Who is Canada's head of state?

The Sovereign, King Charles III. The Sovereign is head of state. The Governor General represents the Sovereign in Canada; the prime minister is head of government.

What are the three parts of Parliament?

The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons. A bill must pass the House of Commons, the Senate, and receive Royal Assent.

How many members sit in the House of Commons?

343. 343 seats as of the 2025 general election, one for each riding.

How many senators are there?

105. 105 senators, appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the prime minister.

Which level of government is responsible for education?

Provincial. Education is a provincial responsibility under the Constitution.

Which level of government is responsible for citizenship and national defence?

Federal. Citizenship, defence, foreign policy, criminal law and currency are federal.

Who do you vote for in a federal election?

The candidate in your riding. You vote for one candidate in your own riding. The party with the most seats usually forms the government.

Who may vote in a federal election?

Any Canadian citizen aged 18 or over on election day, on the voters list. You must be a citizen, at least 18 on election day, and on the voters list.

Who is the current Governor General of Canada?

Louise Arbour. Louise Arbour was sworn in as the 31st Governor General on June 8, 2026, succeeding Mary Simon.

Who was Canada's first prime minister?

John A. Macdonald. John A. Macdonald took office on July 1, 1867.

In what year did Confederation take place?

1867. July 1, 1867. Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia formed the Dominion of Canada.

Which four provinces joined at Confederation?

Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia. PEI joined in 1873, Manitoba in 1870 and British Columbia in 1871.

Where does the name Canada come from?

Kanata, an Iroquoian word for village. Cartier recorded kanata in 1535; it came to mean the whole country.

What happened at the Plains of Abraham in 1759?

The British defeated the French outside Quebec. The battle lasted under half an hour. Both commanders, Wolfe and Montcalm, died of their wounds.

Who were the Loyalists?

Settlers loyal to the Crown who left the United States after 1776. About 40,000 came north, creating New Brunswick and Upper Canada.

Who led the Métis in the Red River Resistance?

Louis Riel. Riel's provisional government negotiated the terms that became the Manitoba Act of 1870.

What was completed at Craigellachie in 1885?

The Canadian Pacific Railway. The last spike was driven on November 7, 1885.

Which battle in 1917 is the best-known Canadian action of the First World War?

Vimy Ridge. All four Canadian divisions attacked together for the first time. About 3,598 Canadians were killed.

Where did Canadians land on D-Day, June 6, 1944?

Juno Beach. The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division pushed further inland that day than any other Allied force.

When did Newfoundland and Labrador join Confederation?

1949. March 31, 1949, after two referendums. Joey Smallwood led the campaign.

What happened on April 17, 1982?

The Constitution was patriated and the Charter added. Canada gained the power to amend its own constitution, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms took effect.

When was Canadian citizenship created as a separate status?

1947. Before January 1, 1947, people born in Canada were British subjects.

What was the residential school system?

Federally funded, church-run schools that took Indigenous children from their families. About 150,000 children attended between the 1880s and 1996. Ottawa apologized in 2008.

Which territory was created in 1999?

Nunavut. Nunavut was created on April 1, 1999 from the eastern Arctic, with an Inuit majority.

Who was the first French-speaking prime minister?

Wilfrid Laurier. Laurier took office in 1896 and served fifteen unbroken years.

Which Canadian won the Nobel Peace Prize for proposing UN peacekeeping?

Lester B. Pearson. Pearson proposed the UN Emergency Force during the 1956 Suez Crisis and received the prize in 1957.

Who walked thirty kilometres in 1813 to warn of an American attack?

Laura Secord. Her warning led to the ambush of an American force at Beaver Dams.

What did the Persons Case decide in 1929?

That women counted as persons eligible for the Senate. Five Alberta women took the question to the Judicial Committee in London, which overruled the Supreme Court.

When was the Charter of Rights and Freedoms added to the Constitution?

1982. April 17, 1982, as part of patriation.

Which of these is a fundamental freedom under the Charter?

Freedom of conscience and religion. The fundamental freedoms are conscience and religion; thought, belief, opinion and expression; peaceful assembly; and association.

Which of these is a responsibility of citizenship?

Serving on a jury when called. Jury duty, obeying the law, voting, helping others and protecting the environment are listed as responsibilities.

What are Canada's two official languages?

English and French. Equal status in Parliament, the federal courts and the federal public service since the Official Languages Act of 1969.

In what year did Canada adopt multiculturalism as official policy?

1971. Canada was the first country in the world to do so, in 1971. An act followed in 1988.

Which three groups does the Constitution recognize as Aboriginal peoples?

First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 names First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

Which old English document is a root of Canadian rights?

Magna Carta. Magna Carta of 1215, along with habeas corpus and the common law tradition.

When was the maple leaf flag first raised?

February 15, 1965. Raised on Parliament Hill at noon after six months of debate in Parliament.

What is the motto on Canada's coat of arms?

A Mari Usque Ad Mare. From sea to sea.

What are Canada's national sports?

Hockey and lacrosse. A 1994 act named hockey the national winter sport and lacrosse the national summer sport.

When did O Canada become the official national anthem?

1980. July 1, 1980, a century after it was first performed.

What is remembered on November 11?

The armistice that ended the First World War, and all Canada's war dead. The poppy comes from John McCrae's In Flanders Fields, written at Ypres in 1915.

Which animal became an official emblem of Canada in 1975?

The beaver. The beaver is tied to the fur trade and appeared on the first Canadian stamp in 1851.

What is the capital of Canada?

Ottawa. Queen Victoria chose Ottawa in 1857. Toronto is the largest city.

How many provinces and territories does Canada have?

10 provinces, 3 territories. Ten provinces and three territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Which three oceans border Canada?

Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic. Canada's motto, from sea to sea, predates the Arctic being counted as the third.

Which is Canada's longest river?

The Mackenzie. About 4,200 kilometres, flowing north into the Arctic Ocean.

What is the highest mountain in Canada?

Mount Logan. Mount Logan in Yukon, 5,959 metres.

Which provinces make up Atlantic Canada?

NL, PEI, NS, NB. Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Which two provinces are Central Canada?

Ontario and Quebec. Ontario and Quebec hold most of the population and most manufacturing.

Which province is the only one where most people speak French?

Quebec. New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province, but Quebec is where most francophones live.

What are Canada's three main types of industry?

Service, manufacturing, natural resources. Service industries employ about three quarters of working Canadians.

Who is Canada's largest trading partner?

The United States. The 1988 free trade agreement became NAFTA in 1994 and CUSMA in 2020.

Learn

Citizenship test study notes

Every question on the real test comes from Discover Canada, the free government guide. These notes cover the same six subjects, and each point links to a source you can check. Read Discover Canada at canada.ca.

PDF

How the test works

Questions20Multiple choice and true or false.

To pass15 of 20That is 75 per cent.

Time45 minutes

Attempts3You get three chances to pass.

Who takes itAges 18–54On the day you sign the application. Under 18 and 55+ are exempt from the test and the language requirement.

LanguageEnglish or FrenchThe test itself does not score your language ability.

Based onDiscover CanadaEvery question comes from the official study guide. It is free to read, download, or order on paper.

Subjects6 areasHistory, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols.

Physical presence1,095 daysThree years in Canada within the five years before you sign, with at least 730 days as a permanent resident.

Rights and responsibilities

Canadian law comes from several roots at once: English common law, the civil law of France that still governs private matters in Quebec, and the unwritten constitutional traditions inherited from Britain. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, added in 1982, is the part most questions come from.

Where Canadian rights come from: Magna Carta (1215), habeas corpus, English common law, French civil law, and the unwritten constitution inherited from Britain. Check this
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Added to the Constitution on April 17, 1982. It sets out fundamental freedoms, democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights, equality rights and language rights. Check this
Fundamental freedoms: Conscience and religion; thought, belief, opinion and expression including the press; peaceful assembly; and association. Check this
Mobility rights: A citizen may live and work anywhere in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport. Check this
Multiculturalism: Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as official policy, in 1971. It is also protected in section 27 of the Charter. Check this
Responsibilities of citizenship: Obeying the law, taking responsibility for yourself and your family, serving on a jury, voting, helping others in the community, and protecting Canada's heritage and environment. Check this
Official languages: English and French have had equal status in Parliament, the federal courts and the federal public service since the Official Languages Act of 1969. Check this
Equality under the law: Men and women are equal before the law. Practices that violate Canadian law, including spousal abuse and so-called honour killings, are not excused by custom or culture. Check this

Who Canadians are

The guide describes three founding peoples: Aboriginal, French and British. Indigenous peoples were here first, and the Constitution recognizes three distinct groups.

Indigenous peoples: The Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes three groups: First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Together they are about five per cent of the population. Check this
First Nations: About 65 per cent of Indigenous people. Roughly half live on reserve, half off. Check this
Inuit: Inuit means 'the people' in Inuktitut. Most live in the Arctic, across Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit region. Check this
Métis: A distinct people of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, most numerous in the Prairies, with their own language, Michif. Check this
The residential school system: From the 1880s to 1996 about 150,000 Indigenous children were taken to church-run, federally funded schools. Ottawa apologized in 2008 and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission reported in 2015. Check this
The French fact: Quebec is home to most of Canada's francophones. Acadians are the descendants of French colonists who settled in the Maritimes from 1604. Check this
Immigration: Canada admits a large number of newcomers each year relative to its population, and about one in five people living in Canada was born abroad. Check this

History you need to know

Dates the test draws on, each one linked to its entry in the timeline so you can see where it happened.

Around 1000: Norse sailors (Vikings) built a settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland.
1497: John Cabot, sailing for England, was the first to map Canada's Atlantic coast.
1534–1542: Jacques Cartier made three voyages for France and recorded the name Canada, from the Iroquoian word kanata, meaning village. By the 1550s the name was appearing on maps.
1604–1608: The French founded Port-Royal in Acadia and then Quebec City (1608), under Samuel de Champlain, who allied with the Algonquin, Montagnais and Huron.
1610: English settlement began in Newfoundland. Check this
1670: King Charles II gave the Hudson's Bay Company exclusive trading rights over the lands draining into Hudson Bay.
1701: The French and the Iroquois made peace in the Great Peace of Montreal.
1758: Nova Scotia held the first representative assembly in what is now Canada, in Halifax. Check this
1759: Britain defeated France at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham at Quebec City, ending France's empire in America; both commanders died.
1763: The Treaty of Paris gave Canada to Britain, which renamed the colony the Province of Quebec. The Royal Proclamation set out how Indigenous land could be acquired.
1774: The Quebec Act allowed Catholics religious freedom and public office, restored French civil law and kept British criminal law.
1776–1783: More than 40,000 Loyalists fled the American Revolution to Nova Scotia and Quebec, including about 3,000 Black Loyalists. In 1792 some Black Nova Scotians founded Freetown, Sierra Leone.
1791: The Constitutional Act created Upper and Lower Canada, each with an elected assembly; the name Canada became official.
1793 and 1833: Upper Canada, under Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe, was the first province in the Empire to move toward abolishing slavery (1793). Britain banned the slave trade in 1807 and abolished slavery throughout the Empire in 1833.
1812–1814: The United States invaded and was repelled by British soldiers, Canadian volunteers and First Nations, including Tecumseh's Shawnee. Battles include Queenston Heights and Châteauguay; Laura Secord warned of an attack at Beaver Dams.
1832: The Montreal Stock Exchange opened. Check this
1837–1838: Armed rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada failed. Lord Durham recommended uniting the colonies and giving them responsible government.
1840–1849: Upper and Lower Canada were united as the Province of Canada (Act of Union, 1840). Nova Scotia was the first colony to win responsible government (1847–48); the Province of Canada followed (1848–49). A government that loses a confidence vote must resign.
1864: Sir Leonard Tilley suggested the name Dominion of Canada, inspired by Psalm 72: "He shall have dominion from sea to sea." Check this
July 1, 1867: Confederation: the British North America Act joined Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as the Dominion of Canada. Sir John A. Macdonald was the first prime minister; Sir George-Étienne Cartier was a key Father of Confederation from Quebec.
1869–1870: Louis Riel led the Métis in the Red River Resistance, which led to the creation of Manitoba in 1870.
1870–1905: Manitoba (1870), British Columbia (1871), PEI (1873), then Alberta and Saskatchewan (1905) joined; the numbered treaties were signed across the West. The North West Mounted Police, today's RCMP, was founded in 1873.
1885: The Canadian Pacific Railway was completed on November 7 at Craigellachie, B.C. About 15,000 Chinese labourers built the hardest sections; Chinese immigrants then faced a head tax, for which the government apologized in 2006. The same year, the North-West Resistance ended and Riel was executed.
1890s–1914: Under Wilfrid Laurier, immigration boomed and settlers from Ukraine, Poland and other parts of Europe opened the Prairies.
1914–1918: More than 600,000 Canadians served in the First World War, from a population of about 8 million. More than 60,000 were killed and 170,000 wounded. Canadians captured Vimy Ridge in April 1917. More than 8,000 former Austro-Hungarian subjects, mostly Ukrainians, were interned as enemy aliens.
1916–1940: Manitoba was first to give women the vote (1916). Women won the federal vote in 1917–1918; Agnes Macphail became the first woman MP in 1921; Quebec gave women the vote in 1940.
1929–1939: The Great Depression followed the 1929 stock market crash; unemployment reached 27% in 1933. The Bank of Canada was created in 1934. Check this
1939–1945: More than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the Second World War, and 44,000 were killed. Canadians landed at Juno Beach on D-Day, fought in the Battle of the Atlantic and liberated the Netherlands. Japanese Canadians were forcibly relocated; the government apologized in 1988.
1927–1965: Canada built its social safety net: Old Age Security was devised as early as 1927, unemployment insurance (now employment insurance) came in 1940, and the Canada and Quebec Pension Plans in 1965. The Canada Health Act ensures a basic standard of health coverage; education is run by the provinces and territories.
1947: Canadian citizenship was created as a status of its own; before that Canadians were British subjects.
1947 (oil): The discovery of oil in Alberta began Canada's modern energy industry. By 1951, for the first time, most Canadians could afford adequate food, shelter and clothing. Check this
1948 and 1960: Voting rights widened: Japanese Canadians, the last Canadians of Asian descent denied the vote, gained it in 1948, and Indigenous people were granted the vote in 1960.
1949: Newfoundland and Labrador became the tenth province.
Cold War: Canada joined other Western democracies in NATO and the United States in NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defence Command. It also joined the United Nations and took part in UN peacekeeping in places such as Egypt, Cyprus and Haiti.
1950–1953: Canada took part in the UN operation defending South Korea in the Korean War; about 500 Canadians died and 1,000 were wounded.
1956 and 1975: Canada welcomed refugees from Communist oppression: about 37,000 Hungarians in 1956, and more than 50,000 Vietnamese after the Communist victory in Vietnam in 1975. Check this
1960s: Quebec changed rapidly in the Quiet Revolution. Parliament set up the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism in 1963, which led to the Official Languages Act of 1969. In 1970 Canada helped found La Francophonie.
1965: The maple leaf flag was raised for the first time on February 15.
1980 and 1995: Quebec held two referendums on sovereignty; it was defeated both times.
1982: The Constitution was patriated and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms added, without the agreement of Quebec.
1999: Nunavut was created as a third territory with an Inuit majority.

How Canadians govern themselves

Canada is a constitutional monarchy, a parliamentary democracy and a federal state — three ideas the test returns to repeatedly.

Constitutional monarchy: The Sovereign, King Charles III, is head of state. The head of government is the prime minister. Check this
The Governor General: Represents the Sovereign in Canada, appointed by the King on the prime minister's advice, usually for about five years. Louise Arbour has held the office since June 2026. Check this
Three parts of Parliament: The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons. A bill must pass all three stages to become law. Check this
House of Commons: 343 members elected by the voters, one per riding. The party with the most seats usually forms the government. Check this
The Senate: 105 senators, appointed by the Governor General on the prime minister's advice, representing the regions. They review and can amend bills. Check this
Three branches: Executive (the Crown, prime minister and Cabinet), legislative (Parliament), and judicial (the courts). Check this
Federal responsibilities: National defence, foreign policy, citizenship, criminal law, currency, interprovincial trade. Check this
Provincial responsibilities: Education, health care, highways, natural resources, property and civil rights. Check this
Municipal responsibilities: Local services such as snow removal, water, policing in many places, libraries and recreation. Municipalities are created by the provinces. Check this
Who can vote federally: A Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on election day, and on the voters list. Check this
How often elections are held: Federal general elections are normally held every four years on a fixed date, though one can be called earlier. Check this
The ballot: You vote for one candidate in your riding. The candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority. Check this

Justice and the law

The rule of law means no one is above the law, including governments.

The Supreme Court of Canada: Nine judges, the final court of appeal since 1949. At least three must come from Quebec. Check this
Presumption of innocence: Anyone charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and has the right to a fair trial. Check this
Two legal traditions: Common law applies everywhere except Quebec, where the Civil Code governs private matters. Both have applied since the Quebec Act of 1774. Check this
Police: The RCMP is the federal force and also polices eight provinces and the three territories by contract. Ontario and Quebec have their own provincial forces. Check this
Serving on a jury: Jury duty is one of the responsibilities of citizenship. Check this

Symbols

Symbols turn up on the test more often than people expect.

The flag: Adopted February 15, 1965: a red maple leaf on white, between two red bands. The proportions are 1:2:1. Check this
The maple leaf: Used as a Canadian emblem since the 1700s. The maple is Canada's official arboreal emblem, declared in 1996. Check this
The beaver: An emblem of the fur trade, placed on the first Canadian postage stamp in 1851 and made an official emblem in 1975. Check this
Coat of arms motto: A Mari Usque Ad Mare — from sea to sea. Check this
National anthem: O Canada, first performed in 1880, adopted as the official anthem on July 1, 1980. Check this
National sports: Hockey is the national winter sport and lacrosse the national summer sport, under a 1994 act of Parliament. Check this
The Crown: A symbol of government shared by Parliament, the legislatures, the courts and the police. Check this
Remembrance Day: November 11, marking the 1918 armistice. The poppy comes from John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields, written in 1915. Check this
Victoria Day: The Monday before May 25, marking Queen Victoria's birthday and the Sovereign's official birthday in Canada. Check this
The Peace Tower: Part of the Centre Block in Ottawa, rebuilt after the fire of 1916 as a memorial to the war dead. Check this

Geography and the regions

Ten provinces and three territories, usually grouped into five regions.

Size: Canada is the second largest country on earth by area, after Russia. Check this
Three oceans: The Pacific, the Atlantic and the Arctic. Check this
The capital: Ottawa, chosen by Queen Victoria in 1857. The largest city is Toronto. Check this
Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick. Check this
Central Canada: Ontario and Quebec, where most Canadians live and most manufacturing is done. Check this
Prairie provinces: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta — grain, oil and gas. Check this
West Coast: British Columbia, with the Pacific ports and the forest industry. Check this
The North: Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut: about a third of Canada's area and far less than one per cent of its people. Check this
Longest river: The Mackenzie, about 4,200 kilometres, flowing north to the Arctic Ocean. Check this
Highest mountain: Mount Logan in Yukon, 5,959 metres. Check this
The Great Lakes: Superior, Huron, Erie, Ontario and Michigan; the first four are shared with the United States and drain through the St. Lawrence. Check this

The economy

Three broad sectors, and one dominant trading partner.

Service industries: Roughly three quarters of working Canadians: transport, education, health care, construction, banking, retail, tourism and government. Check this
Manufacturing: Concentrated in Ontario and Quebec: vehicles, aircraft, paper, processed food, technology. Check this
Natural resources: Forestry, fishing, farming, mining, and oil and gas — the historic base of the economy from the fur trade onward. Check this
Main trading partner: The United States. The 1988 free trade agreement became NAFTA in 1994 and CUSMA in 2020. Check this
The cod collapse: The Atlantic cod fishery was closed in 1992, ending some 30,000 jobs at once — the clearest lesson in Canada about managing a renewable resource. Check this

Practice questions with answers

Written for this site in the style of the real test. These are not the official questions; nobody publishes those.

