O Canada Foundation 1991-2

[debsingseverything]

Ross, if the 20th anniversary version includes ALL the singers, count me in! My contact info (ahem my record 'company') has changed as well as that of others I recognized in the big choir. I'd be pleased to help you track them down - we've facebooked this around already and enthusiasm is high! We're all proud to have been a part of this. Thanks, Mr. Carlin!

Debora West (or Selinger) @debsingseverything@yahoo.com

[DrFlippin]

@luuc41: S'il vous plaît contactez mr. Ross Carlin - il est le producteur de cette vidéo et a quelques exemplaires du DVD original qu'il a fait pour la vente.

[rosscarlinocanada]

Sorry, been a while since I looked here. Love the comments, thanks everyone, much appreciated.

I have a BIG project planned for Canada Day 2012, which will be announced very soon. Got the original team back together for our 20th anniversary!

In the meantime, I would be happy to burn the TV show and videos to DVD for luuc41 and anyone else. It will cost $10 including shipping. Send your request to me at rosscarlin@ocanada.tv

Cheers!

[paoloi]

@rosscarlinocanada I was part of that project....! Never got a copy but have a photocopy of the credit sheet....off the CD. It's not available anywhere? Let me know if you need access to any of the folks that were part of the original in montreal, I still keep contact with a few (and they are appearing in my Justice For James Charity Single in the works right now!)

[luuc41]

Je recherche une copie de la cassette video en DVD. La fondation O Canada n'existe plus et Cérémonial Canada dit ne pas connaitre.

[pamibeau]

Now, can anyone tell me where we can get a "clean" copy of this fantastic rendition of our national anthem? §:c)

[danjim1204]

I really enjoyed showing this to my friends from BC when they visited last month. The second verse was something they hadn't heard in a long while. Plus seeing the photos we took of Vancouver made them realize how beautiful a city it is. Go Canucks!

[00bleeding]

OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH I've been looking for this since the year 2000 !

[colsamjones]

I really like this version of Oh Canada. I will keep it in my library and play many times for personal enjoyment and share with my friends. Hats off to the producer and cast..

saj

[danjim1204]

Happy (belated) Canada Day. Wish I was in North Van right now! :)

[ForbesPatrick]

I just wanted to say to Ross Carlin, THANK YOU!!! this is such a beautiful tribute to our country and people like you make me even more proud of being a Canadian. God Bless you sir I tip my hat to you as you embody one of the many wonderful facets of a true canadian :)

[ktibay82]

I actually remember having to sing this in elementary school! I like it!

[halifaxboyns]

I would think that Lightfoot and Murray would be mellowing in their "old age" (no offense). Jann Arden perhaps? Perhaps Rita would do it again - i've always enjoyed her voice. :)

[babsrra]

Don'r forget Alanis...she's great. And I think you should get Avril to do it again (she was great as a kid!)

[MichelleRobles777]

If Mr. Carlin were to do this again, in 2010, then who would you all recommend to be on the line-up of voices? I'll start it with a few names: Sarah Mclachlan (sp) Paul Brandt Celine Dion Michael Buble Gordon Lightfoot KD Lang Bryan Adams Roch Voisine Avril Lavigne ??? ???

[rosscarlinocanada]

Nice list Michelle!

Celine Dion refused to sing, stating it was too political for her.

k.d. lang said no, as did Anne Murray, Stompin Tom and Lighfoot.

Bryan Adams wanted us to overturn a CRTC ruling for him before he would do it.

Geddy Lee said yes, and then couldn't make our schedule.

I think McLachlan, Buble are great choices!

How about Shania Twain, Nelly Furtado, Joni Mitchell, Chad Kroeger.

I am thinking about a 20th reunion, so keep the list growing!

[MichelleRobles777]

WOW! Can hardly believe that THE Ross Carlin behind this amazing work is here and responding to comments!!! I sure hope you got an Order of Canada for this; you certainly deserve it. Its really nice to read your recollections for why some artists are missing.

OK, summore names for the wish list:

Kinda older but you have to have some to show the way for the younger ones:

Burton Cummings

Dan Hill

Buffy St Marie

I 2nd Joni Mitchell (& her daughter!)

Lets hear it again for Mr. Ross Carlin!!!

[MrTantraMan]

@MichelleRobles777

How about an appearance with PM Harper? That would be something.

[MichelleRobles777]

@MrTantraMan:That would be something if the PM made an appearance... but I am afraid it might politicize it and end up turning off a LOT of Canadians. Id like to see this remain a beautiful expression of pride for Canada led by Canadian artists. Now if you could get PM Harper, R Ignatieff and Jack Leighton with their arms over each others' shoulders and singing a line together, into the same microphone, I'd change my mind.

