Canadian Citizenship Quiz

Discover Canada: Study Guide

• This guide provides information on the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship.
• It covers topics like Canada's history, how Canadians govern themselves, and the roles of different levels of government.
• Individuals are sworn (or affirm) their loyalty and allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, the Queen of Canada, her heirs and successors.
• The oath includes abiding by Canadian laws, including the Constitution, and fulfilling duties as a Canadian citizen whilst upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples.
• The guide emphasizes that loyalty is to the person (the Sovereign) who represents all Canadians.
• Citizenship applicants need an adequate understanding of English or French, Canadian history, and the rights and responsibilities related to citizenship.
• Preparing for the citizenship test is an important step in the Canadian citizenship process.
• Study guides, tests, and questions are available online, in addition to study resources from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website (cic.gc.ca).

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

• Canadian citizens' rights and responsibilities reflect their shared history, traditions, and values.
• The rule of law, freedom of conscience and religion, thought, belief, opinion, and expression, peaceful assembly, and association are central to Canadian identity.
• Rights are entrenched in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• Canadians have a commitment to the law, to their family, and to serving on juries.
• Citizens have responsibility to obey the law, actively participate in their communities by volunteering, respect the heritage of Canada, and take responsibility for the environment.

Canada's History

• Canada is an old nation, with continuous constitutional traditions.
• Aboriginal peoples have a history of inhabiting Canada before European explorers arrived.
• European exploration impacted Canada's history, most significantly in the 15th and 16th centuries.
• The French and British colonized parts of Canada, resulting in conflict and also cooperation between Indigenous peoples and European settlers.
• The 13 British colonies revolted (1776) leading to the displacement of Loyalists who fled to Canada.
• Canada's involvement in the War of 1812 secured the border with the United States and emphasized Canada's independent status.
• Responsible government developed gradually in Canada in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Confederation in 1867 united several provinces to form Canada.
• The transcontinental railway and westward expansion shaped Canada's development and economy.
• The First and Second World Wars influenced significant changes and contributed to national identity and pride.

Modern Canada

• Post-war Canada experienced significant economic growth.
• Canada works with the international community through memberships in organizations like the UN.
• Canada's cultural diversity is a defining trait, evolving from its immigrant history.
• French and English are the official languages.
• Canada has developed a strong multicultural society and is committed to inclusivity.
• Canadians have made significant contributions to science, technology, the arts, and culture.
• Sports play an important role in Canadian identity.

Canada's Regions

• Canada's regions include the Atlantic Provinces, Central Canada, the Prairie Provinces, the West Coast, and the Northern Territories, each with distinct physical characteristics and different histories.
• Important components like the National Capital Region, as well as numerous significant cities and towns in each region, are included.
• The five regions are further detailed, highlighting the significant role of resources, economies and communities in each.

How Canadians Govern Themselves

• Canada is a federal state with three levels of government; federal, provincial, and municipal.
• The federal government is responsible for national and international affairs, while provincial and territorial governments manage local concerns.
• Canada is a parliamentary democracy where citizens elect representatives to the House of Commons (or provincial legislatures) who are responsible for passing laws.
• The Prime Minister, chosen from the House of Commons, heads the government.
• Canada's constitution includes a Monarch represented by a Governor General, who oversees the operations and policies of the government.

Federal Elections

• Canadians vote for representatives in federal elections to represent them in the House of Commons.
• A Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old is eligible to vote in a federal election.
• Elections are held roughly every 4 years, following the previous general election, although the Prime Minister can expedite this process if necessary.
• Electoral districts are designated geographically, and each elects one Member of Parliament (MP) to represent them federally.
• There are official voter information cards that citizens receive prior to voting, outlining times and locations for the voting process.

The Justice System

• The Canadian justice system guarantees fundamental rights, freedoms and legal recourse to individuals.
• The presumption of innocence is central to the proceedings.
• The courts and the police play different roles but share a common goal of maintaining a just and orderly society; settling disputes in a respectful manner.

Canadian Symbols

• Canada is a country with a rich history and a blend of cultures, visible through many important symbols.
• The Crown, the Canadian flag (a horizontal red and white cross with a maple leaf), the Parliament buildings, and the national anthem are common symbols.
• Other symbols of Canada's diverse cultural heritage are also outlined.

Canada's Economy

• Canada is a trading nation, engaging heavily in trade with other nations.
• Service, manufacturing, and natural resource industries constitute essential components.
• The country has close economic ties and trade relations with the United States which are both their most important trading partners.
• Canada has major exports.

Canada's Regions

• Canada has numerous provinces and territories with distinct characteristics and histories.
• Specific examples include Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
• Each province/territory has its capital city, and people live in cities, rural areas, and in between.

Important Dates, Holidays, and Events

• Canada has public holidays and important dates, including New Year's Day, Sir John A. Macdonald Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Vimy Day, and others.