Who wrote the national anthem "O Canada"?

The national anthem "O Canada" was primarily written by Robert Stanley Weir. He penned the lyrics in 1908, and the music was composed by Calixa Lavallée in 1880. Weir's version became widely recognized and is the official English version of the anthem.

Understanding the contributions of Weir is important, as he not only wrote the lyrics, but his adaptation helped solidify the anthem's place in Canadian culture. The other individuals mentioned, while notable figures in Canadian literature and music—Margaret Atwood for her poetry and novels, Leonard Cohen for his profound songwriting, and Gordon Lightfoot for his folk music—are not connected to the creation of "O Canada." This distinction emphasizes the unique role that Robert Stanley Weir played in crafting a key symbol of Canadian identity.