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CTV News | N.B. school stops playing 'O Canada' over complaints

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Home : Top Stories : N.B. school stops playing 'O Canada' over complaints

N.B. school stops playing 'O Canada' over complaints

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CTV News Video

CTV National News: Dina Bartolacci reports on the surprising decision and the controversy surrounding it
CTV Newsnet: Susan Boyd, mother of student banned from singing 'O Canada,' shares her thoughts on what happened

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Thu. Jan. 29 2009 11:14 PM ET

A small elementary school in a small New Brunswick town is at the centre of a big controversy because of a principal's decision to end the daily ritual of singing O Canada.

Susan Boyd has a daughter at Belleisle Elementary in Upper Belleisle, N.B. and only learned recently that the school stopped singing the national anthem in Sept. 2007.

Her nephew, Pte. David Greenslade, was killed two years ago while serving in Afghanistan and Boyd says she couldn't believe when she heard her daughter Julie, was no longer singing O Canada every day at school.

"With our troops in Kandahar, I just couldn't believe it. I mean right now of all time this is the time they should be supporting them with every breath," Boyd said.

School district Supt. Zoe Watson said the decision was made by principal Erik Millett after two parents complained about their children having to sing the anthem.

"Sometimes we have students whose parents, because of their beliefs, don't want their children to participate," Watson told CTV Atlantic.

But some in the community said that the decision may have been made because of Millett's personal beliefs. Millett ran for the Green Party in the last federal election and his website describes him as "actively involved in the peace movement."

Federal Veteran Affairs Minister Greg Thompson criticized the decision, calling it the wrong one to make.

"First and foremost, this gentleman is a principal and he has an obligation not only to his students, but to the community . . , I suggest he admit his mistake and restore the tradition," Thompson said.

Millett told New Brunswick newspaper the Telegraph-Journal, the change was made to accommodate all families and that the morning singing of the anthem was a distraction for students attempting to start their day by 8:35 a.m.

Boyd disagrees, saying that children would stop and stand at attention when the anthem was played whether they were in the classroom or not.

"The respect was there," Boyd told CTV Newsnet.

O Canada is still played at monthly assemblies at the school.

There is no law in New Brunswick saying schools have to sing the national anthem daily, as the decision is left to the individual school.

Still, New Brunswick Education Minister Kelly Lamrock said, "The school should play the national anthem, quite frankly."

He added he will make a recommendation to the school districts to make the anthem mandatory.

Boyd is now lobbying her local school board and starting a petition in hopes of the anthem once again becoming a morning ritual.

Millett has not stated what exactly the parents complained about in regards to the anthem.

Millett was not available for comment Thursday.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Dina Bartolacci

Comments are now closed for this story

Mitch in the East.
said

Whoopie! When I was in school we only played it every Monday and Friday. They are not going to become little Americans because we do not play 'O Canada' everyday.




P.A.
said

People who don't want to sing it aren't forced to sing it. The principle seems only too happy to cancel it without putting up a fight.

Most teachers are very liberal like this and feel it their duty to indoctrinate the kids in their class too.


Flabbergasted...
said

I can't believe this - these people LIVE IN CANADA.

If you have problems with our national anthem, find another country to live in that is more in line with your ideals & beliefs.

What an insult to Canada and proud Canadians to remove the national anthem from a school...there is such a thing as TOO much political correctness.


Dave
said

So the national anthem is a distraction now? And I'm supposed to believe that his personal beliefs and political agenda aren't being passed on in the classroom. This clown should be canned...


GWinnipeg
said

Absolutely ridiculous. Perhaps federal funding should be pulled from schools that don't allow the national anthem.

Teaching loyalty to your country is absolutely necessary.

And people wonder why Canadian nationalism is fading.


Robert, in disbelief inToronto
said

Are you kidding me!!!

Who in our country could possibly complain about singing the Anthem? Another kick in the teeth to patriotism and teaching our children in Canada.


Majority Of One
said

The question to ask is: "why do you object to the singing/playing of the national anthem"?

Now if the answer is based on a religious belief (Jehovah Witness, possibly??) then the will of the minority should not impact on the will of the majority ...basic democracy at work.

Now if the answer is political, this is Canada and the national anthem is our hymn of praise to our country and no citizen should have any complaint about it being played or sung anywhere at anytime in Canada!!!


Sick of It
said

I totally agree with Flabbergasted, I am so sick of people needing rules changed because of their beliefs and sensitivities. This is Canada, if you don't like it leave.