[DrFlippin]

HATS OFF TO Ross Carlin - who was the man who took this vision and passion for the National Anthem of Canada and through a lot of perseverance and supreme effort assembled all of the people in this video (and a whole host of invisible people behind the scenes), to produce this monumental tribute for all Canadians. Thank you Ross, for allowing me 'steal' your video & put it up. I hope Vancouver2010 will draw attention to this- your amazing gift. On behalf of fellow Canadians & friends: THANK YOU!

[timreid99]

@DrFlippin Ross Carlin is My Driving instructor! Keep an eye out for what he's going to do soon. (Canada day...)

[DrFlippin]

@timreid99 Your 'Driving instructor' happens to be one of North America Broadcasting's Hall of Famers! Mr. Carlin is one the greatest Canadians alive- the person who brought all of what you see in this clip together.

There is no better rendition of O Canada out there, than this one. CTV should air the whole documentary again someday soon (maybe Canada Day?) in HD!

[FeckleBookmite]

From Garth Turner's greaterfool dot ca website:

Nineteen years ago the long-haired morning man at a hick Ontario radio station lamented the fact no decent version of O Canada existed to open his show with. Why was that, he wondered on air? Why no ‘We Are The World’ rock star-studded version of our anthem to inspire kids and melt jaded hearts?

[timreid99]

Ross is So Chill

[MrTantraMan]

This is a unique twist on our national anthem

[jake67822]

this blows

[patriotnamvet]

"O yeah, from the East Coast O' Newfoundland, to Da West Coast of B.Cee"!!!!!

[kelsiejackson]

This is awesome.

[DnRDubb]

that was on awesome version of our Nations Athem..ty for posting it. Makes me proud to be Canadian here in the states

[rockinhamburger]

I've been looking for this for a long time.. great video.. the same year they did an allstar version on Parliament Hill, I remember especially Fresh Wes.

[Onawawgirl]

I remember this project well- people from all over Canada getting together to record the national anthem. Happy Canada Day!

[prckay]

@Onawawgirl I think our anthem would sound so better if we had the third verse

[rollerguy31]

WOW....i watched this and have it on VHS as well....luv it...

[rosscarlinocanada]

Wow, 17 years old and still getting phone calls and emails about this!

Happy Canada Day!

There's no better place to live.

Ross Carlin

Creator of video

[IIJETHROII]

This is ridiculous!

[MaiBeyblader]

You found this on an old VHS tape in your basement? Awesome. Thanks for putting it up. :)

[general682002]

TVO used to aired this, with some minor editing at the end with background. But thanks to posting it, this is a powerful version of O Canada!

[rosscarlin1]

I want to thank everyone who said nice things about my video - it was a great journey and 15 years later I still get requests for it each week! The 244 stars, 72 tracks and 70 piece orchestra thank you too.

[geordieant]

Ce vidéo et aussi le Canada son super ! Je ne suis jamais voyagé au Canada mais l'interprétation du Canada et de sa culture et de sa sociéte, ce que j'ai reçu a travers l'internet ici au Royaume Unie, je peux dire sans doute que le Canada est un example pour tous les mondes de comment se forme une féderation des nations, se maintient une démocratie vraie et une société très bilingue, et tout le temps sans montrer les signes du désir de séperation - pas comme dans le cas du Belgique

[geordieant]

This video is amazing and so is Canada. I have never been but from the vision of Canadian society and culture I have gained through the internet here in the UK I can say you are an example to the world on how to form a federation of nations, maintain a true democracy and a very bilingual society, which does not show complete signs of wanting to seperate, like in the case of my European brothers in Belgium.

[flics85]

I loved this - I was in school when it came out and had it recorded onto a cassette, but never had the video of it. So glad to be able to see the video again. I originally saw a 30 minute special about the creation of this, when it originally aired on TVO back then.

[triplethelength]

what bothers me is eventually O canada will have to be sung in many different languages, cause with so many immigrants comin in. it only takes one to complain and have us start singing an anthem in their language, cause they feel left out... stupid bullshit like that, like come on respect the culture of the country ur comin into, appreciated to all those who make an effort though :), just wish we would be more forceful about learning our culture, kinda like the U.S.

[patriotnamvet]

As an American, I wanna tell you good neighbors to not force or privilege one particular 'culture' on to your new citizens. I envy your great Nation for your diversity and tolerance for cultural difference. I almost never hear the French verses of your Anthem, yet that is supposed to also be your culture. And to what extent do you wanna force Native Canadian cultures on to immigrants? What's Canada? Your cultural diversity & tolerance of difference is what makes you the True North Strong & Free!

