Canucks fire anthem singer Mark Donnelly after plans to sing at anti-mask rally

The Vancouver Canucks have fired their long-time anthem singer after he planned to sing O Canada at a rally to protest COVID-19 restrictions.

The Vancouver Sun originally reported that Mark Donnelly confirmed he would sing at the protest which is set to take place this afternoon, Dec. 5, in downtown Vancouver.

Last night, shortly after Donnelly confirmed his plans with the media outlet, Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini tweeted “Hey @VancouverSun change the headline to ‘Former Canucks anthem singer.’ #wearamask.”

Hey @VancouverSun change the headline to "Former Canucks anthem singer." #wearamask https://t.co/UZX5agK4pl

— Francesco Aquilini (@fr_aquilini) December 5, 2020

Donnelly has been performing the anthem at Canucks games since 2001.

Masks are currently mandated at all indoor public facilities in the province. All events have been put on hold until further notice, as per provincial health officer Bonnie Henry’s order.

Henry has also greatly discouraged non-essential travel.

The order remains in place until at least Dec. 7.

– With files from The Canadian Press

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