The English lyrics to “O Canada” have changed numerous times to keep pace with current fashion, most recently to insert the gender-neutral line “In all of us command.” Meanwhile, the French lyrics – including the ancient-sounding “As is thy arm ready to wield the sword, so also is it ready to carry the cross” – have remained fixed since 1880. This discrepancy in the treatment of the heritage of English and French Canada is not limited to the national anthem. Looking into the f...