[triplethelength]

u dont even know what i mean...i dont want to force them out, just respect the country their comin into, for example,this was just on the news that at a school they r reinstating the national anthem, because a group of parents that had recently immigrated from another country complained that their culture was being undermined, so they made the school stop singing the anthem until just recently, and i never said i wanted the native canadians to leave, like this is techniqually their land

[trunkfunkowner]

So if Canada is 'technically their land' as you say, why are you not preferring Native Canadian songs over the Eng/Fr versions? I don't see where patriotnamvet said anything about forcing anyone out... he/she's simply asking what your culture actually is, because according to you, its whatever the immigrants aren't. I always thought immigrants from diverse countries is what made Canada. Chinese, Ukrainian, Polish, French, English, Native, etc. Which one is most Canadian? Forgot: Anglo Saxon LOL

[triplethelength]

wow u r dumb... like i stated before i dont want to force any1 out i just want some people to respect the culture of the country they come into.... thats it

[trunkfunkowner]

Sorry; I didn't realize I was talking to a kid. I m not dumb: u r. Go back & carefully read the posts in response to your original one: NO ONE SAID THAT YOU WANT TO FORCE ANYONE OUT. Some of us are simply pointing out that YOU WANT TO FORCE ONE CULTURE ONTO EVERYONE ELSE. Can you tell us all what Canadian culture is? French? Chinese? Western European? English? Which ONE do you want immigrants to comply with? Do you get it now? NO ONE is accusing YOU of wanting to force anyone OUT. Learn 2 read!

[triplethelength]

u want me to quote what u said "I don't see where patriotnamvet said anything about forcing anyone out" so yes i did read back and u were accussing me of sayin that..and i dont want pple to believe in our culture just respect it. like i stated before respect it.clearly im dealin with a kid cause u cant even see the difference between forcing someone to believe somethin and asking someone to respect somethin.. think carefully about what i just said cause u dont seem to think before sayin somethin

[trunkfunkowner]

Read it AGAIN, young man, and completely in context with the entire quote this time:"...he/she's simply asking what your culture actually is, because according to you, its whatever the immigrants aren't." I think this matter is a little over your head. Patriotnamvet isn't talking about forcing anyone OUT; he's talking about the unfairness of forcing one culture ON to another one. Can't you see the difference between "OUT" and "ON"???? READ it AGAIN, then apologise! 'think carefully'? LMAO

[triplethelength]

ok then... Let me explain what i mean ok. All i want is for pple who have immigrated to canada to try and learn some of the culture we already have here... not turn a complete blind eye to it. different culture is fine...to an extent. opening faith based schools causes segregation. if pple tried learning canadian culture then they wouldnt be just segragated with a specific religious group... canada is supposed to be diverse... and yet many ppl (not every1) dont venture out any further than that

[trunkfunkowner]

Please... not like us Americans! So, what's this 'Canadian culture' that you want immigrants to conform to? I used to work in Toronto; I'll tell you that ALL immigrants struggle to learn the local culture! They have to deal with a new political system, laws, poverty, different climate, often a new language in order to study and work, & jobs way below their level of training. And yet, they're significant parts/contributors to Canada's greatness. Take yer White-ass Supremacist views to stormfront.

[triplethelength]

wow i never said they have to conform to it... just try to learn some of it, it sounds as though u prefer there to be segregation among pple of different cultures. I understand what ur bases r, and i understand it must be hard to attempt to learn a new language, but think of it... u have to work hard to get far right. part of that is also fitting into a country and being able to get along with every1; not just the same faith base. what will this help achieve?? more segregation among all citizens

[trunkfunkowner]

"just wish we would be more forceful about learning our culture" Those are exactly your words, Tripledickhead. You still haven't answered the basic question put to you: WHAT EXACTLY IS THE 'CANADIAN CULTURE' YOU WANT IMMIGRANTS TO LEARN?

A part of me hopes that this 'culture' includes the social norms of everyday life in Chicoutimi, where 5th generation Canadian citizens speak & sing the anthem in French, & Poutine & Pea soup are daily staples...

Answer the Question, Please, TripletheLength

[triplethelength]

ok what i mean by that is for the canadian government to be more forceful about havin pple learn stuff like the english language. And stuff like what typical sports r, or leisure activities and what the norms r considered. Cause unfortunately pple who do not learn this or at least attempt to r often outcasted. For example english is the only required course to take throughout high school. Do u think that the most important course in high school should not be learned by immigrants??