Barbara
said

So does the principle want to play "give peace a chance"?. this is not acceptable. I'm not a huge huge nationalist but his is pretty basic


edd-medhat
said

The Principal doesn't work for just the two families that complained. He works for all the families of those school kids, and for the community. He has no business enabling his own beliefs. If he doesn't like it he can always leave.

I'm sick and tired of people in these positions always engaging their own agenda.

Fire the bum.


Laura in Ottawa
said

I'd like to know when it became wrong to be Canadian in Canada. I'll admit that I never enjoyed having to sit through the anthem while I was in school, but I'm also not ashamed to say I know the words to the song. I think it should be a mandatory practice through all grade schools in the country. It's embarrassing the number of people who don't know the words to the anthem. I think there needs to be a little more patriotism in a country that is so well off.


Connie in Ottawa
said

TWO parents complained so the whole practice was thrown out???!!!!! What about the parents that DO want their children to sing it? I guess their opinion doesn't matter. You want your way in Canada, I guess you have to be part of a minority...the rest of us...we don't matter!!!


Ben Hanhart
said

Typically Canadian, we don't want to impose any belief or moral structure on anybody and subsequently, even our anthem is getting the boot. What next? Not to mention I think Dave also has a point in saying this principal is (allegedly) imposing his own views and beliefs on others as a result of his actions. I not only think the anthem should be mandatory, but I wouldn't mind it one bit if the school required the kids to sing it too. This country has given them freedom and opportunities that they couldn't get anywhere else and if they could, surely THAT place would ask them to be more loyal.


GP68
said

This is so dumb.
For instance at a hockey game. I never sign the American National Anthem. I stand but I keep my mouth shut because it is nto representative of my beleifs.
So why not do the same to O Canada?
oh and I sing mine in French and in English

Since when does O Canada become a distraction?
said

The Taxpayers are paying for this? Who in their right mind would complain that their kid is singing O Canada first thing in the morning? Since when does our national anthem "offend" somebody?
This principal should be fired for this.


cfs Alberta
said

Wow. Is this principal that easily swayed? 2 complaints and he changes school policy. Talk about the tail wagging the dog. He sounds like real administrator material alright!


Bryn
said

It's the principle of the issue that I disagree with the principal about. Please learn how to spell. We're Canadians, we sing O'Canada, deal with it. I know I felt like I was part of something special every time we sang it in school.


Annie of Winnipeg
said

I've had it with educators who think they can change things just because they don't like it. Well, Mr. Millett, what kind of beliefs can children have against Canada. Perhaps their parents should go to a country with their ideals.

I agree with Dave, fire him.


Tracy
said

I cannot believe this..this is OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM..yes our kids should be hearing this daily..our school plays the anthem daily,the kids can sing along or not, but it SHOULD be played. If there are students in the school that don't agree/believe in it..too bad so sad..go somewhere else..honestly this should not be even considered...


John @ myhomeandnativeland.ca
said

I suggest an email campain to the principal to reinstate the singing of the anthem. Two complaints from two unpatriotic familys made them choose to make this stupid decision maybe a thousand will convince them to reverce it!


Proud Canadian
said

National Anthems are a sign of unity. I am proud to be a Canadian and I feel a sense of togetherness (unity) whenever I sing it. I recently attended an OHL game in Sudbury with my family and we sang Oh Canada. It was heartwarming. Mr. Millett you should be ashamed and you should own up to this mistake and re-instate it. This is a clear sign of divisiveness not unity. Do the honorable thing.


me
said

if it only took two families with complaints, for whatever reason, to have this principle remove the national anthem, then by that logic, two or more complaints against him should be more than enough to have him removed as well!


JPC
said

If you don't like it leave, plain and simple. I'm all for being accomodating to other beliefs (from those born here or elsewhere )however you live in Canada, you go to a Canadian school this is our belief and custom.


DWR
said

"Sometimes we have students whose parents, because of their beliefs, don't want their children to participate," Watson told CTV Atlantic.

It is time that we "Canadians" STOP bending over backwards to please every one and their beliefs. If you do not want to believe then don’t, but do not force your beliefs on every one else. If you do not like something then vote with your feet and GO. We have people overseas risking their lives to preserve human rights and freedoms.