Government · 96

Who is Canada's head of state?: A. The prime minister
B. The Sovereign, King Charles III
C. The Governor General
D. The Speaker of the House
Answer: B. The Sovereign, King Charles III — The Sovereign is head of state. The Governor General represents the Sovereign in Canada; the prime minister is head of government.
What are the three parts of Parliament?: A. The Commons, the Senate and the Supreme Court
B. The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons
C. The prime minister, Cabinet and the Commons
D. The federal, provincial and municipal governments
Answer: B. The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons — A bill must pass the House of Commons, the Senate, and receive Royal Assent.
How many members sit in the House of Commons?: A. 105
B. 308
C. 338
D. 343
Answer: D. 343 — 343 seats as of the 2025 general election, one for each riding.
How many senators are there?: A. 105
B. 125
C. 75
D. 338
Answer: A. 105 — 105 senators, appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the prime minister.
Which level of government is responsible for education?: A. Federal
B. Provincial
C. Municipal
D. Shared equally
Answer: B. Provincial — Education is a provincial responsibility under the Constitution.
Which level of government is responsible for citizenship and national defence?: A. Municipal
B. Provincial
C. Federal
D. The Crown
Answer: C. Federal — Citizenship, defence, foreign policy, criminal law and currency are federal.
Who do you vote for in a federal election?: A. The prime minister directly
B. The candidate in your riding
C. A party leader
D. A senator
Answer: B. The candidate in your riding — You vote for one candidate in your own riding. The party with the most seats usually forms the government.
Who may vote in a federal election?: A. Any resident of Canada aged 18 or over
B. Any Canadian citizen aged 18 or over on election day, on the voters list
C. Any permanent resident aged 18 or over
D. Any taxpayer
Answer: B. Any Canadian citizen aged 18 or over on election day, on the voters list — You must be a citizen, at least 18 on election day, and on the voters list.
Who is the current Governor General of Canada?: A. Mary Simon
B. Julie Payette
C. Louise Arbour
D. David Johnston
Answer: C. Louise Arbour — Louise Arbour was sworn in as the 31st Governor General on June 8, 2026, succeeding Mary Simon.
Who was Canada's first prime minister?: A. George-Étienne Cartier
B. Wilfrid Laurier
C. John A. Macdonald
D. Alexander Mackenzie
Answer: C. John A. Macdonald — John A. Macdonald took office on July 1, 1867.
What are the three key facts about Canada's system of government?: A. A confederation, a theocracy and a monarchy
B. A republic, a dictatorship and a monarchy
C. A unitary state, a republic and a democracy
D. A federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy
Answer: D. A federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy — These three ideas come up again and again on the test.
Which levels of government are there in Canada?: A. Provincial and county only
B. Federal and royal only
C. Federal, provincial, territorial and municipal
D. National and imperial
Answer: C. Federal, provincial, territorial and municipal — There are federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments.
What is the British North America Act now known as?: A. The Statute of Westminster
B. The Charter of Rights
C. The Constitution Act, 1867
D. The Canada Act, 1982
Answer: C. The Constitution Act, 1867 — The responsibilities of federal and provincial governments were defined in the BNA Act in 1867.
Which of these is a federal responsibility?: A. Defence
B. Education
C. Highways
D. Municipal government
Answer: A. Defence — Federal matters include defence, foreign policy, interprovincial trade and communications, currency, navigation, criminal law and citizenship.
Which of these is a provincial responsibility?: A. Foreign policy
B. Education
C. Currency
D. Citizenship
Answer: B. Education — Provinces handle municipal government, education, health, natural resources, property and civil rights, and highways.
Which level of government is responsible for citizenship?: A. Provincial
B. Municipal
C. Federal
D. Territorial
Answer: C. Federal — Citizenship is a federal responsibility.
Which level of government is responsible for criminal law?: A. Federal
B. Provincial
C. First Nations band councils
D. Municipal
Answer: A. Federal — Criminal law is a federal responsibility.
Which level of government is responsible for currency?: A. Federal
B. Provincial
C. Municipal
D. The Bank of England
Answer: A. Federal — Currency is a federal responsibility.
Which level of government is responsible for health care?: A. Federal
B. Provincial and territorial
C. Municipal
D. The Senate
Answer: B. Provincial and territorial — Health is a provincial responsibility.
Which level of government is responsible for natural resources?: A. Federal
B. Provincial
C. Municipal
D. The Governor General
Answer: B. Provincial — Natural resources are a provincial responsibility.
Over which areas do the federal government and the provinces share jurisdiction?: A. Agriculture and immigration
B. Defence and currency
C. Education and highways
D. Criminal law and citizenship
Answer: A. Agriculture and immigration — Agriculture and immigration are shared.
Which level of government is responsible for foreign policy?: A. Territorial
B. Municipal
C. Provincial
D. Federal
Answer: D. Federal — Foreign policy is a federal responsibility.
What is one advantage of federalism, according to Discover Canada?: A. Only Ottawa can make laws
B. Provinces can print their own money
C. All provinces must have identical laws
D. Provinces can adopt policies tailored to their own populations
Answer: D. Provinces can adopt policies tailored to their own populations — Federalism gives provinces flexibility to experiment with new ideas.
Why do the three northern territories not have the status of provinces?: A. They have small populations
B. They are part of the United States
C. They are owned by Britain
D. They have no elected governments
Answer: A. They have small populations — Their governments and assemblies carry out many of the same functions as provinces.
In a parliamentary democracy, what do elected representatives do?: A. Choose the King
B. Pass laws, approve and monitor spending, and keep the government accountable
C. Run private businesses
D. Appoint judges for life
Answer: B. Pass laws, approve and monitor spending, and keep the government accountable — The people elect members to the House of Commons and the legislatures.
What must Cabinet ministers retain in order to govern?: A. The approval of the Supreme Court
B. The support of the Senate
C. The confidence of the House
D. The votes of all provinces
Answer: C. The confidence of the House — They must resign if defeated in a non-confidence vote.
What do provincial legislatures consist of?: A. The Lieutenant Governor and the elected Assembly
B. The Governor General and the courts
C. The Senate and the House
D. The premier and the mayor
Answer: A. The Lieutenant Governor and the elected Assembly — Provincial legislatures comprise the Lieutenant Governor and the elected Assembly.
Who selects the Cabinet ministers?: A. The voters
B. The Prime Minister
C. The Governor General alone
D. The Senate
Answer: B. The Prime Minister — The Prime Minister selects ministers and is responsible for the operations and policy of the government.
What is the House of Commons?: A. The representative chamber of members elected by the people
B. The Supreme Court
C. The King's residence
D. A chamber of appointed senators
Answer: A. The representative chamber of members elected by the people — Members of Parliament are elected, traditionally every four years.
How are senators chosen?: A. Elected by voters
B. Appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister
C. Chosen by the King in London
D. Chosen by provincial premiers
Answer: B. Appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister — Senators serve until age 75.
Until what age can senators serve?: A. 75
B. For life
C. 70
D. 65
Answer: A. 75 — Senators serve until age 75.
What must happen before a bill becomes law?: A. The Prime Minister must sign it
B. It must pass both the House of Commons and the Senate and receive royal assent
C. The Supreme Court must approve it
D. Voters must approve it in a referendum
Answer: B. It must pass both the House of Commons and the Senate and receive royal assent — Royal assent is granted by the Governor General on behalf of the Sovereign.
Who grants royal assent to bills?: A. The Governor General, on behalf of the Sovereign
B. The Speaker of the House
C. The Prime Minister
D. The Chief Justice
Answer: A. The Governor General, on behalf of the Sovereign — No bill becomes law until it receives royal assent.
What is a bill?: A. A proposal for a new law
B. A tax receipt
C. A voter card
D. A court decision
Answer: A. A proposal for a new law — Both the House of Commons and the Senate consider and review bills.
What is the first step in how a bill becomes law?: A. Committee stage
B. Third reading
C. First reading: the bill is considered read for the first time and is printed
D. Royal assent
Answer: C. First reading: the bill is considered read for the first time and is printed — The steps are first reading, second reading, committee, report, third reading, Senate and royal assent.
At which stage do members debate a bill's principle?: A. Report stage
B. Second reading
C. Royal assent
D. First reading
Answer: B. Second reading — At second reading, members debate the principle of the bill.
At which stage do committee members study a bill clause by clause?: A. First reading
B. Royal assent
C. Third reading
D. Committee stage
Answer: D. Committee stage — The committee studies the bill clause by clause.
At which stage can members make other amendments to a bill?: A. First reading
B. Royal assent
C. Report stage
D. Committee of the Senate only
Answer: C. Report stage — At report stage, members can make other amendments.
At which stage do members debate and vote on a bill before it goes to the Senate?: A. Third reading
B. Committee stage
C. Report stage
D. First reading
Answer: A. Third reading — After third reading, the bill follows a similar process in the Senate.
What is the final step for a bill to become law?: A. Royal assent
B. Senate debate
C. Third reading
D. Committee stage
Answer: A. Royal assent — The bill receives royal assent after being passed by both Houses.
Who is Canada's head of government?: A. The Speaker of the Senate
B. The Governor General
C. The King
D. The Prime Minister
Answer: D. The Prime Minister — There is a clear distinction between the head of state (the Sovereign) and the head of government (the Prime Minister).
What role does the Sovereign play in Canada?: A. Commander of the RCMP
B. A non-partisan role as the focus of citizenship and allegiance
C. Leader of the governing party
D. Head of the Supreme Court
Answer: B. A non-partisan role as the focus of citizenship and allegiance — The Sovereign is a symbol of Canadian sovereignty and a guardian of constitutional freedoms.
Which of these countries is also a constitutional monarchy?: A. The United States
B. Mexico
C. France
D. Japan
Answer: D. Japan — Other constitutional monarchies include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Japan, Jordan and Morocco.
As Head of the Commonwealth, what does the Sovereign do?: A. Chooses Canada's prime minister
B. Commands Canada's army
C. Links Canada to other nations that cooperate on social, economic and cultural progress
D. Writes Canada's laws
Answer: C. Links Canada to other nations that cooperate on social, economic and cultural progress — The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of countries, most of them former parts of the British Empire.
Who represents the Sovereign in Canada?: A. The Prime Minister
B. The Governor General
C. The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
D. The Speaker of the House
Answer: B. The Governor General — The Governor General is appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for five years.
For how long is a Governor General usually appointed?: A. Ten years
B. Four years
C. For life
D. Five years
Answer: D. Five years — The Governor General is usually appointed for five years.
Who represents the Sovereign in each province?: A. The premier
B. The Lieutenant Governor
C. The mayor of the capital
D. The Governor General
Answer: B. The Lieutenant Governor — Lieutenant Governors are appointed by the Governor General on the Prime Minister's advice, normally for five years.
Who appoints Lieutenant Governors?: A. The Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister
B. The King directly
C. The voters of each province
D. The provincial premiers
Answer: A. The Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister — They are normally appointed for five years.
Who is Canada's Governor General today?: A. Mary Simon
B. Michaëlle Jean
C. Louise Arbour
D. Julie Payette
Answer: C. Louise Arbour — Louise Arbour was installed as Governor General on June 8, 2026, succeeding Mary Simon.
Who is the Prime Minister of Canada today?: A. Stephen Harper
B. Justin Trudeau
C. Mark Carney
D. Pierre Poilievre
Answer: C. Mark Carney — Mark Carney became the 24th Prime Minister on March 14, 2025.
What are the three branches of government?: A. Police, Army and Courts
B. Federal, Provincial and Municipal
C. Executive, Legislative and Judicial
D. Senate, House and Crown
Answer: C. Executive, Legislative and Judicial — Their interplay, sometimes in creative tension, helps secure Canadians' rights and freedoms.
What are members of Quebec's legislature called?: A. Members of the National Assembly (MNAs)
B. Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs)
C. Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs)
D. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs)
Answer: A. Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) — Names vary: MLAs, MNAs (Quebec), MPPs (Ontario), MHAs (Newfoundland and Labrador).
What are members of Ontario's legislature called?: A. Aldermen
B. Senators
C. Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs)
D. Members of the National Assembly (MNAs)
Answer: C. Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) — Ontario's legislators are called MPPs.
What are members of Newfoundland and Labrador's legislature called?: A. Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs)
B. Members of the National Assembly (MNAs)
C. Councillors
D. Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs)
Answer: A. Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs) — Newfoundland and Labrador's legislators are MHAs.
In each province, who has a role similar to the Prime Minister's?: A. The mayor
B. The Chief Justice
C. The premier
D. The Lieutenant Governor
Answer: C. The premier — Just as the Lieutenant Governor has a role similar to the Governor General's.
In the three territories, who represents the federal government and plays a ceremonial role?: A. The Lieutenant Governor
B. The Commissioner
C. The Governor General
D. The premier
Answer: B. The Commissioner — Each territory has a Commissioner.
How many judges sit on the Supreme Court of Canada?: A. Fifteen
B. Seven
C. Nine
D. Twelve
Answer: C. Nine — The nine judges are appointed by the Governor General.
Which part of government includes the Prime Minister and Cabinet?: A. The Judicial Branch
B. The Municipal Branch
C. The Executive Branch
D. The Legislative Branch only
Answer: C. The Executive Branch — The Prime Minister and Cabinet form the executive.
When must federal elections be held under the law passed by Parliament?: A. On the third Monday in October every four years after the last general election
B. Every July 1
C. Every two years in May
D. Whenever the King decides
Answer: A. On the third Monday in October every four years after the last general election — The Prime Minister may ask the Governor General to call an earlier election.
Can an election be held earlier than the fixed date?: A. Only if the King travels to Canada
B. Only if all premiers agree
C. Yes, the Prime Minister may ask the Governor General to call an earlier election
D. No, never
Answer: C. Yes, the Prime Minister may ask the Governor General to call an earlier election — For example, the 2025 federal election was held early, on April 28, 2025.
What is an electoral district?: A. A province
B. A city ward with its own mayor
C. A voting booth
D. A geographical area represented by one member of Parliament
Answer: D. A geographical area represented by one member of Parliament — Electoral districts are also called ridings or constituencies.
What are other names for electoral districts?: A. Counties or parishes
B. Ridings or constituencies
C. Wards or boroughs
D. Townships or reserves
Answer: B. Ridings or constituencies — Each riding elects one MP.
How many federal electoral districts (ridings) does Canada have today?: A. 105
B. 343
C. 308
D. 338
Answer: B. 343 — The guide's figure of 308 is out of date; since the 2025 election there are 343 seats in the House of Commons.
Who can run as a candidate in a federal election?: A. Only people born in Canada
B. Anyone living in Canada
C. Only members of a political party
D. Canadian citizens 18 years old or older
Answer: D. Canadian citizens 18 years old or older — People who run for office are called candidates.
In each electoral district, which candidate becomes the MP?: A. The candidate who receives the most votes
B. The candidate chosen by the party leader
C. The candidate with more than 75% of votes
D. The oldest candidate
Answer: A. The candidate who receives the most votes — The candidate with the most votes becomes the MP.
Who is eligible to vote in a federal election?: A. All permanent residents
B. Anyone over 16
C. Canadian citizens at least 18 on voting day who are on the voters' list
D. Only property owners
Answer: C. Canadian citizens at least 18 on voting day who are on the voters' list — You must be a citizen, at least 18 and on the voters' list.
Can permanent residents vote in federal elections?: A. Yes, in all elections
B. No, only Canadian citizens can vote
C. Yes, after one year
D. Yes, if they own property
Answer: B. No, only Canadian citizens can vote — Voting is a privilege of Canadian citizenship.
Which agency produces the voters' lists for federal elections?: A. The Senate
B. The RCMP
C. Elections Canada
D. Statistics Canada
Answer: C. Elections Canada — Elections Canada is a neutral agency of Parliament.
What is the National Register of Electors?: A. A permanent database of Canadian citizens 18 or older who are qualified to vote
B. A list of judges
C. A register of new immigrants
D. A list of political parties
Answer: A. A permanent database of Canadian citizens 18 or older who are qualified to vote — Voters' lists are produced from the National Register of Electors.
Once an election is called, what does Elections Canada mail to each elector in the register?: A. A passport
B. A ballot
C. A voter information card
D. A tax form
Answer: C. A voter information card — The card says when and where to vote.
If you do not receive a voter information card, can you still vote?: A. Yes, you can be added to the voters' list at any time, including on election day
B. Only if you call the Prime Minister
C. No, you lose your vote
D. Only by mail
Answer: A. Yes, you can be added to the voters' list at any time, including on election day — Call your local elections office or Elections Canada to check.
If you cannot vote on election day, what can you do?: A. Vote at an advance poll or by special ballot
B. Ask a friend to vote for you
C. Nothing
D. Vote the next week
Answer: A. Vote at an advance poll or by special ballot — Dates and places for advance polls are on your voter information card.
What should you bring to the polling station?: A. A letter from your MP
B. Nothing
C. Your voter information card and proof of identity and address
D. Your passport only
Answer: C. Your voter information card and proof of identity and address — Bring the card plus proof of identity and address.
How do you mark your ballot in a federal election?: A. Circle the party logo
B. Write the candidate's name
C. Sign your name
D. Put an 'X' in the circle next to the candidate of your choice
Answer: D. Put an 'X' in the circle next to the candidate of your choice — Mark an X in the circle next to your choice.
What is a secret ballot?: A. A vote counted only by the King
B. Voting without a voter card
C. Voting by phone
D. No one can watch you vote or insist that you tell them how you voted
Answer: D. No one can watch you vote or insist that you tell them how you voted — Not even family, your employer or union can insist you tell them.
Who has the right to insist that you tell them how you voted?: A. No one
B. Your family
C. Your employer
D. Your union representative
Answer: A. No one — Canadian law secures the right to a secret ballot.
After an election, who is usually invited to form the government?: A. The Senate's choice
B. The oldest MP
C. The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons
D. The leader with the most personal votes
Answer: C. The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons — The Governor General invites that leader, who then becomes Prime Minister.
What is a majority government?: A. When the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons
B. When the Senate approves the government
C. When all parties agree
D. When the party wins every province
Answer: A. When the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons — Less than half is a minority government.
What is a minority government?: A. When the Senate disagrees
B. When the Prime Minister is under 30
C. When the party in power holds less than half of the seats in the House of Commons
D. When a small party wins a by-election
Answer: C. When the party in power holds less than half of the seats in the House of Commons — The government stays in office as long as it keeps the confidence of the House.
Which vote is considered a matter of confidence?: A. A vote on a major issue such as the budget
B. A vote to name a new post office
C. Any vote in the Senate
D. A vote by city council
Answer: A. A vote on a major issue such as the budget — If a majority votes against a major government decision, the government is usually defeated.
What usually happens if the government loses a confidence vote?: A. Nothing changes
B. The Senate takes over
C. The Prime Minister asks the Governor General to call an election
D. The King dissolves the provinces
Answer: C. The Prime Minister asks the Governor General to call an election — Defeat on a confidence matter usually leads to an election.
What is the Cabinet?: A. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers who make important decisions about governing
B. The provincial premiers
C. The Supreme Court judges
D. All MPs
Answer: A. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers who make important decisions about governing — The Cabinet prepares the budget and proposes most new laws.
Who prepares the budget and proposes most new laws?: A. The Governor General
B. The Supreme Court
C. The Senate
D. The Cabinet
Answer: D. The Cabinet — Cabinet decisions can be questioned by all members of the House of Commons.
What is the Official Opposition?: A. The Senate
B. The opposition party with the most members in the House of Commons
C. The party that lost the most seats
D. All independent MPs
Answer: B. The opposition party with the most members in the House of Commons — It is also called His Majesty's Loyal Opposition.
What is the role of opposition parties?: A. To appoint judges
B. To stop all laws
C. To peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposals
D. To run the government
Answer: C. To peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposals — Parties not in power are known as opposition parties.
What are members of the House of Commons also called?: A. Members of Parliament (MPs)
B. Lieutenant Governors
C. Senators
D. Councillors
Answer: A. Members of Parliament (MPs) — Voters may re-elect the same MPs or choose new ones.
When are election results made public?: A. Only when the King approves
B. Right after the polls close and the ballots are counted
C. One month later
D. After the Senate votes
Answer: B. Right after the polls close and the ballots are counted — Results are announced on TV, radio, in newspapers and on the Elections Canada website.
What are municipal laws called?: A. Treaties
B. By-laws
C. Acts
D. Charters
Answer: B. By-laws — Municipal councils pass by-laws that affect only the local community.
Who usually leads a municipal council?: A. A mayor or reeve
B. A senator
C. A Lieutenant Governor
D. A premier
Answer: A. A mayor or reeve — Councils include a mayor (or reeve) and councillors or aldermen.
Which of these is a municipal responsibility?: A. Defence
B. Snow removal
C. Currency
D. Foreign policy
Answer: B. Snow removal — Municipalities handle planning, roads, sanitation, snow removal, firefighting, emergency services, recreation, transit and some health services.
Which of these services is normally run by your city or town?: A. Criminal law
B. Citizenship
C. Navigation
D. Public transit
Answer: D. Public transit — Municipalities are normally responsible for public transit, among other local services.
Are provincial and municipal election rules the same as federal rules?: A. Yes, exactly the same
B. No, they are held by secret ballot but the rules differ
C. Only Ottawa holds elections
D. There are no provincial elections
Answer: B. No, they are held by secret ballot but the rules differ — It is important to find out the rules for each level.
Who has major responsibilities on First Nations reserves, including housing and schools?: A. Provincial premiers
B. The RCMP
C. The Governor General
D. Band chiefs and councillors
Answer: D. Band chiefs and councillors — First Nations have band chiefs and councillors.
Which provinces have their own provincial police forces?: A. Ontario and Quebec
B. Manitoba and Saskatchewan
C. Nova Scotia and PEI
D. Alberta and BC
Answer: A. Ontario and Quebec — Policing is provincial in Ontario and Quebec; the RCMP polices most other provinces by contract.
At what age should Canadians participate in democracy by voting?: A. 16 or older
B. 18 or older
C. 21 or older
D. 25 or older
Answer: B. 18 or older — Citizens 18 and older vote in federal, provincial, territorial and municipal elections.
In 2025, what kind of government did Mark Carney's Liberals win?: A. A majority government
B. A coalition with the Senate
C. No government
D. A minority government
Answer: D. A minority government — The Liberals won 169 of 343 seats on April 28, 2025, short of a majority.

