Anthem phrase trademarked by Canadian Tourism Agency

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

A piece of O Canada is being used by a federal agency as a slogan to market holiday getaways for international travellers. The Canadian Tourism Commission asserted ownership of the phrase “for glowing hearts” in a federal filing under the Trademarks Act that, without public consultation, allows public institutions to claim exclusive rights to everyday words indefinitely.

The commission spokesperson Emma Slieker said that they are not asserting any ownership of the copyright in the lyrics of the national anthem.  Copyright and trademark protection are different.

The commission acknowledged it was inspired by the phrase from the national anthem.

Ben Cowan-Dewar, Chairperson of Destination Canada’s Board of Directors, said in a statement that the travellers today want more than an experience – they want to be transformed; they want to be moved. The brand evolution is driven by the belief that travel should change you and Canada will leave a lasting mark on your heart. It is how they share their passion with the world.

The commission said the new slogan replaced their previous “Canada Keep Exploring” phrase used for more than 13 years to promote vacation packages.

The lyrics to O Canada are in the public domain after Parliament passed the 1980 National Anthem Act.

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