AND - St-Boniface, in Winnipeg, is the largest French settlement west of Quebec!
No, we didn't sing it in French...but if I had thought to look it up in the hymn-book, the French would have been there and I would have sung it.
Heck, they have a lot of the hymns in Cree, Inuktituk, and other languages.
Brothers Will and Ian Ferguson wrote a book called How To Be Canadian (Even if you Already Are One), and have a hilarious section on the national anthem.
They translate the wonderful imagery of the original French lyrics:
"Your breast is girded with glorious flowers
As your arms can carry the sword, they can carry the Cross also.
Your history is an epoch filled with the most brilliant exploits"
Then Will and Ian look at the opening words of the English version:
"O Canada, our home and native land.
True patriot love in all our sons command.
With glowing hearts, we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free..."etc
Realizing the French imagery far outdoes the English, they define the English Canadian anthem as equal to "Louie Louie". And they continue to quote "Louie Louie....woh woh - we gotta go" as the English anthem...all together now...
REALLY quite funny if you read it. I lent the book to someone...uh oh