History · 258

In what year did Confederation take place?: A. 1759
B. 1812
C. 1867
D. 1931
Answer: C. 1867 — July 1, 1867. Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia formed the Dominion of Canada.
Which four provinces joined at Confederation?: A. Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia
B. Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia
C. Quebec, Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick
D. Ontario, Quebec, BC, Nova Scotia
Answer: B. Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia — PEI joined in 1873, Manitoba in 1870 and British Columbia in 1871.
Where does the name Canada come from?: A. A French word for colony
B. Kanata, an Iroquoian word for village
C. A Portuguese phrase meaning nothing here
D. The name of an explorer
Answer: B. Kanata, an Iroquoian word for village — Cartier recorded kanata in 1535; it came to mean the whole country.
What happened at the Plains of Abraham in 1759?: A. The Americans were turned back
B. The British defeated the French outside Quebec
C. The railway was completed
D. The Acadians were deported
Answer: B. The British defeated the French outside Quebec — The battle lasted under half an hour. Both commanders, Wolfe and Montcalm, died of their wounds.
Who were the Loyalists?: A. French settlers who stayed after 1763
B. Settlers loyal to the Crown who left the United States after 1776
C. Soldiers in the War of 1812
D. Fur traders of the North West Company
Answer: B. Settlers loyal to the Crown who left the United States after 1776 — About 40,000 came north, creating New Brunswick and Upper Canada.
Who led the Métis in the Red River Resistance?: A. Gabriel Dumont
B. Louis Riel
C. Big Bear
D. Joseph Brant
Answer: B. Louis Riel — Riel's provisional government negotiated the terms that became the Manitoba Act of 1870.
What was completed at Craigellachie in 1885?: A. The Rideau Canal
B. The Canadian Pacific Railway
C. The St. Lawrence Seaway
D. The Trans-Canada Highway
Answer: B. The Canadian Pacific Railway — The last spike was driven on November 7, 1885.
Which battle in 1917 is the best-known Canadian action of the First World War?: A. Dieppe
B. Vimy Ridge
C. Juno Beach
D. Kapyong
Answer: B. Vimy Ridge — All four Canadian divisions attacked together for the first time. About 3,598 Canadians were killed.
Where did Canadians land on D-Day, June 6, 1944?: A. Omaha Beach
B. Juno Beach
C. Gold Beach
D. Sword Beach
Answer: B. Juno Beach — The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division pushed further inland that day than any other Allied force.
When did Newfoundland and Labrador join Confederation?: A. 1905
B. 1931
C. 1949
D. 1982
Answer: C. 1949 — March 31, 1949, after two referendums. Joey Smallwood led the campaign.
What happened on April 17, 1982?: A. The flag was adopted
B. The Constitution was patriated and the Charter added
C. Quebec held a referendum
D. Nunavut was created
Answer: B. The Constitution was patriated and the Charter added — Canada gained the power to amend its own constitution, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms took effect.
When was Canadian citizenship created as a separate status?: A. 1867
B. 1931
C. 1947
D. 1982
Answer: C. 1947 — Before January 1, 1947, people born in Canada were British subjects.
What was the residential school system?: A. A scholarship program
B. Federally funded, church-run schools that took Indigenous children from their families
C. Boarding schools for Loyalist children
D. Schools built by the railway companies
Answer: B. Federally funded, church-run schools that took Indigenous children from their families — About 150,000 children attended between the 1880s and 1996. Ottawa apologized in 2008.
Which territory was created in 1999?: A. Yukon
B. Northwest Territories
C. Nunavut
D. Labrador
Answer: C. Nunavut — Nunavut was created on April 1, 1999 from the eastern Arctic, with an Inuit majority.
Who was the first French-speaking prime minister?: A. Louis St. Laurent
B. Wilfrid Laurier
C. Pierre Trudeau
D. George-Étienne Cartier
Answer: B. Wilfrid Laurier — Laurier took office in 1896 and served fifteen unbroken years.
Which Canadian won the Nobel Peace Prize for proposing UN peacekeeping?: A. Lester B. Pearson
B. John Diefenbaker
C. Louis St. Laurent
D. Mackenzie King
Answer: A. Lester B. Pearson — Pearson proposed the UN Emergency Force during the 1956 Suez Crisis and received the prize in 1957.
Who walked thirty kilometres in 1813 to warn of an American attack?: A. Nellie McClung
B. Laura Secord
C. Agnes Macphail
D. Emily Murphy
Answer: B. Laura Secord — Her warning led to the ambush of an American force at Beaver Dams.
What did the Persons Case decide in 1929?: A. That women could vote
B. That women counted as persons eligible for the Senate
C. That women could own property
D. That women could practise law
Answer: B. That women counted as persons eligible for the Senate — Five Alberta women took the question to the Judicial Committee in London, which overruled the Supreme Court.
Where was the first representative assembly in what is now Canada held, in 1758?: A. Quebec City
B. Halifax, Nova Scotia
C. Kingston
D. Montreal
Answer: B. Halifax, Nova Scotia — Nova Scotia's assembly met in Halifax in 1758.
Who suggested the name Dominion of Canada in 1864?: A. John A. Macdonald
B. George-Étienne Cartier
C. Leonard Tilley
D. George Brown
Answer: C. Leonard Tilley — Tilley, a Father of Confederation from New Brunswick, took it from Psalm 72: dominion from sea to sea.
In what year was slavery abolished throughout the British Empire?: A. 1793
B. 1807
C. 1833
D. 1867
Answer: C. 1833 — Upper Canada began moving toward abolition in 1793; Britain banned the slave trade in 1807 and abolished slavery in 1833.
Which province was the first to give women the right to vote, in 1916?: A. Ontario
B. Quebec
C. Manitoba
D. Nova Scotia
Answer: C. Manitoba — Manitoba led in 1916. Quebec was the last province, in 1940.
About how many Canadians were killed in the Second World War?: A. 8,000
B. 44,000
C. 100,000
D. 250,000
Answer: B. 44,000 — More than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served; 44,000 were killed.
When was the North West Mounted Police, today's RCMP, founded?: A. 1867
B. 1873
C. 1885
D. 1920
Answer: B. 1873 — It was created in 1873 to keep order in the West and rode west the next year.
When Europeans arrived, why did they call the native peoples 'Indians'?: A. The King chose the name
B. The first explorers thought they had reached the East Indies
C. It was the name the peoples used for themselves
D. It came from the word kanata
Answer: B. The first explorers thought they had reached the East Indies — Explorers believed they had reached the East Indies.
Which Indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes region were farmers and hunters?: A. The Dene
B. The Huron-Wendat and the Iroquois
C. The Sioux
D. The Inuit
Answer: B. The Huron-Wendat and the Iroquois — The Huron-Wendat, like the Iroquois, were farmers and hunters.
Which peoples of the Northwest were hunter-gatherers?: A. The Huron-Wendat
B. The Cree and Dene
C. The Acadians
D. The Mohawk
Answer: B. The Cree and Dene — The Cree and Dene of the Northwest were hunter-gatherers.
Which people were nomadic, following the bison (buffalo) herds?: A. The Huron-Wendat
B. The Inuit
C. The Haida
D. The Sioux
Answer: D. The Sioux — The Sioux followed the bison herds.
How did West Coast Indigenous peoples preserve fish?: A. By drying and smoking
B. By salting it in barrels from Europe
C. By freezing it in ice houses
D. By canning it
Answer: A. By drying and smoking — West Coast peoples preserved fish by drying and smoking.
Why did large numbers of Indigenous people die after Europeans arrived?: A. Wars with China
B. European diseases to which they had no immunity
C. Famine caused by volcanoes
D. Earthquakes
Answer: B. European diseases to which they had no immunity — Many died of European diseases; still, the first 200 years of coexistence laid strong economic, religious and military bonds.
Who were the first Europeans to reach Newfoundland and Labrador, about 1,000 years ago?: A. The Vikings
B. The French
C. The Portuguese
D. The Spanish
Answer: A. The Vikings — Vikings from Iceland who colonized Greenland reached Labrador and Newfoundland.
What is L'Anse aux Meadows?: A. The remains of a Viking settlement and a World Heritage Site
B. Champlain's first fort
C. A First Nations reserve in Quebec
D. The site of the Last Spike
Answer: A. The remains of a Viking settlement and a World Heritage Site — The Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Who was the first European to draw a map of Canada's East Coast, in 1497?: A. John Cabot
B. Jacques Cartier
C. Henry Hudson
D. Samuel de Champlain
Answer: A. John Cabot — European exploration began in earnest with Cabot's expedition in 1497.
John Cabot was an Italian immigrant who sailed for which country?: A. Portugal
B. France
C. England
D. Spain
Answer: C. England — Cabot claimed the 'New Founde Land' for England.
Between 1534 and 1542, how many voyages did Jacques Cartier make across the Atlantic?: A. Ten
B. One
C. Three
D. Five
Answer: C. Three — Cartier made three voyages, claiming the land for King Francis I of France.
For which king did Jacques Cartier claim the land?: A. King Francis I of France
B. King Charles II of England
C. King Louis XIV
D. King George III
Answer: A. King Francis I of France — Cartier claimed the land for King Francis I of France.
What does the Iroquoian word 'kanata' mean?: A. Great lake
B. River
C. Village
D. Land of the north
Answer: C. Village — Cartier heard two captured guides speak the word kanata, meaning village.
By what decade did the name Canada begin appearing on maps?: A. The 1760s
B. The 1550s
C. The 1660s
D. The 1860s
Answer: B. The 1550s — By the 1550s, the name Canada began appearing on maps.
Who was the first European to explore the St. Lawrence River and see present-day Québec City and Montreal?: A. John Cabot
B. Jacques Cartier
C. Henry Hudson
D. Pierre de Monts
Answer: B. Jacques Cartier — Cartier was the first European to explore the St. Lawrence.
When did English settlement begin in what is now Canada?: A. 1610
B. 1497
C. 1759
D. 1534
Answer: A. 1610 — Cabot claimed land in 1497, but English settlement did not begin until 1610.
In 1604, who established the first European settlement north of Florida?: A. Pierre de Monts and Samuel de Champlain
B. James Wolfe and Montcalm
C. Jacques Cartier and Donnacona
D. John Cabot and Henry Hudson
Answer: A. Pierre de Monts and Samuel de Champlain — The settlement was first on St. Croix Island, then at Port-Royal in Acadia.
Where was Port-Royal, founded by the French in 1605?: A. In Labrador
B. In present-day Ontario
C. On Vancouver Island
D. In Acadia, present-day Nova Scotia
Answer: D. In Acadia, present-day Nova Scotia — After St. Croix Island, the settlement moved to Port-Royal in Acadia.
In what year did Champlain build a fortress at what is now Québec City?: A. 1670
B. 1759
C. 1608
D. 1534
Answer: C. 1608 — Champlain built a fortress at Québec City in 1608.
Champlain allied the French colony with which First Nations?: A. The Algonquin, Montagnais and Huron
B. The Haida and Tlingit
C. The Sioux and Blackfoot
D. The Iroquois
Answer: A. The Algonquin, Montagnais and Huron — These nations were historic enemies of the Iroquois.
The Iroquois were a confederation of how many First Nations?: A. Two
B. Three
C. Ten
D. Five, later six
Answer: D. Five, later six — The Iroquois confederacy of five (later six) nations battled the French for a century.
In what year did the French and the Iroquois make peace?: A. 1759
B. 1608
C. 1701
D. 1812
Answer: C. 1701 — After a century of fighting, they made peace in 1701 (the Great Peace of Montreal).
What drove the fur trade economy in New France?: A. Demand for wheat in China
B. Cod fishing in the Pacific
C. Demand for beaver pelts in Europe
D. Gold mining
Answer: C. Demand for beaver pelts in Europe — The French and Indigenous peoples collaborated in the vast fur-trade economy.
Which leaders built a French empire in North America from Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico?: A. Jean Talon, Bishop Laval and Count Frontenac
B. Cabot, Hudson and Frobisher
C. Macdonald, Brown and Cartier
D. Wolfe, Brock and Simcoe
Answer: A. Jean Talon, Bishop Laval and Count Frontenac — These outstanding leaders built the French empire in North America.
Who refused to surrender Quebec to the English in 1690, saying his only reply would be 'from the mouths of my cannons'?: A. Montcalm
B. Jean Talon
C. Count Frontenac
D. Samuel de Champlain
Answer: C. Count Frontenac — Frontenac defended Quebec in 1690.
Who was the hero of New France who won victories over the English from James Bay to the Caribbean?: A. Louis Riel
B. Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville
C. Jacques Cartier
D. Isaac Brock
Answer: B. Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville — D'Iberville won many victories in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
In 1670, which king granted the Hudson's Bay Company exclusive trading rights?: A. King George III
B. King Francis I of France
C. King Charles II of England
D. Queen Victoria
Answer: C. King Charles II of England — The rights covered the watershed draining into Hudson Bay.
Over what area did the Hudson's Bay Company get exclusive trading rights?: A. The St. Lawrence valley only
B. The Pacific coast
C. The watershed draining into Hudson Bay
D. All of North America
Answer: C. The watershed draining into Hudson Bay — For 100 years the Company competed with Montreal-based traders.
What were the skilled men who travelled by canoe in the fur trade called?: A. Loyalists
B. Mounties
C. Habitants
D. Voyageurs and coureurs des bois
Answer: D. Voyageurs and coureurs des bois — They formed strong alliances with First Nations.
In 1759, what did the British victory at the Plains of Abraham mark?: A. The start of the War of 1812
B. Confederation
C. The founding of Montreal
D. The end of France's empire in America
Answer: D. The end of France's empire in America — The battle at Québec City ended France's empire in America.
Who were the two commanders killed at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham?: A. Frontenac and Champlain
B. James Wolfe and the Marquis de Montcalm
C. Isaac Brock and Tecumseh
D. Riel and Dumont
Answer: B. James Wolfe and the Marquis de Montcalm — Both commanders died leading their troops.
After the war with France, what did Britain rename the colony?: A. New France
B. Rupert's Land
C. Upper Canada
D. The Province of Quebec
Answer: D. The Province of Quebec — Great Britain renamed the colony the 'Province of Quebec'.
What were the French-speaking Catholic people of the Province of Quebec called?: A. Acadians only
B. Loyalists
C. Métis
D. Habitants or Canadiens
Answer: D. Habitants or Canadiens — They strove to preserve their way of life in the British Empire.
Why did the British Parliament pass the Quebec Act of 1774?: A. To better govern the French Roman Catholic majority
B. To end the fur trade
C. To create Ontario
D. To ban the French language
Answer: A. To better govern the French Roman Catholic majority — The Quebec Act accommodated British institutions to the reality of the province.
What did the Quebec Act allow Catholics to do that was not then allowed in Britain?: A. Own land
B. Vote in Britain
C. Join the army
D. Hold public office
Answer: D. Hold public office — It allowed religious freedom and permitted Catholics to hold public office.
Under the Quebec Act, which law applied to civil and criminal matters?: A. Only French law
B. Only British law
C. French civil law and British criminal law
D. British civil law and French criminal law
Answer: C. French civil law and British criminal law — The Quebec Act restored French civil law while keeping British criminal law.
Who were the United Empire Loyalists?: A. Soldiers in the War of 1812
B. French settlers who stayed after 1759
C. People loyal to the Crown who fled the American Revolution
D. Fur traders in the West
Answer: C. People loyal to the Crown who fled the American Revolution — More than 40,000 Loyalists settled in Nova Scotia and Quebec.
In what year did the 13 British colonies declare independence and form the United States?: A. 1776
B. 1867
C. 1812
D. 1759
Answer: A. 1776 — The American Revolution divided North America again.
Who led thousands of Loyalist Mohawks into Canada?: A. Poundmaker
B. Tecumseh
C. Big Bear
D. Joseph Brant
Answer: D. Joseph Brant — Joseph Brant led thousands of Loyalist Mohawks north.
About how many Black Loyalists, freedmen and slaves came north with the Loyalists?: A. About 300
B. About 300,000
C. About 3,000
D. About 30,000
Answer: C. About 3,000 — About 3,000 Black Loyalists came north seeking a better life.
In 1792, some Black Nova Scotians who were given poor land moved on to found which city?: A. Halifax
B. Kingston, Jamaica
C. Freetown, Sierra Leone
D. Monrovia, Liberia
Answer: C. Freetown, Sierra Leone — Freetown was a new British colony in West Africa for freed slaves.
Who, as Governor of Quebec, defeated an American invasion in 1775 and supervised the Loyalist migration?: A. Lord Durham
B. Lord Elgin
C. John Graves Simcoe
D. Sir Guy Carleton (Lord Dorchester)
Answer: D. Sir Guy Carleton (Lord Dorchester) — Carleton defended the rights of the Canadiens.
Where was the first representative assembly elected, in 1758?: A. Halifax, Nova Scotia
B. Québec City
C. Charlottetown
D. Toronto
Answer: A. Halifax, Nova Scotia — Democratic institutions developed gradually and peacefully.
After Nova Scotia (1758), which colonies next elected assemblies?: A. Manitoba (1870)
B. Prince Edward Island (1773) and New Brunswick (1785)
C. Ontario and Quebec (1867)
D. British Columbia (1871)
Answer: B. Prince Edward Island (1773) and New Brunswick (1785) — PEI followed in 1773 and New Brunswick in 1785.
The Constitutional Act of 1791 divided the Province of Quebec into which two colonies?: A. Ontario and Manitoba
B. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
C. Upper Canada and Lower Canada
D. Acadia and New France
Answer: C. Upper Canada and Lower Canada — Upper Canada (later Ontario) and Lower Canada (later Quebec).
Which colony was mainly Loyalist, Protestant and English-speaking?: A. Upper Canada
B. New France
C. Lower Canada
D. Acadia
Answer: A. Upper Canada — Upper Canada (later Ontario) was mainly Loyalist, Protestant and English-speaking.
Which colony was heavily Catholic and French-speaking?: A. Upper Canada
B. Rupert's Land
C. Lower Canada
D. Nova Scotia
Answer: C. Lower Canada — Lower Canada later became Quebec.
When did the name Canada become official?: A. In 1982
B. In 1534
C. In 1867
D. With the Constitutional Act of 1791
Answer: D. With the Constitutional Act of 1791 — The name Canada became official in 1791 and has been used ever since.
What were the Atlantic colonies and the two Canadas known as together?: A. The Commonwealth
B. The Dominion
C. New France
D. British North America
Answer: D. British North America — Together they were called British North America.
Who was Upper Canada's first Lieutenant Governor and founder of the City of York (Toronto)?: A. Isaac Brock
B. John Graves Simcoe
C. Robert Baldwin
D. Guy Carleton
Answer: B. John Graves Simcoe — Simcoe also led Upper Canada toward the abolition of slavery.
In 1793, which province became the first in the British Empire to move toward abolishing slavery?: A. New Brunswick
B. Lower Canada
C. Nova Scotia
D. Upper Canada
Answer: D. Upper Canada — Upper Canada acted under Lieutenant Governor Simcoe.
In 1807, what did the British Parliament prohibit?: A. The buying and selling of slaves
B. The fur trade
C. The French language
D. Catholic worship
Answer: A. The buying and selling of slaves — In 1807 Britain banned the slave trade; in 1833 it abolished slavery throughout the Empire.
What was the Underground Railroad?: A. The first railway in Canada
B. A Christian anti-slavery network that helped slaves escape to Canada
C. A subway in Montreal
D. A tunnel under the St. Lawrence
Answer: B. A Christian anti-slavery network that helped slaves escape to Canada — Thousands of slaves followed 'the North Star' to Canada.
Who became the first woman publisher in Canada, in 1853?: A. Mary Ann Shadd Cary
B. Laura Secord
C. Agnes Macphail
D. Emily Stowe
Answer: A. Mary Ann Shadd Cary — She helped found The Provincial Freeman, an anti-slavery weekly.
What was The Provincial Freeman?: A. A railway company
B. A fur-trading post
C. A weekly anti-slavery newspaper
D. A political party
Answer: C. A weekly anti-slavery newspaper — Mary Ann Shadd Cary helped found and edit it.
Which company came to dominate the fur trade in the northwest?: A. The Hudson's Bay Company
B. The Bank of Montreal
C. The Canadian Pacific Railway
D. The North West Mounted Police
Answer: A. The Hudson's Bay Company — Its trading posts, like Fort Garry and Fort Edmonton, later became cities.
Fort Garry later became which city?: A. Regina
B. Winnipeg
C. Calgary
D. Edmonton
Answer: B. Winnipeg — Hudson's Bay Company posts such as Fort Garry (Winnipeg) became cities.
In what year did the Montreal Stock Exchange open?: A. 1832
B. 1759
C. 1905
D. 1867
Answer: A. 1832 — The first financial institutions opened in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
For centuries, Canada's economy was based mainly on what?: A. Banking and insurance
B. Tourism
C. Farming and exporting natural resources such as fur, fish and timber
D. Manufacturing cars
Answer: C. Farming and exporting natural resources such as fur, fish and timber — Goods moved by roads, lakes, rivers and canals.
Why did the United States invade Canada in 1812?: A. To protect the French language
B. Canada attacked the United States first
C. Americans resented British interference with their shipping and thought Canada would be easy to conquer
D. To stop the fur trade
Answer: C. Americans resented British interference with their shipping and thought Canada would be easy to conquer — The Americans were mistaken.
Which Shawnee chief supported the British in the War of 1812?: A. Joseph Brant
B. Tecumseh
C. Big Bear
D. Crowfoot
Answer: B. Tecumseh — Canadian volunteers and First Nations, including Shawnee led by Tecumseh, helped defend Canada.
Who captured Detroit in 1812 but was killed at Queenston Heights?: A. Robert Ross
B. Major-General Sir Isaac Brock
C. James FitzGibbon
D. Charles de Salaberry