Proud Canadian
said

Let me understand....two parents complain and the entire school must bow to their wishes? This political correctness is going way to far. If your child does not wish to partake in signing Oh Canada, he/she may withdraw for this activity. If the teacher forces them to sign, then discipline the teacher. Our children must learn to be tolerant and not always get their way. We live in a country where there are many culture co existing (or should be). We all must learn to be tolerant of eachother and each others cultures. We must remember that we live in Canada and we therefore have a national anthem and each child should be aware of this tradition. We live in Canada. If you are not happy here, get on a plane and go somewhere else. As a Canadian, I should not have to give up my right to sing my national anthem.


Miss Prairies
said

When I was growing up those that did not sing O Canada just sat in their seats while the rest of us sang!



Jamie from T.O.
said

WRONG, WRONG AND WRONG AGAIN!!! What is going on here this is the greatest country on earth ... this is not religion ... don't sing if you don't want to but let us have this in common. Regardless of culture we can agree that this country deserves some respect. Please don't let this happen because of 2 people and principle with no principles. This is bad blow for the Green Party also.


kct from montreal
said

a place where children are educated.....uhmmmmmmm the key word educated. Our knowledge is based on learning....and Canada is part of that learning...remember...respect,writing,reading...No wonder this Country has so many issues to deal with. Principal...you need to be educated....You should be holding your head up very high, everytime your students honor this country...our soldiers out there fighting for our Country...what a shameful way to act for a grownup.



Bill
said

I,m a proud CANADIAN that wore my uniform with pride. As a child i was proud to sing O CANADA , do to the fact my dad fought to give us that right. We may have many people in our great country from other lands, but it is still our country.If you dont like it because as CANADIANS we take pride in our CANADA, then I suggest you go back to where you came from. A VERY PROUD CANADIAN


Happy Canadian
said

Not a real Happy Canadian after reading this malarky!!

The story clearly states the political and social opinions of this principal. He is using the two minor complaints to push his own agenda.

This is not the mettle of a person who is in a responsible position in a community. A school principal should have a higher regard for their community.

David H
said

Mr. Millet obviously has no regard for his responsibility and stewardship of a Canadian child's education. Quite frankly the local school district apparently doesn't either. Frankly I'm surprised the provincial Education Minister hasn't stepped in.

tmac54
said

I believe it is those students that have specific religious views. However, this is no excuse to cancel the national anthem in a classroom. Would it not be easier to have the students read, draw, colour while the other students are participating in our national heritage. A whole class should not have to suffer because of a few complaints---unfortunately it is easier this way. This is not a good thing, at all. It became a bit much when Merry Christmas was not allowed to be said, now this...A line needs to be drawn, it's getting ridiculous.


Chris
said

I can easily explain what he meant by it being a distraction that early in the morning. I haven't been out of school for that long, but I do remember clearly that every morning when the anthem played, few people took it seriously in ANY school I was in....

These are kids...they just get to school, they want to chat, and e with their friends. Most kids don't understand what the anthem is about, and spend their time during it, talking, and being goofs. I dont remember a single day from elementary all the way to high school where the teacher didn't have to raise their voice during the anthem telling everyone to shut up. This is stupid... It's a song. It REPRESENTS Canada and our beliefs. It isn't Canada and our beliefs. It's a song. And all though the parents may care, I have a feeling most of the kids don't. Everyone needs to get over it.


Ali
said

So if more than 2 people get together to complain that the anthem is not being sung will it be reinstated? As has been said, no one was being forced to sing it, so what's the problem?

- Ali, NY, USA


Ann E. Hillary
said

This is Canada. I believe that the children in each school should have the right to vote if they choose to continue to sing outnr National Anthem. Therefore the majority vote wins.


Doug A Principle
said

Singing the National Anthem will indoctrinate the message that we "stand on guard for Thee."

The peaceful principle could be educating his students that there are also peaceful ways to stand on guard. But maybe he finds that task too difficult for his weak mind.


Iain
said

It continues to amaze me the lack of thought and the spineless nature that people are taking on. This is just pathetic to do something so unCanadian.
The parents that thought it was a good idea to complain are clearly not Canadian. What makes these people think it is ok to complain about Canada's patriotism and national anthem?
But much worse is a institution like a school succumbs to these reckless whims.

Joanne
said

At Community events when the national anthem is played, a lot of people DON'T KNOW THE WORDS!

Gee...
I wonder why?

Sing it, and sing it proud!


