then these 2 clowns.


Tyler
said

The MPs might know it in French but not know how the French-English arrangement is put together completely (When to switch from French to English and Vice Versa). So they keep their eyes on the page the entire time.This is not really a story.


Doug from Whitehorse
said

As someone who sings for a living on occasion, I'll offer another perspective. People who aren't comfortable singing in public often need a little crutch to hold on to so they are more comfortable. Knowing the words isn't an issue if you don't sing well or think you sing well. This is a pretty stupid excuse for a news story, CTV. Hire some journalists for a change.


Will
said

I am not surprised......but I bet they could have nailed the communist anthem!


Cambob in Toronto
said

Oh Canada.Our home on natives land.True mumble mumble *fidget* mumble.In all Toronto Sun's command.With glowing hearts, we see some pies,The true north mumble mumble Free!See, it's a pretty easy song.


JJ
said

Normally, I wouldn't think this is THAT big of a deal since some of MP's might be purely Francophone. However, even during the French section, the MP couldn't recite it either and had to constantly look at the sheet. This is very puzzling and disappointing for the NDP.


Chris Black
said

I wouls like to see how many Vancouver hockey fans can pop out the lyrics, within a 5 minute time-limit.Or the rest of the people making comments. No reflection on a politicians ability. Every singer prepares for the performance, is this an everyday song for the house?


dave7cnv
said

How many of the MPs knew the correct words? The correct official lyrics are "in all THY sons command"; however, many incorrectly sang "in all OUR sons command."


Curnudgeon
said

Typical socialists. Can sing the International in their sleep but have no affinity for the country they live in.


Suzie
said

I do believe that MPs should know the National Anthem in both languages. That goes for BOTH languages. Too many of you are quick to blame Quebec MPs and their French. I was raised French and I learnt the National Anthem in French NOT English. I also believe that 99% of you, yes you the ones who are complaining, only know it in English. At least they are trying, that is more than I can say for the majority of Canadians.


Kevin- Alberta
said

Unbelievable! I sincerely hope they lose their seats in the next election, as i would be ashamed to be represented by anyone who didn't have basic knowledge of Canada and its anthem.


Ian Hamilton
said

Rather than criticize, could we not recognize their attempt to contribute and participate? Why do the media have to focus on the negative? In my view, these MP's may actually demonstrating a great degree of patriotism.


Steve Gurney
said

I would need them for the french if I was expected to sing that version. They both look approx my age and I learned the all english version throughout my school career.


Joyce
said

This should go on their job description as a prerequisite for being a member of the HOC, to sing the Canadian Anthem by heart.


TR
said

Every Canadian should know how to sing O Canada in at least 1 offical language, if not two. I can sing it in both English and French.


B in Ottawa
said

This is truly unbelievable. MPs routinely sing the anthem in one language if they are not fluent in the other. That's acceptable, as 80% of Canadians are unilingual. However, every single Canadian should know their own national anthem in their language, whether it be English or French!! That being said, I'm about the most unilingual anglophone around and even I can sing the French version of O Canada. These MPs reading our anthem from a sheet of paper is an absolute disgrace. That's what happens when you elect inexperienced candidates. You have to wonder, since they don't know the lyrics to the Canadian anthem, if they are or were separatists like their placeholder leader? This is yet another worrying example of how the disunited and truly out of touch NDP is not fit to govern.


hollinm
said

This is one disgusting display of disrespect for our country and its national anthem. To think these two individuals and probably others from Quebec who cannot sing the national anthem in English and maybe even French is beyond the pale. Quebec talks about Canadians disrespecting them. Well how about the other 26 million who live outside of Quebec.Then for the party to suggest that not everybody knows the national anthem by heart. What lunacy is that. We sang it growing up in school and we sing it a major events. How could anybody who cared not know the national anthem by heart.


Prof. Pye Chartt
said

Nothing to be upset about. Quebec is a separate country, not a province of Canada, and the NDP isn't a legitimate national party. I find it to be par for the course.


Joe in Ontario
said

What a terribly sad display.


Brian C - Montreal
said

What a ridiculous "news" story. Glad to know all of the serious issues have been solved so we can concentrate on such fluff.


Chris
said

Let's be honest here, they're politicians.As Canadians, we have learned to expect nothing from them.


Terry
said

Very very sad, everyone in the HofC should know our national anthem no questions asked if they need to speak French no problem but not to know the Canadian national anthem it's a shame, every Canadian from here or far should know our anthem it's part of being Canadian........


Gord
said

I don't think it would be that much out of the ordinary for French Canadian MPs to be unacquainted with the English lyrics of Oh Canada. Especially since I mostly Flub my way through the French lyrics myself!


albertaclipper
said

If they didn't know the English words they could have sung it in French. If they didn't know the words at all, why are we paying them 154,000/yr.


Phew
said

They don't know "O Canada" but I'm sure they would give all verses to any Celine Dion or Nickelback song.


Rasta
said

Give em a break! At least they were singing it. In my day the National Anthem started each movie. And the words changed since then.


Emmers
said

That's weird. I wonder if they were just using it as a crutch... Even if they are Francophones, that's no excuse not to know the anthem. At the very least they could have just mouthed the words. In the reverse situation I would have known the French lyrics... Hopefully most other people would too? I don't really believe that they didn't KNOW the anthem. There must be another explanation. Maybe they were looking at sheet music? Doing harmony?


alextappo
said

I strongly doubt that what they are reading is lyrics. First, I would hope that two middle-aged Canadian politicians just know the words already. Second, even if they had doubts, it's not a solo performance, and they aren't wearing microphones, why not just fake it? Third, the forethought that would go into printing out the lyrics would surely bring about the realisation that they would be "caught" on camera. Likely they were just distracted preparing for question period by reading over some notes during the national anthem. That in itself is more upsetting to me than the illogical assumption that they needed lyrics.


Yes, they should.
said

Since another CTV article today states the Federal Government considers each polar bear worth $400 000.00, yet a wounded war vet under the New Veteran's Charter could lose both arms and both legs and not be worth as much as a polar bear, I think all these clowns on the hill should know the words in English and French to our National Anthem. If they do not care for wounded Vets, they can at least put the effort into the song we fight and die to have heard.


Alan
said

This is funnier (more pathetic) than Rob Anders falling asleep


Sue
said

LOL! They should definitely know the lyrics and should not have to consult any type of sheet. I remember having to sing it every single morning in school until high school, and then it was just the instrumentals. Also, when individuals immigrate to Canada and apply to become citizens, doesn't one of the tests require them to know O' Canada?


Big Deal
said

I am not an NDP supporter and it would be easy to take a shot at them. That said, they could be MPs from Quebec and unsure of the English words to the anthem? Just guessing here. I am also originally from Quebec and grew up in French and used to sign the anthem in French exclusively but now I prefer the bilingual version of the song as it is all inclusive and has a nice ring to it.


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