Answer: B. Major-General Sir Isaac Brock — Brock was killed defending against an American attack at Queenston Heights, a battle the Americans lost.
Where is Queenston Heights?: A. Near Halifax
B. Near Kingston
C. Near Niagara Falls
D. Near Montreal
Answer: C. Near Niagara Falls — The battle of Queenston Heights was fought near Niagara Falls in 1812.
At Châteauguay in 1813, Charles de Salaberry and 460 soldiers turned back how many American invaders?: A. 40,000
B. 4,000
C. 1,000
D. 400
Answer: B. 4,000 — De Salaberry's mostly French-Canadian force turned back 4,000 Americans south of Montreal.
What did the Americans burn in York (Toronto) in 1813?: A. The Citadel
B. Fort Henry
C. The Rideau Canal
D. Government House and the Parliament Buildings
Answer: D. Government House and the Parliament Buildings — In retaliation, a British expedition burned the White House in 1814.
Who led the 1814 expedition from Nova Scotia that burned the White House?: A. the Duke of Wellington
B. Charles de Salaberry
C. Major-General Robert Ross
D. Isaac Brock
Answer: C. Major-General Robert Ross — Ross died soon afterward and was buried in Halifax with full military honours.
Who walked about 30 km in 1813 to warn of an American attack, leading to victory at Beaver Dams?: A. Emily Stowe
B. Laura Secord
C. Thérèse Casgrain
D. Mary Ann Shadd Cary
Answer: B. Laura Secord — She warned Lieutenant James FitzGibbon and is recognized as a heroine to this day.
Which British commander chose Bytown (Ottawa) as the endpoint of the Rideau Canal?: A. Lord Durham
B. John By
C. Isaac Brock
D. The Duke of Wellington
Answer: D. The Duke of Wellington — Wellington, who defeated Napoleon in 1815, played a direct role in founding the national capital.
By what year had the American attempt to conquer Canada failed?: A. 1814
B. 1812
C. 1820
D. 1837
Answer: A. 1814 — By 1814 the invasion had failed; the war ensured Canada would remain independent of the United States.
What was one result of the War of 1812?: A. Canada joined the United States
B. The fur trade ended
C. Canada remained independent of the United States
D. France regained Quebec
Answer: C. Canada remained independent of the United States — The present-day border is partly an outcome of the War of 1812.
Which of these was part of the costly defence system Britain built after the War of 1812?: A. The Rideau Hall ballroom
B. The Confederation Bridge
C. Fort Henry at Kingston
D. The CN Tower
Answer: C. Fort Henry at Kingston — Defences included the Citadels at Halifax and Québec City, the Halifax drydock and Fort Henry.
Why did reformers rebel in 1837–38?: A. They opposed the railway
B. They believed progress toward full democracy was too slow
C. They wanted to end the fur trade
D. They wanted to rejoin France
Answer: B. They believed progress toward full democracy was too slow — Rebellions near Montreal and in Toronto lacked public support and were defeated.
Why did the rebellions of 1837–38 fail?: A. They ran out of money
B. The United States stopped them
C. The rebels did not have enough public support
D. They won but gave up
Answer: C. The rebels did not have enough public support — They were defeated by British troops and Canadian volunteers.
Who was sent to report on the rebellions and recommended responsible government?: A. Lord Elgin
B. Lord Tweedsmuir
C. Lord Durham
D. Lord Stanley
Answer: C. Lord Durham — Durham recommended merging Upper and Lower Canada and giving them responsible government.
Which of Lord Durham's recommendations showed a complete lack of understanding of French Canadians?: A. That they assimilate into English-speaking Protestant culture
B. That they elect an assembly
C. That they keep the civil code
D. That they get responsible government
Answer: A. That they assimilate into English-speaking Protestant culture — French Canadians sought to uphold the distinct identity of French Canada.
What does responsible government mean?: A. Every citizen must vote
B. Ministers must have the support of a majority of elected representatives to govern
C. Judges run the government
D. The King chooses all laws
Answer: B. Ministers must have the support of a majority of elected representatives to govern — If the government loses a confidence vote in the assembly, it must resign.
In what year were Upper and Lower Canada united as the Province of Canada?: A. 1867
B. 1840
C. 1849
D. 1791
Answer: B. 1840 — The Act of Union united them in 1840 (in force in 1841).
Which reformers worked with British governors toward responsible government?: A. Wolfe and Montcalm
B. Brock and Tecumseh
C. Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine, Robert Baldwin and Joseph Howe
D. Riel and Dumont
Answer: C. Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine, Robert Baldwin and Joseph Howe — La Fontaine and Baldwin in the Canadas, and Howe in Nova Scotia.
Which was the first British North American colony to get full responsible government?: A. Upper Canada, in 1791
B. Manitoba, in 1870
C. Quebec, in 1774
D. Nova Scotia, in 1847–48
Answer: D. Nova Scotia, in 1847–48 — Nova Scotia led in 1847–48; the Canadas followed in 1848–49.
Which governor introduced responsible government in the Province of Canada in 1848–49?: A. Lord Elgin
B. Lord Durham
C. Lord Selkirk
D. Lord Dorchester
Answer: A. Lord Elgin — Lord Elgin acted with encouragement from London.
Who became the first leader of a responsible government in the Canadas, in 1849?: A. Joseph Howe
B. Sir Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine
C. Sir George-Étienne Cartier
D. Sir John A. Macdonald
Answer: B. Sir Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine — La Fontaine was a champion of democracy and French language rights.
Which reformers later became Fathers of Confederation?: A. Sir Étienne-Paschal Taché and Sir George-Étienne Cartier
B. Laura Secord and FitzGibbon
C. Lord Durham and Lord Elgin
D. Tecumseh and Brock
Answer: A. Sir Étienne-Paschal Taché and Sir George-Étienne Cartier — Some reformers, including Taché and Cartier, later became Fathers of Confederation, as did Macdonald.
Who are the Fathers of Confederation?: A. Representatives who worked from 1864 to 1867 to establish a new country
B. The founders of the Hudson's Bay Company
C. The leaders of the 1837 rebellions
D. The first Governors General
Answer: A. Representatives who worked from 1864 to 1867 to establish a new country — Representatives of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada worked together, with British support.
What two levels of government did the Fathers of Confederation create?: A. Provincial and territorial
B. Municipal and federal
C. Federal and provincial
D. Royal and colonial
Answer: C. Federal and provincial — Each province would elect its own legislature and control areas such as education and health.
At Confederation, the old Province of Canada was split into which two provinces?: A. Ontario and Quebec
B. Upper and Lower Canada
C. Quebec and New Brunswick
D. Manitoba and Ontario
Answer: A. Ontario and Quebec — Ontario and Quebec, with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, formed the Dominion of Canada.
Which areas did provinces control under Confederation?: A. Citizenship
B. Currency and banking
C. Education and health
D. Defence and foreign affairs
Answer: C. Education and health — Each province would control areas such as education and health.
Which parliament passed the British North America Act in 1867?: A. The Parliament of Canada
B. The United States Congress
C. The Quebec legislature
D. The British Parliament
Answer: D. The British Parliament — The British Parliament passed the BNA Act; the Dominion was born July 1, 1867.
Until 1982, what was July 1 called?: A. Victoria Day
B. Confederation Day
C. Canada Day
D. Dominion Day
Answer: D. Dominion Day — Today it is officially called Canada Day.
What inspired the name 'Dominion of Canada'?: A. A song by Calixa Lavallée
B. Psalm 72 in the Bible: 'dominion from sea to sea'
C. A poem by John McCrae
D. The motto of the Hudson's Bay Company
Answer: B. Psalm 72 in the Bible: 'dominion from sea to sea' — The phrase embodied the vision of a powerful, united country spanning a continent.
For about how long was the title 'Dominion of Canada' used officially?: A. About 10 years
B. About 300 years
C. It was never used
D. About 100 years
Answer: D. About 100 years — The title was written into the Constitution and used officially for about 100 years.
Which provinces and territory joined Canada in 1870?: A. Prince Edward Island
B. Manitoba and the Northwest Territories
C. Alberta and Saskatchewan
D. British Columbia and Yukon
Answer: B. Manitoba and the Northwest Territories — The expansion of the Dominion: 1870 Manitoba and the Northwest Territories.
In what year did British Columbia join Confederation?: A. 1873
B. 1871
C. 1905
D. 1867
Answer: B. 1871 — BC joined in 1871 after Ottawa promised a railway to the West Coast.
In what year did Prince Edward Island join Canada?: A. 1867
B. 1873
C. 1871
D. 1949
Answer: B. 1873 — PEI joined in 1873.
In 1880, what was transferred to the Northwest Territories?: A. Labrador
B. Vancouver Island
C. Rupert's Land
D. The Arctic Islands
Answer: D. The Arctic Islands — The Arctic Islands were transferred to the N.W.T. in 1880.
When did Yukon become a territory?: A. 1905
B. 1999
C. 1898
D. 1867
Answer: C. 1898 — Yukon Territory was created in 1898, during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Which two provinces were created in 1905?: A. Newfoundland and Labrador
B. British Columbia and Yukon
C. Manitoba and Ontario
D. Alberta and Saskatchewan
Answer: D. Alberta and Saskatchewan — Alberta and Saskatchewan became provinces in 1905.
In what year did Newfoundland and Labrador join Canada?: A. 1905
B. 1949
C. 1931
D. 1867
Answer: B. 1949 — Newfoundland and Labrador became the tenth province in 1949.
In the 1920s, what did some people believe should become part of Canada?: A. Greenland
B. Iceland
C. The British West Indies
D. Alaska
Answer: C. The British West Indies — It did not happen, but Canada and the Commonwealth Caribbean have close ties.
Where was Sir John A. Macdonald born?: A. England
B. Upper Canada
C. Ireland
D. Scotland
Answer: D. Scotland — He was born in Scotland on January 11, 1815, and came to Upper Canada as a child.
What day has Parliament recognized as Sir John A. Macdonald Day?: A. July 1
B. May 24
C. January 11
D. November 11
Answer: C. January 11 — January 11 is Macdonald's birthday.
In which city was John A. Macdonald a lawyer?: A. Toronto
B. Kingston, Ontario
C. Halifax
D. Montreal
Answer: B. Kingston, Ontario — Macdonald was a lawyer in Kingston, a gifted politician and a colourful personality.
Who was the key architect of Confederation from Quebec?: A. Sir Wilfrid Laurier
B. Louis Riel
C. Henri Bourassa
D. Sir George-Étienne Cartier
Answer: D. Sir George-Étienne Cartier — Cartier, a Montreal railway lawyer, led Quebec into Confederation.
George-Étienne Cartier helped negotiate the entry of which regions into Canada?: A. Alaska and Yukon
B. The Northwest Territories, Manitoba and British Columbia
C. Newfoundland and Labrador
D. Nunavut
Answer: B. The Northwest Territories, Manitoba and British Columbia — Cartier was a close ally of Macdonald.
When Canada took over the northwest from the Hudson's Bay Company in 1869, who was not consulted?: A. The United States
B. The Province of Quebec
C. The 12,000 Métis of the Red River
D. The British Parliament
Answer: C. The 12,000 Métis of the Red River — Louis Riel led an armed uprising and seized Fort Garry.
Who led the Métis uprising at the Red River in 1869?: A. Gabriel Dumont
B. Big Bear
C. Joseph Howe
D. Louis Riel
Answer: D. Louis Riel — Riel seized Fort Garry, the territorial capital.
What happened after Ottawa sent soldiers to retake Fort Garry in 1870?: A. Riel fled to the United States and the province of Manitoba was created
B. Riel became prime minister
C. Quebec separated
D. The Métis won independence
Answer: A. Riel fled to the United States and the province of Manitoba was created — Canada established Manitoba in 1870.
In what year did a second rebellion in present-day Saskatchewan lead to Riel's execution?: A. 1885
B. 1905
C. 1867
D. 1870
Answer: A. 1885 — Riel was tried and executed for high treason, a decision strongly opposed in Quebec.
How is Louis Riel seen by many today?: A. As a British general
B. As the founder of Quebec City
C. As a hero, a defender of Métis rights and the father of Manitoba
D. As the first prime minister
Answer: C. As a hero, a defender of Métis rights and the father of Manitoba — Riel was elected to Parliament but never took his seat.
In what year did Prime Minister Macdonald establish the North West Mounted Police?: A. 1920
B. 1873
C. 1867
D. 1885
Answer: B. 1873 — The NWMP was created to pacify the West and assist in negotiations with First Nations.
Which city became the headquarters of the North West Mounted Police?: A. Regina
B. Winnipeg
C. Ottawa
D. Calgary
Answer: A. Regina — The NWMP founded Fort Calgary, Fort Macleod and other centres; Regina became its headquarters.
What is today's name of the North West Mounted Police?: A. The Canada Border Services Agency
B. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
C. The Ontario Provincial Police
D. The Canadian Armed Forces
Answer: B. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) — The RCMP, or 'the Mounties', is the national police force and a well-known symbol.
Which colourful hero came from the ranks of the Mounties?: A. Sir Sandford Fleming
B. General Sir Arthur Currie
C. Major-General Sir Sam Steele
D. Sir Isaac Brock
Answer: C. Major-General Sir Sam Steele — Sam Steele is among Canada's most colourful heroes.
Why did British Columbia join Canada in 1871?: A. Ottawa promised to build a railway to the West Coast
B. To escape the United States army
C. Because of the gold rush in Ontario
D. Because Britain ordered it
Answer: A. Ottawa promised to build a railway to the West Coast — The promise of a railway brought BC into Confederation.
On what date was the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway driven?: A. November 11, 1918
B. July 1, 1867
C. June 6, 1944
D. November 7, 1885
Answer: D. November 7, 1885 — Donald Smith drove the last spike on November 7, 1885.
Who drove the last spike of the CPR?: A. Sir Sandford Fleming
B. Sir John A. Macdonald
C. William Van Horne
D. Donald Smith (Lord Strathcona)
Answer: D. Donald Smith (Lord Strathcona) — Smith was the Scottish-born director of the CPR.
Who financed and built the Canadian Pacific Railway?: A. Only Canadian farmers
B. The Hudson's Bay Company alone
C. The French government
D. British and American investors; European and Chinese labour
Answer: D. British and American investors; European and Chinese labour — The project was financed by British and American investors and built by European and Chinese workers.
What was the Chinese Head Tax?: A. A race-based entry fee charged to Chinese immigrants
B. A tax on railway tickets
C. A fee to become a judge
D. A tax on rice farms
Answer: A. A race-based entry fee charged to Chinese immigrants — After building the railway, the Chinese faced discrimination, including the Head Tax.
In what year did the Government of Canada apologize for the Chinese Head Tax?: A. 1988
B. 1947
C. 2006
D. 2008
Answer: C. 2006 — The government apologized in 2006 for this discriminatory policy.
What were the 'ribbons of steel'?: A. The Canadian Pacific Railway
B. The St. Lawrence Seaway
C. Telegraph lines
D. The Rideau Canal
Answer: A. The Canadian Pacific Railway — The CPR's ribbons of steel fulfilled a national dream.
During the boom of the 1890s and early 1900s, how many British and Americans immigrated to Canada?: A. Very few
B. Ten million of each
C. 100,000 of each
D. One million British and one million Americans
Answer: D. One million British and one million Americans — The economy grew and became more industrialized.
Who was the first French-Canadian prime minister since Confederation?: A. Louis St-Laurent
B. Sir George-Étienne Cartier
C. Sir Wilfrid Laurier
D. Pierre Trudeau
Answer: C. Sir Wilfrid Laurier — Laurier encouraged immigration to the West.
Whose portrait is on the $5 bill?: A. William Lyon Mackenzie King
B. Sir Wilfrid Laurier
C. Sir John A. Macdonald
D. Viola Desmond
Answer: B. Sir Wilfrid Laurier — Laurier's portrait is on the $5 bill.
Before 1914, which groups settled the West and built its farm economy?: A. Mostly settlers from Mexico
B. Only British soldiers
C. 170,000 Ukrainians, 115,000 Poles and tens of thousands from Germany, France, Norway and Sweden
D. Mostly settlers from China
Answer: C. 170,000 Ukrainians, 115,000 Poles and tens of thousands from Germany, France, Norway and Sweden — The railway made it possible for immigrants to settle the West.
About how many Canadians volunteered to fight in the South African (Boer) War, 1899–1902?: A. Over 600,000
B. Over 70,000
C. Over 7,000
D. About 700
Answer: C. Over 7,000 — Over 7,000 volunteered and over 260 died.
Which battles in 1900 during the South African War strengthened national pride in Canada?: A. Queenston and Châteauguay
B. Dieppe and Juno
C. Paardeberg and Lillefontein
D. Vimy and Passchendaele
Answer: C. Paardeberg and Lillefontein — Canadians took part in the victories at Paardeberg ('Horse Mountain') and Lillefontein.
What force did Ottawa form when Britain declared war in 1914?: A. The Royal Canadian Air Force
B. The Canadian Coast Guard
C. The North West Mounted Police
D. The Canadian Expeditionary Force
Answer: D. The Canadian Expeditionary Force — It later became the Canadian Corps.
How many Canadians served in the First World War, from a population of about eight million?: A. About 7,000
B. About 1 million
C. More than 600,000
D. About 60,000
Answer: C. More than 600,000 — Most of them were volunteers.
In what month and year did the Canadian Corps capture Vimy Ridge?: A. June 1944
B. November 1918
C. August 1914
D. April 1917
Answer: D. April 1917 — Vimy secured Canadians' reputation as the 'shock troops of the British Empire'.
About how many Canadians were killed or wounded at Vimy Ridge?: A. 100,000
B. 1,000
C. 600,000
D. 10,000
Answer: D. 10,000 — The capture of Vimy Ridge cost 10,000 killed or wounded.
What is celebrated on April 9?: A. Flag Day
B. Vimy Day
C. Remembrance Day
D. Victoria Day
Answer: B. Vimy Day — April 9 marks the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917.
A Canadian officer said of Vimy Ridge: 'In those few minutes I witnessed the birth of...' what?: A. a city
B. an empire
C. a province
D. a nation
Answer: D. a nation — 'It was Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade.'
From 1914 to 1920, whom did Ottawa intern as 'enemy aliens'?: A. Japanese Canadians
B. Over 8,000 former Austro-Hungarian subjects, mainly Ukrainian men
C. Italian Canadians
D. American citizens
Answer: B. Over 8,000 former Austro-Hungarian subjects, mainly Ukrainian men — They were held in 24 labour camps, even though Britain advised against the policy.
Who commanded the Canadian Corps in 1918 and is called Canada's greatest soldier?: A. General Sir Arthur Currie
B. Sir Isaac Brock
C. Sir Sam Steele
D. Robert Ross
Answer: A. General Sir Arthur Currie — Currie led the Canadians in the last hundred days.
Which 1918 battle did the Germans call 'the black day of the German Army'?: A. Passchendaele
B. The Battle of Amiens, August 8, 1918
C. Vimy Ridge
D. Ypres
Answer: B. The Battle of Amiens, August 8, 1918 — It was followed by Arras, Canal du Nord, Cambrai and Mons.
When did the First World War end?: A. With the Armistice on November 11, 1918
B. On July 1, 1917
C. On May 8, 1945
D. On June 6, 1944
Answer: A. With the Armistice on November 11, 1918 — The war ended with Germany and Austria's surrender.
How many Canadians were killed and wounded in the First World War?: A. 6,000 killed and 17,000 wounded
B. 44,000 killed
C. 600,000 killed
D. 60,000 killed and 170,000 wounded
Answer: D. 60,000 killed and 170,000 wounded — The war strengthened national and imperial pride, especially in English Canada.
At Confederation, who was allowed to vote?: A. Only soldiers
B. All men and women over 18
C. Property-owning adult white males
D. All adults
Answer: C. Property-owning adult white males — This was common in most democratic countries at the time.
What is the women's suffrage movement?: A. A movement to ban alcohol
B. A labour union
C. A religious order
D. The effort by women to win the right to vote
Answer: D. The effort by women to win the right to vote — Its founder in Canada was Dr. Emily Stowe.
Who founded the women's suffrage movement in Canada?: A. Thérèse Casgrain
B. Dr. Emily Stowe
C. Nellie McClung
D. Agnes Macphail
Answer: B. Dr. Emily Stowe — Emily Stowe was the first Canadian woman to practise medicine in Canada.
Which was the first province to grant women the right to vote, in 1916?: A. Manitoba
B. Ontario
C. Quebec
D. British Columbia
Answer: A. Manitoba — Manitoba led in 1916.
Which prime minister's government gave some women the federal vote in 1917?: A. Sir Robert Borden
B. Sir John A. Macdonald
C. Sir Wilfrid Laurier
D. Mackenzie King
Answer: A. Sir Robert Borden — First nurses at the front, then women related to men in active service.
In 1917, which women were first given the right to vote in federal elections?: A. Women who owned farms
B. Nurses at the battle front
C. Women in Quebec
D. All women over 18
Answer: B. Nurses at the battle front — Then women related to men in active wartime service; most women followed in 1918.
In 1918, which women were granted the federal vote?: A. Only women in Manitoba
B. All women over 16
C. Only nurses
D. Most Canadian female citizens aged 21 and over
Answer: D. Most Canadian female citizens aged 21 and over — Most women 21 and over got the federal vote in 1918.
Who became the first woman Member of Parliament, in 1921?: A. Emily Stowe
B. Agnes Macphail
C. Thérèse Casgrain
D. Kim Campbell
Answer: B. Agnes Macphail — Agnes Macphail was a farmer and teacher.
In what year did Quebec grant women the vote?: A. 1940
B. 1916
C. 1960
D. 1918
Answer: A. 1940 — Thanks to the work of Thérèse Casgrain and others.
Whose work helped Quebec women win the vote in 1940?: A. Laura Secord
B. Emily Carr
C. Thérèse Casgrain
D. Agnes Macphail
Answer: C. Thérèse Casgrain — Thérèse Casgrain and others campaigned for the vote in Quebec.
What nickname was given to the more than 3,000 nurses who served in the First World War?: A. Bluebirds
B. Bluenoses
C. Angels
D. Mounties