Abegweit from Victoria
said

I can understand why some people would not want any national anthem played. Jehovah's Witnesses don't participate in anything to do with patriotism, including the singing of anthems, flying flags or supporting a country's military. While I don't agree with their beliefs, if we are a country that respects freedom of speech, we must respect the parents' right to not want their children to participate. They do not have the right to stop an organization or any individual from showing patriotism.


heather spring
said

PROUD CANADIANS in all PUBLIC SCHOOLS

This issue is about whether the national anthem is sung EVERY DAY or EVERY MONTH. As someone with a career in public education, it is likely that most children in Canadian public schools sing the national anthem on a MONTHLY basis, not a DAILY basis.

In BC, schools are required by law to have 3 assemblies per year where the singing of O Canada is required. Most schools sing the anthem much more, but rarely is it sung daily.

ALL Canadian public schools teach pride for our beautiful country through many parts of the curriculum, but there is no research that shows that singing on a daily basis increases patriotism or knowledge of one's country.

Singing "O Canada" at a MONTHLY public school assembly is appropriate, and is a standard practice in most Canadian public schools.

Ask Canadian children whether they love their country, & positive responses will be typical - they love their country because of its people; because their family lives here; because of Canada's natural beauty, animals, wildlife, resources; because of our freedom, our way of life, & all that our country stands for. Kids love Canada because of our athletes and hockey games and our artists and authors and celebrities. They love Canada because of their neighbours and neighbourhood, & all the opportunities available for them here. All these things they learn from their families & teachers - NOT from singing the national anthem every day.

The NB School Board and NB Minister of Education should show more support to its Principals. A compromise would be to sing the anthem weekly until the end of the year, & monthly after that, like the rest of the country.


Greg
said

This is bizarre. What does the standing for or singing of the national anthem have to do with beliefs?

I'm all for the complete removal of religion from our public schools. Freedom of religion. Completely agree. Not paying for your child to be taught an ideology you don't agree with. Got it.

The national anthem? Not sure what this could possibly offend or what belief system it runs contrary to.

If you're Canadian then you stand or sing and be proud. If you're not then you stand and show respect. Same applies to any nations national anthem. Pretty simple stuff.


CC in Montreal
said

First Christmas, now the National Anthem.......
We are CANADIANS people, and our forefathers/ fought and died to give us that right. Our troops are still doing that today (God bless each and everyone of them!)so that we can all sit here and write our opinions down and not worry about be shot / executed for our freedom of speech. Why must we always change our customs and traditions (or stop singing our national anthem for that matter) because it may offend someone? When is enough is enough?
If you are not happy with the way it is here, do not let the door hit your butt on the way out....



Wayne--Exeter Ontario
said

DISGUSTING AND DISGRACEFUL
Just where did the School Board find this "idiot" they must be hard up to find good people to promote. Firstly because of a couple of complaints, he pulls the anthem. This is Canada we proudly sing our national anthem. If people are not happy they should just pack up and leave. I bet the same people are quite willing to accept any government cheques coming their way, child benefit, income tax refunds, free health care!!!
The Director of Education and School Board Trustees should just stand up and reprimand this principal and immediately re-instate the anthem. If there are still complaints then let the complainers come forward to the School Board and not hide behind the principal's skirt.
OH CANADA WE STAND ON GUARD FOR THEE!!!!!!!!!!!


Scott in Halifax
said

I remember when I was in school, if someone didn't want to sing it, they waited in the hallway. This clown cancelled the anthem for the whole school because a couple of students. If he did it because of his political beliefs, he should be suspended without pay. Remember who pays your bills you dumb clown.


The Pendulum swing
said

Fire him. His beliefs are offensive. Make the anthem mandatory.

And I want a guarantee that this idiot has not ruined anyone. There should be an iquiry into what kind of twisted stuff he's been feeding these kids.

It's time we weed these freaks right out of the system.

I voted Green last time. Holy moly.

A proud Canadian.


russ
said

So much a do about nothing. It's only a song for crying out loud. How many of you actually take the time sing the anthem? and do you sing out loud when its played at outing or do you shy away like most canadians would. The only time people get excited about the anthem is at hockey games and no where else. So taking it out of school shouldn't really be that much of a problem. Like the lords pray, not everyone agrees that the national anthem has a place in the school.


Chris A
said

That is ridiculous! You live in Canada, do as the Canadians. If the children/families do not want to sing it, fine, but the school should not stop playing 'O Canada' on behalf a few children. That's a terrible call on the principals part.


Ron Davis of Deep River, ON
said

O Canada refers to a god that intervenes in worldly affairs upon request from humans. This is a religious belief that is not shared by all Canadians. They have a right not to have that religion forced upon their children, or even presented to their children as a norm by a publicly funded institution.


