Chantal Kreviazuk Alters O Canada Lyrics at 4 Nations Face-Off to Protest Trump’s Remarks
Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk changed the lyrics to O Canada before the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game on Thursday. The alteration served as a protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments about making Canada the “51st state.”
Why Kreviazuk Changed the Lyrics
During her anthem performance at Boston’s TD Garden, Kreviazuk sang “that only us command” instead of “in all of us command.” Her spokesperson confirmed the change was deliberate, responding to Trump’s remarks about U.S.-Canada relations.
Kreviazuk later posted a photo on Instagram showing the revised lyrics written on her hand. “I believe we must stand up and protect ourselves,” she wrote, emphasizing the need to speak out against perceived abuses of power.
Reactions at the Arena
Fans in Boston reacted with mild boos during the Canadian anthem, though many cheered afterward. By the end of the game, when O Canada played again following Canada’s 3-2 overtime win, most American fans had left, and no boos were heard.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game.”
Political Backdrop to the Controversy
President Trump’s comments have fueled tension between the two countries. He has repeatedly suggested that Canada could join the U.S. as a state, citing trade disputes. Canadian officials, including Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, rejected the idea. “Canada is a sovereign nation and will remain so,” McGuinty stated at a press conference.
Trump, meanwhile, called the U.S. team before the game to wish them luck. “It was an honor to hear from him,” said American defenseman Noah Hanifin.
Growing Rivalry On and Off the Ice
Tensions between Canadian and American hockey fans have also escalated. Last week in Montreal, crowds loudly booed the U.S. anthem before games. Similar reactions occurred during the tournament’s earlier matches, reflecting heightened national pride on both sides.
Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon, named the tournament MVP, acknowledged the rivalry. “This game drew more attention than we expected. The whole continent was watching,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Canada’s win at the 4 Nations Face-Off serves as a preview for the NHL’s return to the Olympics in 2026. While the political backdrop added tension, players on both teams focused on the competition.
As for Kreviazuk, she stands by her decision. “Sometimes, you just have to speak the truth through your art,” she said.
More…
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/chantal-kreviazuk-o-canada-lyrics-1.7464672
- https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/02/20/singer-of-canadian-anthem-at-4-nations-face-off-changes-lyric-to-protest-trumps-51st-state-remarks
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/canada-defeats-usa-in-overtime-to-win-first-4-nations-face-off-title