Answer: A. Bluebirds — They served in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, 2,500 of them overseas.
Who wrote the poem 'In Flanders Fields' in 1915?: A. Pauline Johnson
B. Calixa Lavallée
C. Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae
D. Stephen Leacock
Answer: C. Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae — McCrae was a Canadian medical officer; the poem is often recited on Remembrance Day.
What do Canadians wear on Remembrance Day?: A. A red poppy
B. A blue ribbon
C. A maple leaf pin
D. A white rose
Answer: A. A red poppy — They also observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11.
When is the moment of silence observed on Remembrance Day?: A. At 9 a.m. on April 9
B. At midnight on December 31
C. At noon on July 1
D. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month
Answer: D. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — It honours over a million who have served and the 110,000 who gave their lives.
According to Discover Canada, how many Canadians have given their lives in all wars?: A. About 110,000
B. About 11,000
C. About 44,000
D. About 1 million
Answer: A. About 110,000 — Over a million have served; 110,000 gave their lives.
After the First World War, what did the British Empire evolve into?: A. The British Commonwealth of Nations
B. The United Nations
C. The European Union
D. NATO
Answer: A. The British Commonwealth of Nations — Canada remains a leading member of the Commonwealth.
Which of these countries is a fellow member of the Commonwealth with Canada?: A. France
B. Mexico
C. The United States
D. India
Answer: D. India — Other members include India, Australia, New Zealand and several African and Caribbean countries.
What were the 1920s known as in Canada?: A. The Roaring Twenties, boom times with low unemployment
B. The Quiet Revolution
C. The Great Upheaval
D. The Dirty Thirties
Answer: A. The Roaring Twenties, boom times with low unemployment — The 1920s were boom times for business.
What caused the Great Depression, or 'Dirty Thirties'?: A. The First World War
B. The Halifax Explosion
C. The end of the fur trade
D. The stock market crash of 1929
Answer: D. The stock market crash of 1929 — Unemployment reached 27% in 1933.
What was the unemployment rate in Canada in 1933?: A. 27%
B. 2%
C. 7%
D. 50%
Answer: A. 27% — Many businesses were wiped out during the Depression.
Who were hit hardest by the Great Depression?: A. Fishermen in BC
B. Miners in Yukon
C. Farmers in Western Canada
D. Bankers in Toronto
Answer: C. Farmers in Western Canada — Low grain prices and a terrible drought hit Western farmers hardest.
In what year was the Bank of Canada created?: A. 1929
B. 1867
C. 1945
D. 1934
Answer: D. 1934 — The central bank manages the money supply and brings stability to the financial system.
What is the role of the Bank of Canada?: A. To collect income tax
B. To run the post office
C. To pay soldiers
D. To manage the money supply and bring stability to the financial system
Answer: D. To manage the money supply and bring stability to the financial system — The Bank of Canada was created in 1934.
Whom did Canada turn away in 1939, a policy now regretted?: A. British soldiers
B. American farmers
C. Jews trying to flee Nazi Germany
D. French priests
Answer: C. Jews trying to flee Nazi Germany — During the Depression immigration dropped and many refugees were turned away.
How did the Second World War begin in 1939?: A. The United States declared war
B. Japan attacked Hong Kong
C. Hitler invaded Poland
D. France invaded Germany
Answer: C. Hitler invaded Poland — Canada joined its democratic allies to defeat tyranny.
How many Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the Second World War?: A. About 100,000
B. About 10 million
C. More than one million
D. About 600,000
Answer: C. More than one million — From a population of 11.5 million; 44,000 were killed.
Where did Canadians suffer losses defending against Imperial Japan in 1941?: A. Manila
B. Singapore
C. Hong Kong
D. Pearl Harbor
Answer: C. Hong Kong — Canadians fought bravely in the unsuccessful defence of Hong Kong.
What happened at Dieppe in 1942?: A. A naval victory in the Atlantic
B. The liberation of the Netherlands
C. The D-Day landing
D. A failed Canadian raid on the coast of Nazi-controlled France
Answer: D. A failed Canadian raid on the coast of Nazi-controlled France — Canadians suffered heavy losses in the failed raid.
How many Allied air crew were trained in Canada under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan?: A. Over 1 million
B. About 3,000
C. About 13,000
D. Over 130,000
Answer: D. Over 130,000 — Canada contributed more to the Allied air effort than any other Commonwealth country.
What was the Royal Canadian Navy's 'finest hour' in the Second World War?: A. The Battle of the Atlantic
B. D-Day
C. The defence of Hong Kong
D. The Battle of Britain
Answer: A. The Battle of the Atlantic — The navy protected convoys of merchant ships against German submarines.
At the end of the Second World War, what was the size of Canada's navy compared to the world's?: A. Tenth-largest
B. Largest in the world
C. Smallest in NATO
D. Third-largest in the world
Answer: D. Third-largest in the world — Canada had the third-largest navy in the world in 1945.
Which beach did Canadian troops capture on D-Day?: A. Sword Beach
B. Juno Beach
C. Omaha Beach
D. Gold Beach
Answer: B. Juno Beach — On June 6, 1944, 15,000 Canadian troops stormed Juno Beach in Normandy.
What was the date of D-Day?: A. June 6, 1944
B. September 1, 1939
C. May 8, 1945
D. November 11, 1918
Answer: A. June 6, 1944 — The Allies invaded Normandy on June 6, 1944.
About what share of Allied soldiers on D-Day were Canadian?: A. About half
B. About one in a hundred
C. About three in four
D. About one in ten
Answer: D. About one in ten — Approximately one in ten Allied soldiers on D-Day was Canadian.
Which country did the Canadian Army liberate in 1944–45?: A. Norway
B. Poland
C. The Netherlands
D. Italy
Answer: C. The Netherlands — Canadians also took part in the liberation of Italy in 1943–44.
On what date did Germany surrender, ending the war in Europe?: A. August 14, 1945
B. May 8, 1945
C. June 6, 1944
D. November 11, 1918
Answer: B. May 8, 1945 — Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945, after six years of war in Europe.
On what date did Japan surrender?: A. May 8, 1945
B. December 7, 1941
C. August 14, 1945
D. November 11, 1918
Answer: C. August 14, 1945 — Japan's surrender ended four years of war in the Pacific.
What happened to Canadians of Japanese origin during the Second World War?: A. They were forcibly relocated and their property sold without compensation
B. Nothing changed for them
C. They were given free land
D. They were made officers
Answer: A. They were forcibly relocated and their property sold without compensation — The government apologized in 1988 and compensated the victims.
In what year did the Government of Canada apologize for the wartime treatment of Japanese Canadians?: A. 1945
B. 2008
C. 2006
D. 1988
Answer: D. 1988 — The government apologized and compensated the victims in 1988.
Which Japanese attacks reached Canada during the Second World War?: A. Invasion of Newfoundland
B. Attack on Halifax harbour
C. A lighthouse on Vancouver Island was attacked and fire balloons were launched over BC and the Prairies
D. Bombing of Toronto
Answer: C. A lighthouse on Vancouver Island was attacked and fire balloons were launched over BC and the Prairies — Japan also invaded the Aleutian Islands.
Who was Phil Edwards?: A. A Canadian track champion who won Olympic bronze in 1928, 1932 and 1936 and became a doctor
B. The inventor of insulin
C. A prime minister
D. An explorer of the Arctic
Answer: A. A Canadian track champion who won Olympic bronze in 1928, 1932 and 1936 and became a doctor — Born in British Guiana, he served as a captain in the Second World War.
Which trade agreement opened up the world's restrictive trading policies after the Depression, and is now the WTO?: A. NAFTA
B. NATO
C. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
D. The Commonwealth
Answer: C. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) — GATT is now the World Trade Organization.
What began Canada's modern energy industry in 1947?: A. The first nuclear plant
B. Coal mining in Nova Scotia
C. Hydro dams in Quebec
D. The discovery of oil in Alberta
Answer: D. The discovery of oil in Alberta — The discovery of oil in Alberta in 1947 began the modern energy industry.
In what year could a majority of Canadians first afford adequate food, shelter and clothing?: A. 1951
B. 1929
C. 1867
D. 1970
Answer: A. 1951 — Postwar Canada enjoyed record prosperity.
Between 1945 and 1970, how did Canada's economy compare to other industrialized nations?: A. It was in depression
B. It was the weakest
C. It was one of the strongest
D. It was closed to trade
Answer: C. It was one of the strongest — Canada drew closer to the United States and other trading partners.
Which country is Canada's most important trading partner, according to Discover Canada?: A. The United Kingdom
B. China
C. Japan
D. The United States
Answer: D. The United States — Canada's high standard of living is maintained by hard work and trade, particularly with the United States.
What does the Canada Health Act ensure?: A. Free housing
B. Common elements and a basic standard of health coverage
C. Free university
D. A guaranteed job
Answer: B. Common elements and a basic standard of health coverage — The Canada Health Act ensures common elements and a basic standard of coverage.
When did the federal government introduce unemployment insurance (now employment insurance)?: A. 1867
B. 1982
C. 1965
D. 1940
Answer: D. 1940 — Unemployment insurance was introduced in 1940.
When were the Canada and Quebec Pension Plans created?: A. 1965
B. 1982
C. 1940
D. 1927
Answer: A. 1965 — Old Age Security was devised in 1927; the Canada and Quebec Pension Plans came in 1965.
As early as what year was Old Age Security devised?: A. 1965
B. 1951
C. 1867
D. 1927
Answer: D. 1927 — Old Age Security was devised as early as 1927.
Who provides publicly funded education in Canada?: A. The provinces and territories
B. Private companies
C. Municipal governments only
D. The federal government
Answer: A. The provinces and territories — Education is a provincial and territorial responsibility.
Which military alliance did Canada help form with Western democracies during the Cold War?: A. La Francophonie
B. NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
C. The Commonwealth
D. The Warsaw Pact
Answer: B. NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization — Canada also joined the United States in NORAD.
What is NORAD?: A. The North American Aerospace Defence Command, shared with the United States
B. A trade agreement with Mexico
C. A UN peacekeeping mission
D. A Canadian railway
Answer: A. The North American Aerospace Defence Command, shared with the United States — Canada and the United States share continental air defence in NORAD.
How did the Cold War begin, according to Discover Canada?: A. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor
B. The United States invaded Canada
C. Several liberated countries of eastern Europe became part of a Communist bloc controlled by the Soviet Union
D. Britain left the Commonwealth
Answer: C. Several liberated countries of eastern Europe became part of a Communist bloc controlled by the Soviet Union — The Soviet bloc was controlled by the dictator Josef Stalin.
In which war did Canada take part in the UN operation defending South Korea?: A. The Korean War, 1950–53
B. The Boer War
C. The Gulf War
D. The Vietnam War
Answer: A. The Korean War, 1950–53 — About 500 Canadians died and 1,000 were wounded.
Which of these is a place where Canada took part in UN peacekeeping missions?: A. Cyprus
B. Iceland
C. Brazil
D. Australia
Answer: A. Cyprus — Missions included Egypt, Cyprus and Haiti.
What international organization did Canada join after the Second World War?: A. The African Union
B. The League of Arab States
C. The Warsaw Pact
D. The United Nations
Answer: D. The United Nations — Canada joined international organizations such as the United Nations.
What was Quebec's era of rapid change in the 1960s called?: A. The Roaring Twenties
B. The Great Upheaval
C. The Dirty Thirties
D. The Quiet Revolution
Answer: D. The Quiet Revolution — Many Quebecers sought to separate from Canada during this time.
In 1963, what did Parliament establish?: A. The Bank of Canada
B. The Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism
C. The RCMP
D. The Charter of Rights
Answer: B. The Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism — It led to the Official Languages Act of 1969.
What does the Official Languages Act of 1969 guarantee?: A. English as the only language in Ontario
B. French as the only language in Quebec
C. French and English services in the federal government across Canada
D. Free language classes in all schools
Answer: C. French and English services in the federal government across Canada — It followed the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism.
In 1970, which international association of French-speaking countries did Canada help found?: A. NATO
B. The Commonwealth
C. The OAS
D. La Francophonie
Answer: D. La Francophonie — Canada helped found La Francophonie in 1970.
In which years did Quebec hold referendums in which sovereignty was defeated?: A. 1967 and 1982
B. 1980 and 1995
C. 1970 and 1990
D. 1960 and 2000
Answer: B. 1980 and 1995 — Quebec's autonomy within Canada remains a lively topic.
In 1982, how was the Constitution amended?: A. By the Supreme Court
B. With a national referendum
C. By the British Parliament only
D. Without the agreement of Quebec
Answer: D. Without the agreement of Quebec — After much negotiation, the Constitution was amended in 1982 without Quebec's agreement.
In what year did Japanese Canadians, the last Canadians of Asian descent denied the vote, gain the right to vote?: A. 1982
B. 1948
C. 1918
D. 1960
Answer: B. 1948 — Most Canadians of Asian descent had in the past been denied the vote.
In what year were Indigenous people granted the vote?: A. 1918
B. 1867
C. 1960
D. 1982
Answer: C. 1960 — Aboriginal (Indigenous) people were granted the vote in 1960.
About how many Hungarian refugees escaping Soviet tyranny did Canada welcome in 1956?: A. About 3,700
B. About 370,000
C. About 37,000
D. About 50,000
Answer: C. About 37,000 — Canada welcomed thousands of refugees from Communist oppression.
After the Communist victory in Vietnam in 1975, how many Vietnamese sought refuge in Canada?: A. About 500,000
B. About 1,000
C. About 5,000
D. Over 50,000
Answer: D. Over 50,000 — Many Vietnamese fled; over 50,000 came to Canada.
By the 1960s, what share of Canadians had origins that were neither British nor French?: A. One-third
B. One-tenth
C. Two-thirds
D. Almost none
Answer: A. One-third — This gave new impetus to the idea of multiculturalism.
Which group of painters, founded in 1920, captured Canada's rugged wilderness landscapes?: A. The Beaver Club
B. Les Automatistes
C. The Painters Eleven
D. The Group of Seven
Answer: D. The Group of Seven — The Group of Seven is perhaps Canada's best-known visual arts movement.
Who painted the forests and Indigenous artifacts of the West Coast?: A. Emily Carr
B. Kenojuak Ashevak
C. Jean-Paul Riopelle
D. Tom Thomson
Answer: A. Emily Carr — Emily Carr is celebrated for West Coast forests and Indigenous art.
Which Quebec group pioneered modern abstract art in the 1950s?: A. The Painters of Montreal
B. The Group of Seven
C. The Beaver Hall Group
D. Les Automatistes, notably Jean-Paul Riopelle
Answer: D. Les Automatistes, notably Jean-Paul Riopelle — Jean-Paul Riopelle was the best-known Automatiste.
Who pioneered modern Inuit art with etchings, prints and soapstone sculptures?: A. Kenojuak Ashevak
B. Bill Reid
C. Louis-Philippe Hébert
D. Emily Carr
Answer: A. Kenojuak Ashevak — Kenojuak Ashevak pioneered modern Inuit art.
Louis-Philippe Hébert of Quebec was a celebrated what?: A. Inventor
B. Prime minister
C. Hockey player
D. Sculptor of historical figures
Answer: D. Sculptor of historical figures — Hébert sculpted many historical figures.
Which of these is a Canadian filmmaker named in Discover Canada?: A. Denys Arcand
B. Alfred Hitchcock
C. Federico Fellini
D. Steven Spielberg
Answer: A. Denys Arcand — Denys Arcand, Norman Jewison and Atom Egoyan are named.
Which of these is a Canadian writer named in Discover Canada?: A. Charles Dickens
B. Mark Twain
C. Margaret Laurence
D. Victor Hugo
Answer: C. Margaret Laurence — Writers named include Stephen Leacock, Louis Hémon, Pauline Johnson, Émile Nelligan, Robertson Davies, Margaret Laurence and Mordecai Richler.
Who had the idea for the telephone at his summer house in Canada?: A. Reginald Fessenden
B. Sandford Fleming
C. Alexander Graham Bell
D. Thomas Edison
Answer: C. Alexander Graham Bell — Bell hit on the idea at his summer house in Canada.
Who invented the snowmobile?: A. John Hopps
B. Joseph-Armand Bombardier
C. Alexander Graham Bell
D. Mike Lazaridis
Answer: B. Joseph-Armand Bombardier — Bombardier invented the snowmobile, a lightweight winter vehicle.
Who invented the worldwide system of standard time zones?: A. Sir John A. Macdonald
B. Wilder Penfield
C. Reginald Fessenden
D. Sir Sandford Fleming
Answer: D. Sir Sandford Fleming — Fleming invented standard time zones.
Who invented the first electric light bulb and later sold the patent to Thomas Edison?: A. Bell and Fessenden
B. Lazaridis and Balsillie
C. Matthew Evans and Henry Woodward
D. Banting and Best
Answer: C. Matthew Evans and Henry Woodward — Edison more famously commercialized the light bulb.
Who sent the first wireless voice message in the world?: A. Reginald Fessenden
B. Alexander Graham Bell
C. Marshall McLuhan
D. Guglielmo Marconi
Answer: A. Reginald Fessenden — Fessenden contributed to the invention of radio.
Which pioneering McGill brain surgeon was known as 'the greatest living Canadian'?: A. Dr. John Hopps
B. Dr. Norman Bethune
C. Dr. Wilder Penfield
D. Dr. Frederick Banting
Answer: C. Dr. Wilder Penfield — Penfield was a pioneering brain surgeon in Montreal.
Who invented the first cardiac pacemaker?: A. Dr. John A. Hopps
B. Dr. Wilder Penfield
C. Charles Best
D. Joseph-Armand Bombardier
Answer: A. Dr. John A. Hopps — The pacemaker saves the lives of people with heart disorders.
Who invented the Canadarm, a robotic arm used in outer space?: A. NASA alone
B. Bombardier
C. SPAR Aerospace and the National Research Council
D. Research In Motion
Answer: C. SPAR Aerospace and the National Research Council — The Canadarm is used on space missions.
Which company, founded by Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, invented the BlackBerry?: A. Research In Motion (RIM)
B. Bell Canada
C. SPAR Aerospace
D. Nortel
Answer: A. Research In Motion (RIM) — RIM was a wireless communications company.
Who discovered insulin?: A. Bell and Fessenden
B. Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best
C. Wilder Penfield and John Hopps
D. Herzberg and Polanyi
Answer: B. Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best — Insulin, a hormone to treat diabetes, has saved millions of lives worldwide.
Which sport was invented by Canadian James Naismith in 1891?: A. Basketball
B. Ice hockey
C. Baseball
D. Lacrosse
Answer: A. Basketball — James Naismith invented basketball in 1891.
Who became a world-record sprinter and double Olympic gold medallist in 1996?: A. Wayne Gretzky
B. Mark Tewksbury
C. Terry Fox
D. Donovan Bailey
Answer: D. Donovan Bailey — Bailey won at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Who became a world champion wheelchair racer and Paralympic gold medallist?: A. Rick Hansen
B. Chantal Petitclerc
C. Silken Laumann
D. Clara Hughes
Answer: B. Chantal Petitclerc — Chantal Petitclerc is named in Discover Canada.
For which team did Wayne Gretzky play from 1979 to 1988?: A. The Edmonton Oilers
B. The Toronto Maple Leafs
C. The Montreal Canadiens
D. The Calgary Flames
Answer: A. The Edmonton Oilers — Gretzky is one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
What was Terry Fox's 1980 cross-country run called?: A. The Great Trek
B. The Run for Canada
C. The Marathon of Hope
D. The Man in Motion Tour
Answer: C. The Marathon of Hope — He ran to raise money for cancer research after losing a leg to cancer.
Who circled the globe in a wheelchair in 1985 to raise funds for spinal cord research?: A. Chantal Petitclerc
B. Rick Hansen
C. Donovan Bailey
D. Terry Fox
Answer: B. Rick Hansen — Rick Hansen, like Terry Fox, is from British Columbia.
Who scored 'the goal heard around the world' in the 1972 Canada–Soviet Summit Series?: A. Maurice Richard
B. Wayne Gretzky
C. Bobby Orr
D. Paul Henderson
Answer: D. Paul Henderson — Henderson's winning goal is remembered as an important sports and cultural event.
Which two Canadians were pioneer thinkers in communications?: A. Banting and Best
B. Bell and Edison
C. Marshall McLuhan and Harold Innis
D. Laurier and King
Answer: C. Marshall McLuhan and Harold Innis — Canadian advances changed the way the world communicates.
Since what year have the Canadian Space Agency and Canadian astronauts taken part in space exploration?: A. 1967
B. 1989
C. 1957
D. 2001
Answer: B. 1989 — They often use the Canadian-designed Canadarm.
Which of these is a Nobel Prize-winning Canadian scientist named in Discover Canada?: A. Gerhard Herzberg
B. Isaac Newton
C. Marie Curie
D. Albert Einstein
Answer: A. Gerhard Herzberg — Herzberg, a refugee from Nazi Germany, is named with Polanyi, Altman, Taylor, Smith and Brockhouse.
What is Canada's national winter sport?: A. Curling
B. Skiing
C. Lacrosse
D. Ice hockey
Answer: D. Ice hockey — Canadian teams have dominated world hockey. Lacrosse is the national summer sport.
Mark Tewksbury is known as an Olympic gold medallist and what else?: A. A hockey coach
B. A prime minister
C. A prominent activist for gay and lesbian Canadians
D. An astronaut
Answer: C. A prominent activist for gay and lesbian Canadians — Tewksbury is named in Discover Canada.
Where can you learn more about Canada's history, according to Discover Canada?: A. At museums and national historic sites
B. Only in Ottawa
C. Only online
D. Only at universities
Answer: A. At museums and national historic sites — Museums are in almost every city and town; historic sites are in every province and territory.