Margaret Bundy
said

I'm a 10 dollar PROUD CANADIAN,
and have been for a very long time
Love to sing O CANADA


Mike
said

This is Totaly wrong decision by the principal. Evens as a landed immigrant not yet having citizenship yet, I respect and value for the opportunity I got from this country. This action is insult to all Canadians and the people respect the sovergnity of this nation. Having respect to the anthem is having respect to your nation which is your-self.People have to agree with the Canadian traditon ifnot then they can leave some where else. God Bless Canada.


Mike
said

This is totaly wrong decision by the principal. Even as a landed immigrant not yet having citizenship yet, I respect and value for the opportunity I got from this country. This action is insult to all Canadians and the people respect the sovergnity of this nation. Having respect to the anthem is having respect to your nation which is your-self.People have to agree with the Canadian traditon ifnot then they can leave some where else. God Bless Canada.


Sam C
said

In other jurisdictions, those students who don't wish to sing the National Anthem for religious reasons step into the hallway during the playing of the anthem.


Ryan in Calgary
said

If I was a parent there I would take some speakers and blast the National Anthem outside the school every morning so the childeren there can be proud of the wonderful country they are priveliged to live in!!!!


Don from Ottawa
said

We are losing our own country, one "progressive" step at a time...



Fred - Brandon MB
said

If you don't like the national anthem, then just keep your mouth closed. Or you can move to some other country. We have to respect minority opinions, but we can't always let the tail wag the dog!


Toronto is proud to sing O'Canada
said

Yes it is sung in some schools EVERY day !
To Chris I hate to think how bad your school was if that was the example of behaviour there.
We have some children who don't sing so they sit whilst everyone else sings.
At our Toronto school if you're not at your desk for O'Canada then you're late, and you stand in the hallway to sing, even the adults stop in the hallway to sing.
Show more respect ALL of Canada should do this every day, if not what next we can no longer fly the flag at school ?


Layton B in NB
said

"If you don't believe your country should come before yourself, you can better serve your country by living somewhere else" - Stompin' Tom Connors.


Geeeeesh.
said

It may be peacefull thinking: "we stand on guard"

It may be JoHo's stance against patriotism

It also may be the inclusion of the line "GOD keep our land"

Schools do not raise a child... If we really care about our wonderful country then it is up to us as a village to raise our youth.

Get your heads out of "cant someone else do it" and remember what the purpose of school really is: daycare

If we all took a little more responsibility for the children we raise and our childrens children as well of the children of both our neighbours as well as those of the people we call friends (instead of turning a blind eye) then we would have a greater country and perhaps THOSE children might want to learn the anthem.


Made in Canada
said

Who would like to sing o canada every day? NOT me! Once and a while maybe. But to be FORCED every day @ 8:35 am - NOT!
Take a vote among students lets see what they would do.
A lot of people that want to sing... go ahead and sing - just don't expect everyone to want to do the same!!
Free country?


JG
said

This is not an issues of your political beliefs - I am "liberal" and a principal - and this is simply a bad decision. We have jehovah witness students in our school and we play O Canada everyday. They simply leave the classroom and sit outside until it's over. It is their decision to be in public school and some acts of patriotism are part of that experience - as it should be. We don't change our routine to suit them but alternatively we don't force them to take part either, so it's hard to not to believe this is some misguided personal belief at work.

Jay Tee, Canadian Rocky Mountains
said

Noone should be forced to sing the anthem and noone should be disallowed from singing the anthem. Let the music roll for all who wish to sing and anyone who does not can be an audience. It's ironic how the Greens can get it right on one level, and so wrong on another.


Nate
said

Hi, I'm 10 years old. I think it is very rude that the school has stopped singing the national anthem every morning. How is it too distracting? When I sing I think about all our Canadian soldiers fighting in Afghanistan. I also think about how lucky we are to be Canadian and not in a place where you can't go to school or might be killed walking down the street.
I say we tell the school to put the anthem back!


Mike from Canada
said

The National Anthem should be played in all schools as a tribute to those Canadians who have sacrificed their lives for our Flag, and as a sign of respect for this wonderful Nation that we are all apart of.

Every Canadian should know the words. If you don't play it, soon nobody will recognize it. It is played at every NHL hockey game in Canada, and it is played in US NHL rinks when a Canadian team arrives. Our National Anthem in as Canadian as hockey, lacrosse, and Terry Fox.