[MichelleRobles777]

Thanks Mr. Carlin for producing this wonderful rendition of O Canada; its the best! And Thanks to DrFlippin for putting it up. 3XLength, I take issue with your prejudice against immigrants. I came from the Phillipines 20 yrs ago and it was HARD! Learning English or French is a no brainer for school aged kids; its the language of instruction! Its also the language of community & commerce so to survive, we don't have any choice! I agree 100% w trunkfunkowner; Most immigrants try very hard! peace.

[trunkfunkowner]

"more forceful about havin pple learn stuff like the english language"? So what is Canada, then? some kind of fascist state? I bet immigrants are trying a helluva lot harder than you- sitting in your parent's basement playing games and doing facebook shit on the family computer. A lot of immigrants come to your country because they're fleeing places where governments force the population to comply to a rigid set of norms.

I can tell you failed English. Your spelling & grammar are atrocious.

[triplethelength]

yes exactly and when u come to another country the expectation is that u at least attempt to learn some of the language and culture

P.S. i dont have facebook and i did well in english lol ur dumb the spellin is in short form i know how to spell properly its just easier this way

[trunkfunkowner]

My how your story changes in a matter of a few weeks. "Yes exactly", what?- that Canada is a Fascist State? You write like a kid. So... you did well in English, huh? Well, I have some good news for you. When you get to Grade 8 English, you'll learn some proper grammar & punctuation. Then you'll be able to communicate more coherently and learn how to use commas & periods. Unfortunately, English classes will not directly remedy xenophobia, ethnocentrism, nor learned intolerance to immigrants.

[triplethelength]

and one more thing. u said im a little kid??? ur the one throwin out all kinds of insults, thats a very childish way of dealin with things... what do u have to say to that??

[trunkfunkowner]

No, I did not refer to you as a 'little' kid. Go back and read the posts, you squirt.

I believe I called you a 'kid'. I am sorry; I meant to use the word 'child' instead.

[triplethelength]

lol btw calling me a squirt makes u sound dumb.. who uses that term to make fun of some1?

[DrFlippin]

triplethelength; your last comment was removed because of a reference to violence. A 'discussion' about immigrants and culture, stemming from this wonderful rendition of O Canada! is welcome. However any reference to 'fight' or violence of any kind will be promptly removed. Trunkfunkowner; please keep the comments on track and refrain from belittling other posters.

[triplethelength]

what did i say to reference it to violence... i just stated that the guy was talking like a tough guy on the internet... and i doubt he would say these things if he was face to face with some1...?

[MichelleRobles777]

So if he/she was talking like a tough guy on the internet, then how do you think your own comments were taken? Honestly, I am one of those immigrants that you would like to be more forceful about learning your culture, even if your culture differs from other Canadians. The Canadian culture that I love is different to your's. It welcomes us immigrants & encourages us to bring & preserve our cultures, and tolerates- even celebrates our differences. That's the Canada I want to "stand on guard for"!

[firebirdhome]

FINALLY!!! I've looked forever for this version. It used to be on the TV station sign off in southwestern Ontario, I always wanted to tape it but never had the chance back in the 90s. Thanks for posting this!

[varnam06]

as an american i have heard numerous amazing versions of our very own national anthem, but this version of canada's is perhaps the most moving i have ever heard.

god bless canada!

[amy6406]

Heh Dad, just watched this again and cried. So bloody proud of you and what you achieved with this, you are an amazing man!!

[rosscarlinocanada]

hey, nice to see my video up here, even though I didn't know it.

In answer to your questions about performers:

Celine Dion declined because the National Anthem was too political for her. Anne Murray flat out refused. Bryan Adams would only do it if we helped him with a CRTC battle and Alanis Morissette did sing but wasn't good enough to make a solo cut.

Enjoy!

Ross

[JoshBKJackson]

I really like this version because its very rare that you get to hear the second verse of O Canada! It's cool and should be sung more.

[Ajaxspank]

When Whitney Houston did the Star Spangled Banner at the NFL halftime, it gave me goosebumps it was so good and patriotic. Do we not have an equally stirring version of O'Canada? Cause frankly this version sounds dated and well....gay.

[trunkfunkowner]

To each his or her own! I was there when Whitney sang... it was good but not that stirring. But of course, that was just after 9-11 and we were listening/singing to that crack-head's rendition of the SSB in a state of fear & anxiety. You sound 'dated' by your reference to "....gay". (I apologise if you meant 'happy and cheerful'). Maybe this isn't stirring enuf for you, but its not just about you, so lets be cordial and acknowledge a good anthem when we hear one. CANADA ROCKS!!!