Rights · 50

When was the Charter of Rights and Freedoms added to the Constitution?: A. 1867
B. 1960
C. 1982
D. 1999
Answer: C. 1982 — April 17, 1982, as part of patriation.
Which of these is a fundamental freedom under the Charter?: A. The right to own property
B. Freedom of conscience and religion
C. The right to a driver's licence
D. The right to free health care
Answer: B. Freedom of conscience and religion — The fundamental freedoms are conscience and religion; thought, belief, opinion and expression; peaceful assembly; and association.
Which of these is a responsibility of citizenship?: A. Serving on a jury when called
B. Owning a home
C. Joining a political party
D. Speaking both official languages
Answer: A. Serving on a jury when called — Jury duty, obeying the law, voting, helping others and protecting the environment are listed as responsibilities.
What are Canada's two official languages?: A. English and Indigenous languages
B. English and French
C. French and Inuktitut
D. English only
Answer: B. English and French — Equal status in Parliament, the federal courts and the federal public service since the Official Languages Act of 1969.
In what year did Canada adopt multiculturalism as official policy?: A. 1867
B. 1960
C. 1971
D. 1988
Answer: C. 1971 — Canada was the first country in the world to do so, in 1971. An act followed in 1988.
Which three groups does the Constitution recognize as Aboriginal peoples?: A. First Nations, Inuit and Métis
B. Status, non-status and treaty
C. Cree, Inuit and Haida
D. First Nations and Inuit only
Answer: A. First Nations, Inuit and Métis — Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 names First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Which old English document is a root of Canadian rights?: A. The Declaration of Independence
B. Magna Carta
C. The Treaty of Paris
D. The Quebec Act
Answer: B. Magna Carta — Magna Carta of 1215, along with habeas corpus and the common law tradition.
What are the two basic things the citizenship test checks?: A. Knowledge of Canada and of citizens' rights and responsibilities, and adequate English or French
B. Your driving record and your address
C. Your job history and your income
D. Your knowledge of world history and mathematics
Answer: A. Knowledge of Canada and of citizens' rights and responsibilities, and adequate English or French — The test covers knowledge of Canada and of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, plus adequate knowledge of English or French.
Where do all citizenship test questions come from?: A. School textbooks from each province
B. The official study guide, Discover Canada
C. Questions chosen by the citizenship judge
D. Newspaper articles
Answer: B. The official study guide, Discover Canada — All the information needed for the test is in Discover Canada.
Is there compulsory military service in Canada?: A. No, military service is voluntary
B. Yes, for two years for all citizens
C. Only during elections
D. Yes, for all men at 18
Answer: A. No, military service is voluntary — There is no compulsory military service, but serving in the Canadian Forces is a noble way to contribute.
Which of these is a way to serve Canada and your community?: A. Ignoring local laws
B. Avoiding jury duty
C. Joining the Coast Guard, police, fire department or the reserves
D. Refusing to vote
Answer: C. Joining the Coast Guard, police, fire department or the reserves — You can serve in the regular forces, the reserves, the Coast Guard or emergency services.
Under Canadian law, how are men and women treated?: A. They are equal under the law
B. Women have more rights
C. Men have more rights
D. It depends on the province
Answer: A. They are equal under the law — In Canada, men and women are equal under the law.
What happens to people guilty of 'honour killings', forced marriage or other gender-based violence in Canada?: A. They receive a warning
B. They are severely punished under Canada's criminal laws
C. They pay a small fine
D. They are excused for cultural reasons
Answer: B. They are severely punished under Canada's criminal laws — Canada's openness does not extend to such practices; they are severely punished.
Which of these is a source of Canadian law?: A. Laws passed by Parliament and the provincial legislatures
B. Laws of the United States Congress
C. Decisions of foreign kings
D. The rules of private companies
Answer: A. Laws passed by Parliament and the provincial legislatures — Canadian law comes from Parliament and the legislatures, English common law, the civil code of France and the unwritten constitution inherited from Britain.
Which legal tradition comes from France?: A. Magna Carta
B. The civil code
C. The common law
D. Habeas corpus
Answer: B. The civil code — Canadian law draws on English common law and on the civil code of France.
When was Magna Carta signed?: A. 1492
B. 1867
C. 1066
D. 1215
Answer: D. 1215 — Magna Carta, the Great Charter of Freedoms, was signed in England in 1215.
What is another name for Magna Carta?: A. The Royal Proclamation
B. The Great Charter of Freedoms
C. The Act of Union
D. The Bill of Rights
Answer: B. The Great Charter of Freedoms — Magna Carta is also known as the Great Charter of Freedoms.
How old is the tradition of ordered liberty that Canadians inherited?: A. About 150 years
B. About 800 years, back to Magna Carta
C. About 400 years
D. About 2,000 years
Answer: B. About 800 years, back to Magna Carta — The tradition dates back to Magna Carta in 1215.
Which of these is a fundamental freedom in Canada?: A. Freedom of conscience and religion
B. Freedom from paying taxes
C. Freedom from jury duty
D. Freedom to ignore the law
Answer: A. Freedom of conscience and religion — Fundamental freedoms include conscience and religion; thought, belief, opinion and expression; peaceful assembly; and association.
Freedom of speech and of the press is part of which freedom?: A. Freedom of association
B. Minority language rights
C. Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression
D. Mobility rights
Answer: C. Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression — Freedom of expression includes freedom of speech and of the press.
Which of these is NOT a fundamental freedom listed in Discover Canada?: A. Freedom of association
B. Freedom of peaceful assembly
C. Freedom to carry weapons
D. Freedom of conscience and religion
Answer: C. Freedom to carry weapons — The listed freedoms are conscience and religion; thought and expression; peaceful assembly; and association.
What is habeas corpus?: A. The right to a passport
B. The right to challenge unlawful detention by the state
C. The right to vote
D. The right to free health care
Answer: B. The right to challenge unlawful detention by the state — Habeas corpus comes from English common law.
Where does habeas corpus come from?: A. English common law
B. The Quebec Act
C. The Indian Act
D. The French civil code
Answer: A. English common law — Habeas corpus, the right to challenge unlawful detention, comes from English common law.
In what year was the Constitution amended to entrench the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?: A. 1931
B. 1960
C. 1982
D. 1867
Answer: C. 1982 — The Constitution was amended in 1982 to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
How does the Charter of Rights and Freedoms begin?: A. "We the people of Canada"
B. "From sea to sea"
C. "Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law"
D. "Peace, order and good government"
Answer: C. "Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law" — The opening words underline religious traditions and the dignity and worth of the human person.
What do mobility rights allow Canadians to do?: A. Drive without a licence
B. Move into any home without paying
C. Live and work anywhere in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport
D. Vote in any province
Answer: C. Live and work anywhere in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport — Mobility rights are one of the main rights in the Charter.
What does the Charter say about Indigenous peoples' rights?: A. Indigenous peoples cannot vote
B. Only Inuit have rights
C. Indigenous rights were cancelled
D. Charter rights will not adversely affect treaty or other rights of Indigenous peoples
Answer: D. Charter rights will not adversely affect treaty or other rights of Indigenous peoples — Charter rights will not adversely affect any treaty or other rights or freedoms of Aboriginal (Indigenous) peoples.
Under the Charter, what status do English and French have in Parliament and the federal government?: A. French is higher
B. Only English is official
C. English is higher
D. Equal status
Answer: D. Equal status — French and English have equal status in Parliament and throughout the government.
According to Discover Canada, what is multiculturalism?: A. A provincial holiday
B. A type of tax
C. A fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity
D. A law that bans immigration
Answer: C. A fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity — Canadians celebrate one another's presence and work to respect pluralism and live in harmony.
What does the rule of law mean?: A. Laws apply only to new citizens
B. Police decide what is legal
C. Individuals and governments are regulated by laws, and no one is above the law
D. The prime minister makes all the laws
Answer: C. Individuals and governments are regulated by laws, and no one is above the law — The rule of law is one of Canada's founding principles.
If you are called to serve on a jury, what must you do?: A. Serve, because you are legally required to
B. Ignore it if you are busy
C. Only go if you agree with the case
D. Pay someone to go instead
Answer: A. Serve, because you are legally required to — Serving on a jury is a legal requirement and a privilege that makes the justice system work.
Why is jury duty important?: A. The justice system depends on impartial juries made up of citizens
B. It is a way to meet politicians
C. Jurors are paid a high salary
D. It replaces paying taxes
Answer: A. The justice system depends on impartial juries made up of citizens — Serving on a jury is a privilege that makes the justice system work.
The right to vote comes with which responsibility?: A. The responsibility to run for office
B. The responsibility to vote in federal, provincial or territorial and local elections
C. The responsibility to work for Elections Canada
D. The responsibility to join a party
Answer: B. The responsibility to vote in federal, provincial or territorial and local elections — The right to vote comes with a responsibility to vote.
Which of these is described as an important Canadian value?: A. Keeping to yourself and never volunteering
B. Avoiding work
C. Getting a job, taking care of your family and working hard
D. Depending on others for everything
Answer: C. Getting a job, taking care of your family and working hard — Taking responsibility for oneself and one's family is a citizen's responsibility; work contributes to dignity and prosperity.
What does Discover Canada say about volunteering?: A. It is discouraged
B. It is only for students
C. It is an excellent way to gain skills and develop friends and contacts
D. It is required by law
Answer: C. It is an excellent way to gain skills and develop friends and contacts — Millions of volunteers donate their time to help others without pay.
Which is a responsibility related to the environment?: A. Hunting endangered animals
B. Cutting down national parks
C. Dumping garbage in rivers
D. Avoiding waste and pollution and protecting Canada's heritage
Answer: D. Avoiding waste and pollution and protecting Canada's heritage — Every citizen has a role in avoiding waste and pollution and protecting natural, cultural and architectural heritage.
Which key phrase from the British North America Act of 1867 describes the commitment of Canada's institutions?: A. Liberty, equality, fraternity
B. Strong and free
C. Peace, order and good government
D. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
Answer: C. Peace, order and good government — "Peace, Order and Good Government" is a key phrase in the 1867 constitution.
Canada is the only constitutional monarchy in which region?: A. Asia
B. Europe
C. The Commonwealth
D. North America
Answer: D. North America — Canada is the only constitutional monarchy in North America.
What are Canada's three founding peoples?: A. French, Spanish and Dutch
B. Indigenous, French and British
C. British, American and Chinese
D. English, Scottish and Irish
Answer: B. Indigenous, French and British — To understand what it means to be Canadian, it is important to know about the three founding peoples.
Which Governor General said immigrant groups 'should retain their individuality and each make its contribution to the national character'?: A. Lord Stanley
B. John Buchan, Lord Tweedsmuir
C. Vincent Massey
D. Lord Durham
Answer: B. John Buchan, Lord Tweedsmuir — John Buchan was a popular Governor General from 1935 to 1940.
What have poets and songwriters called Canada?: A. The Old Country
B. The Middle Kingdom
C. The Great Dominion
D. The Land of the Free
Answer: C. The Great Dominion — Canadians built a prosperous society from the Atlantic to the Pacific and the Arctic — the 'Great Dominion'.
What constitutional tradition did Canada inherit?: A. The oldest continuous constitutional tradition in the world
B. A tradition copied from the United States
C. A tradition from ancient Rome only
D. A tradition invented in 1982
Answer: A. The oldest continuous constitutional tradition in the world — Canada inherited the oldest continuous constitutional tradition in the world.
Which of these is a way to help others in the community?: A. Avoiding your neighbours
B. Volunteering at a food bank or helping newcomers settle
C. Refusing to vote
D. Breaking the law
Answer: B. Volunteering at a food bank or helping newcomers settle — Helping others in the community is a citizen's responsibility.
Who does the rule of law apply to?: A. Everyone except politicians
B. Only new immigrants
C. Everyone, including governments; no person or group is above the law
D. Only citizens
Answer: C. Everyone, including governments; no person or group is above the law — Individuals and governments are regulated by laws, not by arbitrary actions.
What can young people learn by joining the cadets?: A. How to run for Parliament
B. Discipline, responsibility and skills
C. How to become a judge
D. How to avoid school
Answer: B. Discipline, responsibility and skills — Young people can learn discipline, responsibility and skills through the cadets.
How can you prepare for the citizenship test, according to Discover Canada?: A. Memorize a map of Europe
B. Study the guide and practise questions with friends or family
C. Read only provincial newspapers
D. Nothing; there is no way to prepare
Answer: B. Study the guide and practise questions with friends or family — The guide also suggests citizenship classes and free government language classes.
Which language classes does the Government of Canada offer free of charge to newcomers?: A. English or French
B. Mandarin
C. Spanish
D. Any language you choose
Answer: A. English or French — The guide encourages applicants to take free English or French classes.
At a citizenship ceremony, what do new citizens do?: A. Write the test again
B. Take the Oath of Citizenship
C. Elect a new mayor
D. Sign up for military service
Answer: B. Take the Oath of Citizenship — New citizens take the oath and receive their certificate; family and friends are encouraged to attend.
To whom do new citizens swear allegiance in the Oath of Citizenship?: A. The Governor General
B. The Chief Justice
C. The King of Canada, His Majesty King Charles the Third, his heirs and successors
D. The prime minister
Answer: C. The King of Canada, His Majesty King Charles the Third, his heirs and successors — The oath is to the Sovereign. Since 2021 it also includes a promise to uphold treaty rights of Indigenous peoples.
Since 2021, the Oath of Citizenship also includes a promise to do what?: A. Learn both official languages
B. Respect the Constitution, including the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples
C. Live in Canada for life
D. Serve in the military
Answer: B. Respect the Constitution, including the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples — Bill C-8 added this recognition of Indigenous and treaty rights to the oath in June 2021.

