Is Chantal Kreviazuk Canadian? What we know about the singer who changed Canada's national anthem lyrics against U.S during NHL

Modified Feb 21, 2025 06:48 ET

2018 Toronto International Film Festival - "Sharkwater Extinction" Premiere - Red Carpet - Source: Getty — Chantal Kreviazuk performs during the "Sharkwater Extinction" premiere during the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival - Source: Getty

Chantal Kreviazuk, a Canadian singer-songwriter, recently made headlines for changing the lyrics of Canada’s national anthem, O Canada, before an NHL performance against the United States.

Expand Tweet

Chantal Kreviazuk is a Canadian native of Winnipeg, Manitoba; she has long been regarded as one of Canada’s most famous musicians. Being of Ukrainian, Scottish, and First Nation Cree descent, Kreviazuk was raised in a musical family. According to the University of Winnipeg, she often cites her maternal grandparents as her biggest influences.

Kreviazuk changed the lyrics of O Canada from “true patriot love in all of us command” to “that only us command” during the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off game at TD Garden in Boston.

She later posted an image of the modified lyric written on her hand, confirming that it was a deliberate change. The change in lyrics is being interpreted as a political statement in light of ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S. over tariffs enacted by U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to an article by Deadline, Canadian fans in the NHL and NBA were seen booing the American anthem. Trump’s administration has put a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and the president of the US has expressed his desire for Canada to become America's 51st state.

More about Chantal Kreviazuk's career in music and her philanthropic efforts

In 1997, Chantal Kreviazuk released her debut album, Under These Rocks and Stones, which was a critical hit. Since then, she has put out 10 albums, including a holiday album and a collaboration with her husband.

According to an article posted by Yukon Arts Centre, As a go-to songwriter, she has written hit songs for multiple global superstars, including Drake, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, and Kendrick Lamar.

Kreviazuk is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of her album Colour Moving and Still with a Canadian tour and a limited double-vinyl re-release.

Apart from her music career, Kreviazuk is also known for her philanthropic endeavors. She has been a vocal activist for education, mental health, and humanitarian issues.

In 2006, Chantal Kreviazuk co-founded an organization called the Opportunity Fund at the University of Winnipeg, which offers financial aid to Indigenous and immigrant students who face obstacles attending post-secondary school.

She is also a founding member of the War Child Canada, which works to help children who have been impacted by war. She and her husband, Raine Maida, the lead singer of Our Lady Peace, were recognized by the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award at the JUNO Awards in 2014. They both received the Order of Canada in the same year for their work on humanitarian issues.

Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!

Edited by Priscillah Mueni