Reader must be unaware that Canada has two official languages
March 12, 2010
To the editor:
Re: 'Wish I knew the words to O Canada', letter from Peter Stojanovski, March 9.
Mr. Stojanovski states in his letter that he doesn't know the words to our national anthem. He also added that it is likely because "they" now sing half of the anthem in French. Who are "they"? Hockey Night in Canada? He also attempts to compare Canada to France. He states, "I have nothing against the French language, but this is Canada, not France. Does France have English in its national anthem?"
Perhaps he is unaware that France only has one official language -- French. Why would they sing half in English? Canada, on the other hand, has two official languages, English and French. He should perhaps consider learning more about our country's history. Perhaps then he would develop an appreciation for the French language and maybe realize that just because he doesn't speak French, it has just as much right to be heard as the English language.
Incidentally, O Canada was written by Calixa Lavallée in French in 1880. It was translated 28 years later.
Carole Aucoin
Whitby