Symbols · 69

When was the maple leaf flag first raised?: A. July 1, 1867
B. February 15, 1965
C. July 1, 1980
D. April 17, 1982
Answer: B. February 15, 1965 — Raised on Parliament Hill at noon after six months of debate in Parliament.
What is the motto on Canada's coat of arms?: A. Je me souviens
B. A Mari Usque Ad Mare
C. Peace, Order and Good Government
D. Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet
Answer: B. A Mari Usque Ad Mare — From sea to sea.
What are Canada's national sports?: A. Hockey and curling
B. Hockey and lacrosse
C. Lacrosse and football
D. Hockey only
Answer: B. Hockey and lacrosse — A 1994 act named hockey the national winter sport and lacrosse the national summer sport.
When did O Canada become the official national anthem?: A. 1867
B. 1880
C. 1965
D. 1980
Answer: D. 1980 — July 1, 1980, a century after it was first performed.
What is remembered on November 11?: A. Confederation
B. The armistice that ended the First World War, and all Canada's war dead
C. The adoption of the flag
D. The Battle of Vimy Ridge
Answer: B. The armistice that ended the First World War, and all Canada's war dead — The poppy comes from John McCrae's In Flanders Fields, written at Ypres in 1915.
Which animal became an official emblem of Canada in 1975?: A. The moose
B. The beaver
C. The Canada goose
D. The polar bear
Answer: B. The beaver — The beaver is tied to the fur trade and appeared on the first Canadian stamp in 1851.
For how long has the Crown been a symbol of the state in Canada?: A. 1,000 years
B. 50 years
C. 400 years
D. 100 years
Answer: C. 400 years — The Crown is a symbol of government, Parliament, the courts, police and the Canadian Forces.
Since when has Canada been a constitutional monarchy in its own right?: A. Since 1931
B. Since 1608
C. Since 1982
D. Since Confederation in 1867, during Queen Victoria's reign
Answer: D. Since Confederation in 1867, during Queen Victoria's reign — Canada became a constitutional monarchy in its own right at Confederation.
What does the Crown symbolize in Canada?: A. Only the Royal Family's wealth
B. The Catholic Church
C. The Hudson's Bay Company
D. Government, including Parliament, the legislatures, courts, police and the Canadian Forces
Answer: D. Government, including Parliament, the legislatures, courts, police and the Canadian Forces — The Crown is a symbol of the state.
Who is the current King of Canada?: A. King Charles III
B. King Edward VIII
C. King George VI
D. King William V
Answer: A. King Charles III — Charles III became King on September 8, 2022, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
In what year was the current Canadian flag raised for the first time?: A. 1867
B. 1965
C. 1921
D. 1982
Answer: B. 1965 — The maple leaf flag was first raised on February 15, 1965.
Where does the red-white-red pattern of Canada's flag come from?: A. The Union Jack
B. The flag of France
C. The Hudson's Bay Company flag
D. The flag of the Royal Military College in Kingston
Answer: D. The flag of the Royal Military College in Kingston — The Royal Military College was founded in 1876.
Since what year have red and white been Canada's national colours?: A. 1759
B. 1965
C. 1867
D. 1921
Answer: D. 1921 — King George V assigned Canada's national colours in 1921.
Which king assigned Canada's national colours, red and white, in 1921?: A. King George III
B. King Charles II
C. King Edward VII
D. King George V
Answer: D. King George V — These are the colours of the national flag today.
What is Canada's official Royal Flag?: A. The Union Jack
B. The Red Ensign
C. The fleur-de-lys
D. The maple leaf flag
Answer: A. The Union Jack — The Union Jack is the official Royal Flag.
Which flag served as the Canadian flag for about 100 years before 1965?: A. The Union Jack only
B. The Royal Military College flag
C. The Canadian Red Ensign
D. The fleur-de-lys
Answer: C. The Canadian Red Ensign — Since 2005 the Red Ensign has been carried officially by veterans.
What is Canada's best-known symbol?: A. The beaver
B. The fleur-de-lys
C. The Crown
D. The maple leaf
Answer: D. The maple leaf — Maple leaves were adopted as a symbol by French Canadians in the 1700s.
Who first adopted the maple leaf as a symbol, in the 1700s?: A. French Canadians
B. The Hudson's Bay Company
C. The Loyalists
D. The British army
Answer: A. French Canadians — Maple leaves have appeared on Canadian uniforms and insignia since the 1850s.
Where are maple leaves carved to honour the fallen?: A. On hockey sticks
B. On the Stanley Cup
C. On the Peace Arch
D. On the headstones of Canadian soldiers buried overseas and in Canada
Answer: D. On the headstones of Canadian soldiers buried overseas and in Canada — Maple leaves mark the headstones of fallen soldiers.
Which symbol was adopted by the French king in 496, according to tradition?: A. The Crown
B. The beaver
C. The maple leaf
D. The fleur-de-lys
Answer: D. The fleur-de-lys — It became the symbol of French royalty for over 1,000 years, including New France.
In what year did Quebec adopt its own flag, based on the cross and the fleur-de-lys?: A. 1980
B. 1965
C. 1867
D. 1948
Answer: D. 1948 — Quebec's flag, the Fleurdelisé, was adopted in 1948.
What is Canada's national motto?: A. Je me souviens
B. E pluribus unum
C. Dieu et mon droit
D. A mari usque ad mare
Answer: D. A mari usque ad mare — After the First World War Canada adopted an official coat of arms and motto.
What does 'A mari usque ad mare' mean?: A. From sea to sea
B. Strong and free
C. True north
D. God save the King
Answer: A. From sea to sea — The Latin motto means 'from sea to sea'.
The Canadian coat of arms contains symbols of which countries?: A. Spain and Portugal
B. The United States and Mexico
C. England, France, Scotland and Ireland
D. Germany and Italy
Answer: C. England, France, Scotland and Ireland — The arms also include red maple leaves.
Where can you see Canada's coat of arms?: A. Only in museums
B. On hockey jerseys only
C. On Quebec's flag
D. On dollar bills, government documents and public buildings
Answer: D. On dollar bills, government documents and public buildings — The arms were adopted as an expression of national pride after the First World War.
What architectural style is used in the Parliament Buildings?: A. Modern glass
B. Roman Baroque only
C. Gothic Revival
D. Chinese pagoda
Answer: C. Gothic Revival — They embody French, English and Indigenous traditions.
What happened to the Centre Block of Parliament in 1916?: A. It was opened
B. It was destroyed by an accidental fire
C. It was moved to Toronto
D. It was bombed
Answer: B. It was destroyed by an accidental fire — It was rebuilt in 1922; the Library is the only original part remaining.
Which is the only part of the original Parliament building still standing?: A. The Senate chamber
B. The Library
C. The Peace Tower
D. The House of Commons chamber
Answer: B. The Library — The Library survived the 1916 fire.
When was the Peace Tower completed, and in memory of what?: A. 1867, for Confederation
B. 1927, in memory of the First World War
C. 1982, for the Charter
D. 1945, for the Second World War
Answer: B. 1927, in memory of the First World War — Its Memorial Chamber contains the Books of Remembrance.
What is written in the Books of Remembrance?: A. The laws of Canada
B. The names of all prime ministers
C. The words of O Canada
D. The names of soldiers, sailors and airmen who died serving Canada
Answer: D. The names of soldiers, sailors and airmen who died serving Canada — The books are kept in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower.
In what architectural style is the Quebec National Assembly built?: A. Modern
B. Gothic Revival
C. French Second Empire
D. Romanesque
Answer: C. French Second Empire — Other provincial legislatures are Baroque, Romanesque and neoclassical.
What is Canada's most popular spectator sport?: A. Hockey
B. Soccer
C. Curling
D. Basketball
Answer: A. Hockey — Hockey is also the national winter sport; it was developed in Canada in the 1800s.
Who donated the Stanley Cup?: A. Wayne Gretzky
B. Sir John A. Macdonald
C. Queen Victoria
D. Lord Stanley, the Governor General, in 1892
Answer: D. Lord Stanley, the Governor General, in 1892 — NHL teams play for the Stanley Cup.
What is the Clarkson Cup awarded for?: A. Canadian football
B. Women's hockey
C. Men's curling
D. Lacrosse
Answer: B. Women's hockey — It was established in 2005 by Adrienne Clarkson, the 26th Governor General.
Who was the first Governor General of Asian origin?: A. Michaëlle Jean
B. Julie Payette
C. Adrienne Clarkson
D. Mary Simon
Answer: C. Adrienne Clarkson — Adrienne Clarkson was the 26th Governor General.
What is the second most popular sport in Canada, according to Discover Canada?: A. Basketball
B. Soccer
C. Canadian football
D. Baseball
Answer: C. Canadian football — Curling, introduced by Scottish pioneers, is also popular.
Which ice game was introduced to Canada by Scottish pioneers?: A. Figure skating
B. Ringette
C. Hockey
D. Curling
Answer: D. Curling — Curling is popular across Canada.
What is Canada's official summer sport?: A. Baseball
B. Lacrosse
C. Canadian football
D. Soccer
Answer: B. Lacrosse — Lacrosse is an ancient sport first played by Indigenous peoples.
Which sport has the most registered players in Canada?: A. Hockey
B. Lacrosse
C. Curling
D. Soccer
Answer: D. Soccer — Soccer has the most registered players of any game in Canada.
Which animal was a symbol of the Hudson's Bay Company and is on the five-cent coin?: A. The moose
B. The loon
C. The beaver
D. The polar bear
Answer: C. The beaver — The beaver is also on the coats of arms of Saskatchewan, Alberta, Montreal and Toronto.
In 1834, which French-Canadian patriotic association adopted the beaver as an emblem?: A. The Hudson's Bay Company
B. The St. Jean Baptiste Society
C. The Order of Good Cheer
D. The Patriotes
Answer: B. The St. Jean Baptiste Society — The beaver became an emblem of the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste in 1834.
For how long have English and French speakers lived together in Canada?: A. About 150 years
B. About 50 years
C. Since 1982
D. More than 300 years
Answer: D. More than 300 years — They have lived in partnership and creative tension.
Which of these is an objective of the Official Languages Act?: A. Ban bilingual signs
B. Require all citizens to speak both languages
C. Make English the only language of work
D. Maintain and develop official language minority communities
Answer: D. Maintain and develop official language minority communities — Its objectives: equality of French and English in federal institutions, support for minority communities, and promotion of equality in society.
What is the highest honour available to Canadians?: A. The Governor General's Award
B. The Victoria Cross
C. The Order of Canada
D. The Stanley Cup
Answer: B. The Victoria Cross — It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.
How many Canadians have been awarded the Victoria Cross since 1854?: A. 9
B. 1,000
C. 96
D. 960
Answer: C. 96 — The V.C. has been awarded to 96 Canadians.
Who was the first Canadian awarded the Victoria Cross?: A. William Hall
B. Alexander Roberts Dunn
C. Billy Bishop
D. Filip Konowal
Answer: B. Alexander Roberts Dunn — Dunn served in the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava in 1854.
Who was the first Black man awarded the Victoria Cross?: A. Paul Triquet
B. Robert Hampton Gray
C. Able Seaman William Hall of Nova Scotia
D. Alexander Dunn
Answer: C. Able Seaman William Hall of Nova Scotia — Hall, whose parents were American slaves, was honoured for the Siege of Lucknow in 1857.
Who was the first member of the Canadian Corps not born in the British Empire to win the Victoria Cross?: A. Paul Triquet
B. Arthur Currie
C. Corporal Filip Konowal, born in Ukraine
D. Billy Bishop
Answer: C. Corporal Filip Konowal, born in Ukraine — Konowal showed exceptional courage at Hill 70 in 1917.
Which First World War flying ace from Owen Sound, Ontario, earned the Victoria Cross?: A. Robert Hampton Gray
B. Paul Triquet
C. Captain Billy Bishop
D. Sam Steele
Answer: C. Captain Billy Bishop — Bishop was later an honorary Air Marshal of the RCAF.
Who earned the Victoria Cross leading an attack on Casa Berardi in Italy in 1943?: A. Alexander Dunn
B. Captain Paul Triquet of Cabano, Quebec
C. Billy Bishop
D. William Hall
Answer: B. Captain Paul Triquet of Cabano, Quebec — Triquet later became a Brigadier.
Who was the last Canadian to receive the Victoria Cross?: A. Paul Triquet
B. Billy Bishop
C. Filip Konowal
D. Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, a navy pilot from Trail, B.C.
Answer: D. Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, a navy pilot from Trail, B.C. — Gray was killed sinking a Japanese warship in August 1945.
In what year was O Canada proclaimed as the national anthem?: A. 1867
B. 1965
C. 1880
D. 1980
Answer: D. 1980 — It was first sung in Québec City in 1880.
Where and when was O Canada first sung?: A. Québec City, 1880
B. Halifax, 1758
C. Ottawa, 1867
D. Toronto, 1980
Answer: A. Québec City, 1880 — O Canada was proclaimed the national anthem a century later, in 1980.
Do English and French Canadians sing the same words to O Canada?: A. Only French is allowed
B. Yes, exactly the same
C. Only the chorus is different
D. No, they sing different words
Answer: D. No, they sing different words — The English and French versions have different lyrics.
Since 2018, the second line of the English O Canada reads 'True patriot love in all of...' what?: A. our hearts
B. thy sons command
C. the land
D. us command
Answer: D. us command — Parliament made the lyrics gender-neutral in 2018: 'in all of us command'.
What is Canada's Royal Anthem?: A. Rule, Britannia
B. God Save the King
C. O Canada
D. The Maple Leaf Forever
Answer: B. God Save the King — It can be played or sung on any occasion to honour the Sovereign.
When did Canada start its own honours system with the Order of Canada?: A. 1967, the centennial of Confederation
B. 1982
C. 1917
D. 1867
Answer: A. 1967, the centennial of Confederation — Before that, Canada used British honours.
Can citizens nominate someone for an honour such as the Order of Canada?: A. Only veterans
B. No, only the Prime Minister
C. Only MPs
D. Yes, anyone can nominate a fellow citizen
Answer: D. Yes, anyone can nominate a fellow citizen — Honours include orders, decorations and medals.
When is Canada Day?: A. November 11
B. July 1
C. June 24
D. May 24
Answer: B. July 1 — Canada Day marks Confederation on July 1, 1867.
When is Remembrance Day?: A. November 11
B. April 9
C. December 26
D. July 1
Answer: A. November 11 — It honours those who served and died.
When is Victoria Day?: A. June 24
B. July 1
C. The Monday preceding May 25
D. The first Monday of September
Answer: C. The Monday preceding May 25 — Victoria Day marks the Sovereign's birthday.
When is Labour Day?: A. May 1
B. July 1
C. The second Monday of October
D. The first Monday of September
Answer: D. The first Monday of September — Labour Day is the first Monday of September.
When is Thanksgiving Day in Canada?: A. December 26
B. The fourth Thursday of November
C. The second Monday of October
D. The first Monday of September
Answer: C. The second Monday of October — Canadian Thanksgiving is the second Monday of October.
What is celebrated in Quebec on June 24?: A. Remembrance Day
B. Canada Day
C. Labour Day
D. The Fête nationale (Feast of St. John the Baptist)
Answer: D. The Fête nationale (Feast of St. John the Baptist) — June 24 is the Fête nationale du Québec.
Which date is Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day?: A. July 1
B. April 9
C. November 20
D. January 11
Answer: C. November 20 — Discover Canada lists November 20 as Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day.
What is Boxing Day?: A. December 26
B. November 11
C. January 1
D. December 24
Answer: A. December 26 — Boxing Day follows Christmas Day.
Which group is the Snowbirds, a Canadian icon?: A. The 431 Air Demonstration Squadron
B. A ski team
C. A choir
D. A hockey team
Answer: A. The 431 Air Demonstration Squadron — The Snowbirds are the RCAF's aerobatic team.
Since 2005, who has officially carried the Canadian Red Ensign?: A. Veterans
B. Members of Parliament
C. The RCMP
D. Olympic athletes
Answer: A. Veterans — The Red Ensign served as the national flag for about 100 years.
Who was Queen Elizabeth II's great-great-grandmother, who chose Ottawa as the capital?: A. Queen Mary
B. Queen Alexandra
C. Queen Victoria
D. Queen Anne
Answer: C. Queen Victoria — Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital in 1857.

