Canadian Citizenship Study Guide

Introduction

• This is a study guide for Canadian citizenship
• It covers the rights and responsibilities of citizenship

Oath of Citizenship

• The oath affirms loyalty to Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors
• It also affirms a commitment to uphold Canadian laws, including the Constitution
• The Constitution recognizes and affirms the treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples
• The oath emphasizes fulfilling duties as a Canadian citizen

Understanding the Oath

• In Canada, allegiance is to the Sovereign, who represents all Canadians
• The Sovereign embodies Canada—not documents, flags, or geopolitical entities

Applying for Citizenship

• Citizenship application officials verify applicant status and requirements
• The application process may take several months
• Applicants must provide correct addresses for processing

How to prepare for the Citizenship Test

• Study the provided guide thoroughly
• Seek guidance from family or friends
• Attend citizenship classes offered by local organizations
• Enrol in free language classes provided by the Government of Canada, if needed.

About the Citizenship Test

• The test is typically written but might be an interview
• Applicants need basic knowledge of Canada and its citizenship rights and responsibilities
• Applicants over 55 are usually exempt from written tests

After the Test

• Successful applicants receive a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship
• The notice details the ceremony's date, time, and place
• At the ceremony, applicants take the oath, receive their citizenship certificate, and are officially recognized as Canadian citizens.
• Unsuccessful applicants get a notification that outlines the next steps

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

• Canadians have rights derived from history and secured by law
• This law is based on Parliament's, provincial legislature's laws, English common law, the French civil code, and Canada's unwritten constitution
• Rights include freedom of conscience, religion, expression, belief, thought, opinion, peaceful assembly, and association
• Canada's constitution recognizes the Aboriginal peoples' individual treaty rights
• Citizens have responsibilities such as obeying laws, caring for families, and serving on juries

Who We Are

• Canada is a diverse nation with rich Aboriginal history, including Indigenous cultures that predate Canada by thousands of years
• Canada's population includes people with French and British heritage
• Immigrants and newcomers from diverse parts of the world contribute to Canada's unique identity

Unity in Diversity

• Canada is known as a strong and free country with a long-held constitutional tradition
• The country celebrates its diverse cultures, including Indigenous, French, English, and various other ethnicities
• Recognition of diversity is important in Canada

Becoming Canadian

• Newcomers to Canada are expected to embrace democratic principles, such as the rule of law.
• Many steps toward establishing a democratic way of life in Canada include military service, if desired

Canada's History

• Aboriginal peoples populated the region long before European arrival
• European exploration began in 1497 with the first expedition by John Cabot
• The arrival of European traders, Europeans, soldiers and colonists led to significant changes in the lives of Indigenous peoples and the relationships between groups
• Canada’s history includes periods of colonial rule and development of its unique political systems

Royal New France

• First European settlement established in 1604 by French explorers in present-day Nova Scotia
• Interactions with Aboriginal people played a significant part in developing the colony
• The French and Aboriginal people collaborated in the fur trade

Struggle for a Continent

• English settlements grew wealthier and larger than New France
• The British defeated the French in 1759 at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, leading to British rule in North America

United Empire Loyalists

• During the American Revolution, many individuals loyal to British rule left the new American states
• These loyalists then resettled in Nova Scotia and Quebec
• The loyalists made significant contributions to the development of the new independent Canada

The Beginnings of Democracy

• Canada gradually developed democratic institutions
• The British North America Act (1867) established a system of federal and provincial governments.
• Several people played a critical part in establishing responsible government, including Sir Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine and Robert Baldwin, and Joseph Howe

Confederation

• Representatives from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and parts of Canada worked together to establish a new, more centralized form of government
• This resulted in the Dominion of Canada, with a federal and provincial structure that is still in use today

The War of 1812

• This war involved Canadians fighting against the United States
• It saw many Canadians and Indigenous peoples fighting to defend Canada from an American invasion

Rebllions of 1837-38

• The British implemented a legislative assembly in 1837
• It involved Canadian and Indigenous people rebelling against perceived slow progress toward democracy

Confederation

• Canada's early history involved the creation of Canada and the joining of formerly separate provinces

A Railway From Sea to Sea

• This was a major project that connected the Atlantic and Pacific coasts
• The project employed many (including Chinese and British) immigrants and contributed to economic growth
• The construction of the railway symbolized national unity

The First World War

• Canada's participation in the war played a part in developing a stronger Canadian identity
• Canadians saw considerable action on the battlefields of Europe
• Canadians made significant contributions on the battle scene and showed great courage

The Second World War

• The war led to Canada accepting refugees and supporting its democratic allies
• Canadians supported the allied war effort, mainly involving efforts in Europe and the Pacific

Modern Canada

• Post-war years saw significant prosperity and trade growth in Canada
• Canada played a strong role in international affairs (e.g., in UN peacekeeping missions)

Arts and Culture in Canada

• Many Canadian artists made significant contributions in various fields, including literature, visual arts, music and the performing arts

Sports in Canada

• Canada has a strong history of sports, with Canadians excelling in some major league sports competitions

A Changing Society

• The historical position and role of women in Canadian society has evolved over time

The Economic Growth

• A trading nation
• The economy includes three main types of industries: Service industries, Manufacturing industries, and Natural resources industries
• Canada is a major trading partner with the United States, and maintains a strong economy

Canada's Regions

• Canada includes five main regions-The Atlantic Provinces, Central Canada, The Prairie Provinces, The West Coast, and the Northern Territories
• Each area has its own characteristics-features, history, culture, demographics (population, distribution), major economic activities

The Canadian Symbols

• Canada has many important symbols (objects, events, people that have special meanings).
• These symbols unite Canadians and express their national identity.
• Symbols often featured throughout the guide include: the Canadian Crown, the Canadian flag, the fleur de lis, the coat of arms, the maple leaf, and Parliament Buildings

The Justice System

• There are different types of courts in Canada
• It rests on the presumption of innocence, due process, and fairness.
• Court systems and police forces are responsible for maintaining order and ensuring justice in society
• Laws, courts, police forces and organized legal systems are available to settle any disputes.

How Canadians Govern Themselves

• Canada is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy, and a constitutional monarchy
• There are three levels of government (federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal) each has its own responsibilities in governing the region
• Members of Parliament are elected to represent citizens in Ottawa's House of Commons.
• Representatives of each level of government are responsible for implementing local and national policies

This quiz helps you understand the rights, responsibilities, and oath of Canadian citizenship. It covers important aspects of the citizenship application process and how to prepare for the citizenship test. Engage with the material to ensure a successful application and acknowledgment of Canadian values.