They don't have to sing it, but they should hear it, and stand for it as a sign of respect for the peaceful country we live in, that was paid for in the blood of Canada's military through four wars and several conflicts.




Derek Lavallee
said

Maybe all these people that are so passive about this should take a long hard look at what is happening in the rest of the world. After that take a look at what has made this country what it is today and after that take a real long trip down memory lane, to see where and how we gained our respect for everything and everyone. Maybe,just maybe after that you will realize how important something like singing O CANADA can be to generations now and the ones to come!!!!!!!


Brenda Wilson
said

Stop that School's Federal Government Funding!!!!

Residents refuse to pay school taxes!!!!

As Canadians we have the same rights and freedoms as the "two parents"!!! If the parents do not want their children to hear our national anthem then wait with their children outside the door of the school and allow their children to enter when it's over!!!

If this is the way these people respect Canada then to hell with them!!! Go elsewhere why don't you?

As for Erik Millett it is stated that you are actively involved in the peacement movement....IF YOU DO NOT STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS THEN PLEASE FEEL FREE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM!!!!

Do you know what our Canadian troops are doing? They are Peace Keepers, or did you not know that?
H

Hah, and you call yourself a politician?


T. T. Petawawa
said

To (Mitch in the East)
become little americans???
That is not the point!

Tilt your head and see if anything falls out.

I think it is ignorant to our troops if this gets taken away from our schools. This is only one, but I'm sure there will be more to follow now....ridicules.


NB
said

I am an immigrant myself and, from day one, I tried to embrace everything Canadian not the other way around. Canadians should not have to change anything to accommodate immigrants, if people disagree with the way things are done in Canada they should remain in the country where they were born.
I have no patience for this and I don't think Canadians should put up with it. My opinion.


Nick
said

I can't remember ever singing O Canada in school. I thought that was what hockey games were for. Seriously, in the 80's we never did.


Stinger
said

I would like the principal to say to all Canadians and to our troops that are dying and fighting in a war, what exactly was the parents problem or was this just the principal's issue, and for a school board to agree to this stupidity. Here we go again with someone not having a back bone to stand up and say tough, if you don't like it leave the school and home school your children. You people make me sick, and you call yourselves Canadian. If it is your beliefs, then why are you in this country, please just leave, you will make my country a better place.


Chris Geshev
said

Indeed, it sounds pretty suspicious, and vague, this claim about the two parents who objected to the national
anthem being sung...More like
a rogue pacifist, for whom
November 11 is a shameful event, and who's forgotten to
whom he owes a great deal of respect. Despicable act!


ME in Nova Scotia
said

At the world Olympic Games the winners from all countries stand on the podium while the anthem from the gold winner's country is sung. They are not offended by the tribute to that country. No wonder I've been noticing recently at even Remembrance Day ceremonies that people are not polite enough to stand at attention during Oh Canada! It all starts in the schools and far too much latitude is given to individual teachers and principals to shape the new citizens of our country in my opinion. If you are happy to take advantage of Canada's benefits, at least show respect for the country by intilling respect for its national anthem.
t


Cabot in Ottawa
said

I'm a proud Canadian, but I agree with the principle/principal. Until the word "god" is removed from the anthem, it should not be sung in public schools. Separation of church and school should apply in all situations.

If you Christians and other "believers" have an issue with this, maybe it's you that should move. You'd fit in well with our neighbour to the South.


RR
said

I'm not sure what the key to success is in this case ... but the key to failure is to try and make everyone happy.

We should never try and cater to everybody ... we make a mess of things.


Andrew in NB
said

Remove the principal!!! This is soooo wrong!


Beth Calgary
said

When I was in school the kids who did not sing the anthem because of religious beliefs were excused and sat while the rest of us stood and sang. What is wrong with teaching children respect for country and flag?
At our scout group we say the pledge:
To my flag and the country it represents, I pledge respect and loyalty.
Wave with pride from sea to sea and within your folds keep us ever united.
Be for all a symbol of Love, Freedom and Justice.
God keep our flag.
God protect our Canada.


Nate
said

Why do we live in a country where we are so afraid of offending one or two people out of hundreds. It boggles my mind! It is obvious some people have never heard the old cliche, "When in Rome..."


Peg from Winnipeg
said

I have to ask myself - if I chose to leave Canada for whatever reason - would it be reasonable to expect my new country to alter it's traditions because I moved there?