[firebirdhome]

Well this version actually does bring a touch of the mid/late 70s with the guitar. But it is stirring nonetheless because of how these singers when solo just belt it out. And maybe it has a bit of Live-Aid to it since it is singers grouped together, that 90s touch. Anyway, I do like it. Maybe we could use a new fresh version. Is it possible to do nowadays with good taste? Do we have any singers that can reflect a bit of morality? If we can, I say sure, get 'em together.

[elaktoq]

That's Paul Janz at 3:52. Based on the comments, I think you've got everyone else. The Canada Day celebrations in 1992 had most of these artists perform at Parliament Hill. CBC should have a copy if you need to confirm them.

[paoloi]

Thanx 4 posting that. I was in that video and the freeze frame you have actually proves it...LOL! Thanx, it was fun recording that all those years ago.

[BuddhaDimple]

I thought I saw Chuck Norris. He's not Canadian though.

[elaktoq]

Your Chuck Norris look-a-like is actually a young Michael Burgess from Toronto. He sings O Canada at the Blue Jay games now.

[Bjaardson]

And K.D. Lang!

[Bjaardson]

Gino Vannelli would HAVE to be on any new version -- best pop singer ever anywhere. And Kate & Anna McGarrigle. I second patriotnamvet's sentiments. Viva Canada!

[deshania]

If they were to do a new version of O Canada today, which Canadian music artists would you most like to see?

The following are must haves:

Celine Dion

Shania Twain

Bryan Adams

Alanis Morissette

Sarah McLachlan

[trunkfunkowner]

DrFlippin, there's a guy on youtube named dogspause who happens to have taken this video right off your site without acknowledging the source and put it up on his site. Low life. Do a search for "o canada foundation" and you'll see the bastard's stolen your hard work!

[jarryparkman]

Thanks for putting it up. I'd been looking for this for years! Does any one know if it a 45 or a cd single was issued?

[trunkfunkowner]

I, too, thank Dr.Flippin for putting this up! I recall pretty clearly that it was a CD that was available at the time. The alternative was cassette tape, I think.

Randy Bachman of Bachman Turner Overdrive and The Guess Who, BTW on the guitar solo!

French chorus sung by the cast of Les Miserables.

Acadian songstress Patsy Gallant in the red coat, singing the French part.

[XPECTRON]

Wow, Gino Vannelli is there!!!!!!!

[trunkfunkowner]

Ellen; I'm pretty sure that's her! about a year before she 'came out'. She used to look more- how would you say... feminine. Sorry, I don't mean to offend anyone. Its an up-angle shot and so her prominent nose and eye-brow lines are bang on. And that's her voice, fer sure. If KD isn't in the video, then she ought to have been coz KD is the best there ever was in Canadian music/arts!

Doc; find the credits and tell us if KD was in that video, dammit!

[deshania]

Just because a woman has short hair, it doesn't mean she's lesbian! LOL. KD was already quite masculine-looking in 1992. I think the KD lookalike, or rather "lookalike" is country singer Michelle Wright.

[patriotnamvet]

Awesome anthem, Man!! You good neighbors rock! OK, so my girlfriend from Montreal saw the clip and tells me who the French solo singers are: in order; Susanne Stevens; Richard Pilon; Patsy Gallant (red jacket/Acadian Disco queen!); Claude Norbert; Liz Tansey (peace sign ear ring!); Natalie Chauquette.

May you always stay glorious and free, and teach us, to the South of you, a little more about tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

[EllenDegeneres4life]

where is kd?

i didnt see her..

[trunkfunkowner]

I think she's soloist #4 at about 0:40.

I agree Doc, this IS the best O Canada out there!!! Thanks for uploading it.

So here's a few names in order of appearance: Rita MacNeil, Tommy Hunter, Murray MacGlauglin, K.D. Lang, Salome Bey & (?). In the choir, I recognize Susan Agluklark, Shari Ulrich, then NHL hockey coach Pat Burns(!). Anyone else add to these names?

[EllenDegeneres4life]

XD no she isnt

but thx anyway ^^

she isnt in the video ;)

[deshania]

Soloist #4 looks more like Michelle Wright! She had her first #1 country hit and won the Academy of Country Music award for Top New Female Vocalist in 1992, the year this video was filmed.

I love Alannah Myles at 3:40!!!

[barragal54]

Yes that is definitely Michelle Wright.She has a distinctive voice.

[hng23]

@trunkfunkowner

Molly Johnson

Martha (from The Muffins)

Billy Newton-Davis

[barragal54]

That is Michelle Wright who every one thinks is kd lang.LOl kd should have been there. she has an amazing voice.