Canada’s National Anthem should not be changed

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Dear Editor:

I read in the Lethbridge Herald that singer, Jully Black, changed the lyrics of Canada’s National Anthem from “O Canada, our home and native land” to “Our home on native land” when she sang before the NBA celebrity basketball game in Salt Lake City, Utah. The fact is, the only time the lyrics can be changed is by or through the Government of Canada’s Legislation in the National Anthem Act R.S.C. (Revised Statutes of Canada) 1985, c.B-2, an Act respecting the national anthem of Canada. The words and music of the song “O Canada,” as set out in the schedule, are designated as the national anthem of Canada, and are hereby declared to be the public domain. Furthermore, the National Anthem is copyright of intellectual property and exclusive legal right that protects original works of authorship. This right includes production and original literary or musical work. In Canada Copyright Certificate is issued by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). 

When the anthem “O Canada! Our home and native land!” is sung, this means all people born in Canada call Canada home and they are natives here. I was born in Saskatchewan, a province in Canada, and I am considered a native of Canada as well.

I wrote a song for the millenium year 2000 but changed ‘Millenium’ to ‘Communion’ because the next millenium will not occur for another 1000 years, and I wouldn’t likely be around by then. My song “Celebrate” has been copyrighted on June 29, 1999.

Paul Jones, Coaldale  

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