We are a melting pot - we welcome people from every corner of the earth. We work diligently through social services and school systems to make immigrants feel welcome and to help them adjust to a new country. But if we are to remain the beautiful nation we are - we too have to adjust to new cultures and beliefs.

However, I do not for a second believe that anything that weaves a sense of nationality into our being should be ignored or abolished because of different cultures.

We ARE Canada and if you chose this nation as your home - you too ARE Canada.

We didn't ask you to make this your home, but we welcome you. We are however asking you to respect our country. If that goes against whatever belief system you have, then the choice is clear. Leave.


nc in alberta
said

Enough overly emotional non-sequitor "patriotic" vs "non-patriotic" crap!

tempest in a teapot...
get over it...

one person's decision...
one person's issue...

Why not help them understand why it is OK to sing the national anthem and still not support war.

We are all in this together.

There is no black and white when discussing such contentious matters.



Doug
said

Mitch man you were lucky just having it two days a week thats how often we had the lords prayer(in a public school), we had it everyday, and in high school they had different versions some of which were terrible(barbershop quartet). I think that to play it at the beginning of the week would certainly be appropriate, as usual reality is somewhere in between the people who want it pulled completely and those that want it played everyday. I assume those of you who want it everyday also start the workday with it, or play it at home in the morning instead. I think that the kids should add words about the debt burden they will have to carry from the morons that vote and make policies now.


Trooper Sirois, Edmonton
said

This is really getting out of hand,every action we do we wonder if we offend someone..This is Canada,if the flag or the national anthem offend you I would strongly suggest that you leave... If you are not happy in Canada,go back to whatever place you came from.


mcgil
said

Darn it! Here we go again! Another "politically correct" idiotic move!

Where do we get these people from, pray tell? I am too angry to carry on!


Dean
said

D
Why should the students sing it every day? Do you parents sing it everyday when you arrive at work? I believe that the kids should sing it however I don't think that it needs to be everyday.
If they are still singing it atassemblies then the students are still learning it.



Winnipegger guy
said

If the kids live in Canada, they can deal with listening to O Canada once a day. Nobody is making them sing along. If parents have a problem with it, I'll gladly carry them across the border.


Steven Di Persio - Toronto
said

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.




Michelle winnipeg
said

Fire the teacher, whats next, can't laugh in our schools. This is our pride and our song. We should be proud to have it, one should really look at the words and what it really means......


Kim from Vancouver
said

There seems to be a lot of finger pointing going on here, especially at supposed parents with religious beliefs who many claim are to blame for this situation. Has anyone clued into the fact that it may have been those with atheistic beliefs that raised the initial concern...especially given the inclusion of "God keep our land" in the lyrics? After all, the school superintendent only used the generic term "beliefs" -- she didn't state what kind of beliefs the parents held. The article also references individuals who inferred that the Principal may have just been using this as smoke screen for his own political views. So we cannot assume anything, as we do not have all the facts. There is always more than one side to a news story.


Charlie in NS
said

I heard this story a couple of weeks ago & thought something has got to be wrong. I know "the rest of the story" now that I see this guy kneeling before a particular political sign. I no longer need to have an explaination for what has happened.


Kevin in T.O.
said

I am utterly appalled. This principal should be dismissed from his duties immediately. This is an affront to democracy and values we hold dear as Canadians. We sang the National Anthem every morning from kindergarten right through to Grade 13 why all of a sudden is that a problem now?


Michael
said

As a proud Canadian, I am outraged by this idiocy. Why are Canadians letting this happen? We should all be supporting each other by banding together, to keep our Canadian Traditions and our beliefs. If people have their own beliefs and religions fine, but don't come to Canada and try to take away ours!! In this great country you also have the right to leave and go somewhere else if you don't like our national anthem!


Michael from London
said

Oh yes, to further my previous comment, it seems as though our Christmas Traditions are being threatened which is along the same lines as what is happening in NB with our national anthem. Remember when we used to have the lords prayer in schools? Well I can understand that was more of a religious issue.. but our Canadian National anthem? Come on people, lets band together and support our Canadian Traditions and beliefs, this is OUR country, for everyone, and so lets fight for it! We need to stop this, we have too much political correctness in our society, it makes me sick.


Lost Cause
said

T.T Petawawa said "I think it is ignorant to our troops if this gets taken away from our schools."


What does little children singing "O Canada" have to do with wars started and furthered by adults? I disagree with the association.

I agree with kids singing the anthem and being proud of Canada, and I agree with you that it's better left as part of the curriculum, kids having to stand up during it unless they have some really impassable religious barrier to the word "god" being included in it.

But I don't at all agree with kids being forced into the slippery slope of the "Support the Troops" slogan at such a young age. It's a very controversial slogan that is arguable as propaganda - plenty of us out here think it only exists to try and smear those who question things like the invasion of Iraq or the war on terror. It happens all the time - ask a question about these things, someone blurts out "You don't support the troops!" It sucks when people do that, and kids certainly shouldn't be taught to do that as a stock retort. It's not only narrow minded and selfish to tell kids that this is the proper way to behave - it's dangerous.

Let the kids grow up to decide how they feel about those things for themselves - that's what freedom of thought and opinion is all about. Patriotism is one thing - indoctrination is another.


andrew
said

we live in Canada a country that believes in freedom. but as Canadians we also believe in our national anthem. but when an elementary school stops playing our anthem because a few parents kick up a fuss it is UN-Canadian and disgrace to all of our soldiers and veterans. play the anthem and stand with pride.


BB
said

I had been singing our anthem for over 50 years.
Many of them in my service of this country.
Then it was changed from the original. I thought it was our plan to separate state and religion.
My anthem was O Canada, Glorious and free, not a referall to god keep our land


Michael in London
said

Maybe the media could do some good for Canadians and do a story focused on how our country is losing our beliefs and traditions! It's really getting out of hand, and I think we all need to step up to the plate to show how serious we feel about this issue. I know most people in Canada are very proud to be Canadian, love and support our flag and Anthem, not to mention our national hockey teams!


Jay from Toronto
said

The principal was so ridiculous! We live in Canada, we have a national anthem, and we are proud to be Canadian. The national anthem is not a relgious song, and I do not see what the protest is about regardless of what background a person is from. I agree with a previous comment; I am not American, but if I were to be at a sports venue, and they played the USA anthem, I would stand out of respect - I may not sing an anthem that is not Canadian, but I would stand. If someone has an issue, the least they can do is stand silently out of respect.


Morg in Mississauga
said

These two parents should find somewhere that has a song they like and go there. By the way, take Erik with you.


Judy Guelph
said

Please explain why schools should have mandatory playing/singing of the National Anthem and not other places of work/business? I believe there are many adult Canadians who do not know the anthem. When I attended school we sang God Save the King and God Save the Queen....no mention of Canada.
Perhaps if we had stuck with the original version of O Canada and not inserted "God" into our patriotic song, it would be more palatable to more people.
Don't inflict a ritual on your children that you wouldn't inflict on yourself in your own daily routine.


john montreal canada
said

as an ex N.C.O. THE ANTHEM MEANS A LOT THE THE MILITARY. WE LIVE AND DIE FOR THIS COUNTRY, SO PEOPLE CAN BE FREE.
Free to do and say things that offend others no!with consequence.
I think that the parents need to just go to the school board. and demand its return.
Even if the kids don't say a word, play it over the P.A. system. In time every kid will learn it, just by assimulation.
ex cpl. R.M.R.


Mike
said

As an immigrant myself, I don't see anything wrong with playing O Canada.
We came to Canada, we should stand behind Canada. How is it against anyone's beliefs?
I don't believe there were so many complains to justify the principals actions.



shaevin
said

Catch 22. Since they don't want to hear the anthem in a "publicly funded" school, we can suggest that they take their dollars and put them into a school with others alike. or wait that is what they want?


Julius, Hamilton
said

What a disgrace...it doesn't surprise me that the principal in question is a Green party hippie - why the left has such a problem with patriotism and supporting our troops is beyond me. It also wouldn't surprise me if the parents who complained were immigrants who are intolerant of Canadians being proud of their nation. Let's teach our kids to be proud of our country, not to be ashamed of it and our anthem!


Ami
said

I feel that we should be proud to be a Canadian Citizen - the National Anthem teaches our children to respect our Country and learn to take pride in it. When I was in public school kids whose parents did not wish them to participate in the singing of the anthem were allowed to just sit quietly while the rest of us did. It is a shame that the minority dictates to the majority.

Also, far too often these days we see caps left on heads, people who do not know the words and a lack of respect for the anthem. If you can not even take pride in the singing or your National Anthem then how do you learn to have pride in and respect for the country and those that have sacrificed to ensure a safe place to call home.


mike
said

so 2 parents over rule the rest???

so much for a vote




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