Geography · 104

What is the capital of Canada?: A. Toronto
B. Montreal
C. Ottawa
D. Victoria
Answer: C. Ottawa — Queen Victoria chose Ottawa in 1857. Toronto is the largest city.
How many provinces and territories does Canada have?: A. 10 provinces, 3 territories
B. 12 provinces, 2 territories
C. 10 provinces, 2 territories
D. 13 provinces
Answer: A. 10 provinces, 3 territories — Ten provinces and three territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Which three oceans border Canada?: A. Pacific, Atlantic, Indian
B. Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic
C. Atlantic, Arctic, Southern
D. Pacific, Arctic, Indian
Answer: B. Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic — Canada's motto, from sea to sea, predates the Arctic being counted as the third.
Which is Canada's longest river?: A. The St. Lawrence
B. The Fraser
C. The Mackenzie
D. The Yukon
Answer: C. The Mackenzie — About 4,200 kilometres, flowing north into the Arctic Ocean.
What is the highest mountain in Canada?: A. Mount Robson
B. Mount Logan
C. Mount Columbia
D. Mount Waddington
Answer: B. Mount Logan — Mount Logan in Yukon, 5,959 metres.
Which provinces make up Atlantic Canada?: A. Quebec, NB, NS, PEI
B. NL, PEI, NS, NB
C. NS, NB, PEI only
D. NL, NS, NB, Quebec
Answer: B. NL, PEI, NS, NB — Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Which two provinces are Central Canada?: A. Manitoba and Ontario
B. Ontario and Quebec
C. Quebec and New Brunswick
D. Ontario and Manitoba
Answer: B. Ontario and Quebec — Ontario and Quebec hold most of the population and most manufacturing.
Which province is the only one where most people speak French?: A. New Brunswick
B. Quebec
C. Manitoba
D. Ontario
Answer: B. Quebec — New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province, but Quebec is where most francophones live.
How large is Canada?: A. The second largest country on Earth, about 10 million square kilometres
B. About 1 million square kilometres
C. The fifth largest country
D. The largest country on Earth
Answer: A. The second largest country on Earth, about 10 million square kilometres — Only Russia is larger.
Which three oceans line Canada's frontiers?: A. Atlantic, Southern and Pacific
B. Pacific, Indian and Atlantic
C. Arctic, Indian and Southern
D. Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic
Answer: D. Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic — The Pacific is to the west, the Atlantic to the east and the Arctic to the north.
Which ocean is on Canada's western coast?: A. The Indian Ocean
B. The Atlantic Ocean
C. The Pacific Ocean
D. The Arctic Ocean
Answer: C. The Pacific Ocean — The Pacific lines the west coast.
What are Canada's five regions?: A. Coast, Plains, Mountains, Lakes and Islands
B. East, West, North, South and Centre
C. Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario, BC and Yukon
D. Atlantic, Central Canada, Prairies, West Coast and the North
Answer: D. Atlantic, Central Canada, Prairies, West Coast and the North — Canada includes five distinct regions.
On which river is Ottawa located?: A. The Ottawa River
B. The Fraser River
C. The Red River
D. The St. Lawrence River
Answer: A. The Ottawa River — Ottawa sits on the Ottawa River.
In what year was Ottawa chosen as the capital?: A. 1841
B. 1867
C. 1791
D. 1857
Answer: D. 1857 — Queen Victoria chose Ottawa in 1857.
What is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador?: A. Halifax
B. Gander
C. Charlottetown
D. St. John's
Answer: D. St. John's — St. John's is the capital.
What is the capital of Prince Edward Island?: A. Fredericton
B. Charlottetown
C. Halifax
D. Summerside
Answer: B. Charlottetown — Charlottetown is the capital.
What is the capital of Nova Scotia?: A. Sydney
B. Lunenburg
C. Halifax
D. Moncton
Answer: C. Halifax — Halifax is the capital.
What is the capital of New Brunswick?: A. Moncton
B. Halifax
C. Fredericton
D. Saint John
Answer: C. Fredericton — Fredericton is the historic capital; Saint John is the largest city.
What is the capital of Quebec?: A. Québec City
B. Montreal
C. Gatineau
D. Sherbrooke
Answer: A. Québec City — Québec City is the capital.
What is the capital of Ontario?: A. Hamilton
B. Ottawa
C. Toronto
D. Kingston
Answer: C. Toronto — Toronto is Ontario's capital; Ottawa is the capital of Canada.
What is the capital of Manitoba?: A. Winnipeg
B. Brandon
C. Regina
D. Churchill
Answer: A. Winnipeg — Winnipeg is the capital.
What is the capital of Saskatchewan?: A. Regina
B. Prince Albert
C. Winnipeg
D. Saskatoon
Answer: A. Regina — Regina is the capital; Saskatoon is the largest city.
What is the capital of Alberta?: A. Banff
B. Red Deer
C. Calgary
D. Edmonton
Answer: D. Edmonton — Edmonton is the capital.
What is the capital of British Columbia?: A. Surrey
B. Victoria
C. Kelowna
D. Vancouver
Answer: B. Victoria — Victoria is a tourist centre and headquarters of the navy's Pacific fleet.
What is the capital of Nunavut?: A. Iqaluit
B. Rankin Inlet
C. Whitehorse
D. Yellowknife
Answer: A. Iqaluit — Iqaluit was formerly called Frobisher Bay.
What is the capital of the Northwest Territories?: A. Yellowknife
B. Inuvik
C. Whitehorse
D. Iqaluit
Answer: A. Yellowknife — Yellowknife is called the 'diamond capital of North America'.
What is the capital of Yukon?: A. Yellowknife
B. Iqaluit
C. Dawson City
D. Whitehorse
Answer: D. Whitehorse — Whitehorse is the capital.
Which region brings cool winters and cool humid summers because of the ocean?: A. The North
B. Central Canada
C. The Prairies
D. The Atlantic provinces
Answer: D. The Atlantic provinces — The Atlantic Ocean shapes the climate of Atlantic Canada.
Which is the most easterly point in North America and has its own time zone?: A. New Brunswick
B. Prince Edward Island
C. Nova Scotia
D. Newfoundland and Labrador
Answer: D. Newfoundland and Labrador — Newfoundland and Labrador has a unique heritage linked to the sea.
Which province was the oldest colony of the British Empire?: A. Newfoundland and Labrador
B. Nova Scotia
C. Ontario
D. Quebec
Answer: A. Newfoundland and Labrador — It was a strategic prize in Canada's early history.
What contributes a substantial part of Newfoundland and Labrador's economy today?: A. Offshore oil and gas extraction
B. Car manufacturing
C. Film production
D. Wheat farming
Answer: A. Offshore oil and gas extraction — Labrador also has immense hydro-electric resources.
Which is Canada's smallest province?: A. Nova Scotia
B. Prince Edward Island
C. New Brunswick
D. Newfoundland and Labrador
Answer: B. Prince Edward Island — PEI is known for beaches, red soil and potatoes.
Which crop is Prince Edward Island especially known for?: A. Apples
B. Potatoes
C. Wheat
D. Grapes
Answer: B. Potatoes — PEI is known for agriculture, especially potatoes.
Which bridge connects Prince Edward Island to the mainland?: A. The Jacques Cartier Bridge
B. The Peace Bridge
C. The Lions Gate Bridge
D. The Confederation Bridge
Answer: D. The Confederation Bridge — It is one of the longest continuous multispan bridges in the world.
Which much-loved story about a red-headed orphan is set in Prince Edward Island?: A. Who Has Seen the Wind
B. Anne of Green Gables
C. Maria Chapdelaine
D. The Stone Angel
Answer: B. Anne of Green Gables — It was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Who wrote Anne of Green Gables?: A. Pauline Johnson
B. Lucy Maud Montgomery
C. Emily Carr
D. Margaret Laurence
Answer: B. Lucy Maud Montgomery — The story is set in PEI.
Which is the most populous Atlantic province?: A. Newfoundland and Labrador
B. Prince Edward Island
C. Nova Scotia
D. New Brunswick
Answer: C. Nova Scotia — Nova Scotia has a rich history as the gateway to Canada.
Where are the world's highest tides?: A. Lake Superior
B. The Gulf of St. Lawrence
C. The Bay of Fundy
D. Hudson Bay
Answer: C. The Bay of Fundy — The Bay of Fundy is in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Which city is Canada's largest east coast port and home to Canada's largest naval base?: A. Saint John
B. Charlottetown
C. St. John's
D. Halifax
Answer: D. Halifax — Halifax's port is deep-water and ice-free.
Which traditions sustain Nova Scotia's vibrant culture?: A. Spanish and Portuguese
B. Chinese and Japanese
C. Dutch and German
D. Celtic and Gaelic
Answer: D. Celtic and Gaelic — Nova Scotia has over 700 annual festivals, including the military tattoo in Halifax.
Who founded New Brunswick?: A. The Acadians only
B. The United Empire Loyalists
C. The Vikings
D. The Hudson's Bay Company
Answer: B. The United Empire Loyalists — New Brunswick lies in the Appalachian Range.
Which river system in New Brunswick is the second largest on North America's Atlantic coast?: A. The Fraser
B. The St. John River system
C. The St. Lawrence
D. The Mackenzie
Answer: B. The St. John River system — New Brunswick's St. John River system is the second largest on the Atlantic coast.
Which city is the principal Francophone Acadian centre in New Brunswick?: A. Saint John
B. Bathurst
C. Moncton
D. Fredericton
Answer: C. Moncton — Saint John is the largest city; Fredericton is the capital.
About what share of New Brunswick's population lives and works in French?: A. About half
B. About one-third
C. About 10%
D. About 90%
Answer: B. About one-third — New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province.
Where do more than half the people in Canada live?: A. In British Columbia
B. On the Prairies
C. In the North
D. Near the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River in southern Quebec and Ontario
Answer: D. Near the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River in southern Quebec and Ontario — This area is called Central Canada.
Together, Ontario and Quebec produce what share of all Canadian manufactured goods?: A. About 10%
B. More than three-quarters
C. About one-quarter
D. About half
Answer: B. More than three-quarters — Central Canada is the industrial and manufacturing heartland.
Where do the vast majority of Quebecers live?: A. Along or near the St. Lawrence River
B. Near Hudson Bay
C. In northern Quebec
D. In the Gaspé only
Answer: A. Along or near the St. Lawrence River — More than three-quarters speak French as their first language.
Which province is Canada's main producer of pulp and paper?: A. New Brunswick
B. British Columbia
C. Ontario
D. Quebec
Answer: D. Quebec — The resources of the Canadian Shield helped Quebec develop forestry, energy and mining.
Which province is Canada's largest producer of hydro-electricity?: A. Newfoundland and Labrador
B. Manitoba
C. Ontario
D. Quebec
Answer: D. Quebec — Quebec's huge supply of fresh water makes it the largest producer.
Which cutting-edge industries are Quebecers leaders in?: A. Wheat farming
B. Diamond mining
C. Oil sands
D. Pharmaceuticals and aeronautics
Answer: D. Pharmaceuticals and aeronautics — Quebec's films, music and literature also have international stature.
What is Canada's second largest city?: A. Vancouver
B. Calgary
C. Ottawa
D. Montreal
Answer: D. Montreal — Montreal is famous for its cultural diversity.
Which province has more than one-third of Canada's population?: A. British Columbia
B. Alberta
C. Quebec
D. Ontario
Answer: D. Ontario — Ontario is Canada's most populous province.
What is Canada's largest city and main financial centre?: A. Vancouver
B. Toronto
C. Ottawa
D. Montreal
Answer: B. Toronto — Toronto is the largest city and the main financial centre.
Which Ontario region is known for vineyards, wines and fruit crops?: A. Muskoka
B. The Niagara region
C. Ottawa Valley
D. Northern Ontario
Answer: B. The Niagara region — The Niagara region is famous for its vineyards.
Which province has the largest French-speaking population outside Quebec?: A. Ontario
B. Alberta
C. New Brunswick
D. Manitoba
Answer: A. Ontario — Ontario was founded by United Empire Loyalists and has a proud Francophone history.
Which Great Lake is located entirely in the United States?: A. Lake Michigan
B. Lake Erie
C. Lake Superior
D. Lake Ontario
Answer: A. Lake Michigan — The five Great Lakes are Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan (in the U.S.) and Superior.
Which is the largest freshwater lake in the world, according to Discover Canada?: A. Lake Superior
B. Lake Ontario
C. Great Bear Lake
D. Lake Winnipeg
Answer: A. Lake Superior — Lake Superior is one of the five Great Lakes.
Which are the Prairie provinces?: A. Ontario and Quebec
B. Manitoba and Ontario
C. Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta
D. British Columbia and Alberta
Answer: C. Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta — They are rich in energy resources and fertile farmland.
What is the climate of the Prairies?: A. Tropical
B. Mostly dry, with cold winters and hot summers
C. Cool and humid all year
D. Wet and mild all year
Answer: B. Mostly dry, with cold winters and hot summers — The Prairies are mostly dry.
Manitoba's economy is based on what?: A. Oil sands
B. Film and tourism
C. Fishing and shipbuilding
D. Agriculture, mining and hydro-electric power
Answer: D. Agriculture, mining and hydro-electric power — Manitoba is an important centre of Ukrainian culture.
Which famous street intersection is in Winnipeg?: A. Sainte-Catherine and Saint-Laurent
B. Yonge and Bloor
C. Granville and Georgia
D. Portage and Main
Answer: D. Portage and Main — It is in Winnipeg's Exchange District.
What is Winnipeg's French Quarter called?: A. Le Plateau
B. Old Montreal
C. Vieux-Québec
D. St. Boniface
Answer: D. St. Boniface — St. Boniface has Western Canada's largest Francophone community.
Which province has the largest Indigenous population of any province, at over 15%?: A. Manitoba
B. British Columbia
C. Ontario
D. Alberta
Answer: A. Manitoba — Manitoba also has many people of Ukrainian origin.
Which province was once known as the 'breadbasket of the world' and the 'wheat province'?: A. Ontario
B. Alberta
C. Saskatchewan
D. Manitoba
Answer: C. Saskatchewan — Saskatchewan has 40% of Canada's arable land.
Which province has the world's richest deposits of uranium and potash?: A. Saskatchewan
B. Quebec
C. Alberta
D. Ontario
Answer: A. Saskatchewan — Potash is used in fertilizer.
Which is the largest city in Saskatchewan and headquarters of the mining industry?: A. Prince Albert
B. Moose Jaw
C. Saskatoon
D. Regina
Answer: C. Saskatoon — Regina is the capital and home of the RCMP training academy.
Which is the most populous Prairie province?: A. Alberta
B. Manitoba
C. Saskatchewan
D. British Columbia
Answer: A. Alberta — Alberta is named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta.
Alberta and Lake Louise were named after whom?: A. Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, daughter of Queen Victoria
B. Queen Elizabeth II
C. Lord Durham's wife
D. Louis Riel
Answer: A. Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, daughter of Queen Victoria — She was the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria.
In what year was Banff National Park, in Alberta, established?: A. 1905
B. 1885
C. 1867
D. 1949
Answer: B. 1885 — Alberta has five national parks.
What are Alberta's Badlands known for?: A. Vineyards
B. Some of the world's richest deposits of prehistoric fossils and dinosaur finds
C. Gold mines
D. Rainforests
Answer: B. Some of the world's richest deposits of prehistoric fossils and dinosaur finds — The Badlands house remarkable dinosaur finds.
Which province is the largest producer of oil and gas?: A. Saskatchewan
B. British Columbia
C. Newfoundland and Labrador
D. Alberta
Answer: D. Alberta — The oil sands in the north are a major energy source.
Alberta's vast cattle ranches make Canada one of the world's major producers of what?: A. Cheese
B. Leather shoes
C. Wool
D. Beef
Answer: D. Beef — Alberta is renowned for agriculture.
Which province is Canada's westernmost?: A. Nunavut
B. Yukon
C. Alberta
D. British Columbia
Answer: D. British Columbia — BC is on the Pacific coast.
What is Canada's largest and busiest port?: A. The Port of Vancouver
B. The Port of Halifax
C. The Port of Montreal
D. The Port of Churchill
Answer: A. The Port of Vancouver — It is Canada's gateway to the Asia-Pacific.
About half of all goods produced in British Columbia are what?: A. Forestry products
B. Cars
C. Wheat
D. Oil
Answer: A. Forestry products — BC has the most valuable forestry industry in Canada.
Which BC valley is known for fruit orchards and wine?: A. The Fraser Valley only
B. The Ottawa Valley
C. The Okanagan Valley
D. The Annapolis Valley
Answer: C. The Okanagan Valley — BC is also known for mining and fishing.
Which province has the most extensive park system in Canada?: A. Ontario
B. British Columbia
C. Alberta
D. Quebec
Answer: B. British Columbia — BC has approximately 600 provincial parks.
After English, which languages are most spoken in British Columbia's cities, according to Discover Canada?: A. Cree and Inuktitut
B. French and German
C. Chinese and Punjabi
D. Spanish and Italian
Answer: C. Chinese and Punjabi — BC's large Asian communities shape its cities.
What gives the BC coast its temperate climate?: A. The Gulf Stream
B. The Rocky Mountains
C. Warm airstreams from the Pacific Ocean
D. Hudson Bay
Answer: C. Warm airstreams from the Pacific Ocean — Warm Pacific air keeps the coast mild.
Victoria is the headquarters of which naval fleet?: A. The Great Lakes fleet
B. The Arctic fleet
C. The navy's Pacific fleet
D. The Atlantic fleet
Answer: C. The navy's Pacific fleet — Victoria is also a tourist centre.
What share of Canada's land mass do the three territories contain?: A. One-tenth
B. Two-thirds
C. One-third
D. Half
Answer: C. One-third — Yet their population is very small.
Why is the North called the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'?: A. Daylight can last up to 24 hours at the height of summer
B. The sun never rises
C. It has the most sunny days
D. Northern lights shine at midnight
Answer: A. Daylight can last up to 24 hours at the height of summer — In winter, darkness can last for months.
What is the tundra?: A. A desert in Alberta
B. A vast rocky Arctic plain with no trees and permanently frozen soil
C. A rainforest
D. A mountain range in BC
Answer: B. A vast rocky Arctic plain with no trees and permanently frozen soil — Much of the North is tundra.
Which minerals are mined in the northern territories?: A. Only silver
B. Gold, lead, copper, diamonds and zinc
C. Only coal
D. None
Answer: B. Gold, lead, copper, diamonds and zinc — Oil and gas deposits are also being developed.
Thousands of miners came to Yukon during which event in the 1890s?: A. The Klondike Gold Rush
B. The building of the CPR
C. The Red River Resistance
D. The Boer War
Answer: A. The Klondike Gold Rush — The gold rush was celebrated in the poetry of Robert W. Service.
Which poet celebrated the Yukon Gold Rush?: A. Robert W. Service
B. Émile Nelligan
C. John McCrae
D. Leonard Cohen
Answer: A. Robert W. Service — Robert W. Service wrote about the gold rush.
What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Canada, in Yukon?: A. −40°C
B. −50°C
C. −80°C
D. −63°C
Answer: D. −63°C — Yukon holds the record for Canada's coldest temperature.
Who founded the Geological Survey of Canada?: A. Alexander Mackenzie
B. David Thompson
C. Sir Sandford Fleming
D. Sir William Logan
Answer: D. Sir William Logan — Logan directed it from 1842 to 1869.
Which city is called the 'diamond capital of North America'?: A. Iqaluit
B. Sudbury
C. Whitehorse
D. Yellowknife
Answer: D. Yellowknife — Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwest Territories.
Which is the second-longest river system in North America, after the Mississippi?: A. The Fraser
B. The Mackenzie River
C. The Yukon River
D. The St. Lawrence
Answer: B. The Mackenzie River — The Mackenzie is 4,200 km long.
In what year was the Northwest Territories originally formed, from Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory?: A. 1867
B. 1898
C. 1999
D. 1870
Answer: D. 1870 — More than half the N.W.T. population is Indigenous (Dene, Inuit and Métis).
What does 'Nunavut' mean in Inuktitut?: A. Our land
B. Cold place
C. Big water
D. The people
Answer: A. Our land — Nunavut was established in 1999.
In what year was Nunavut established?: A. 1949
B. 1999
C. 1905
D. 1982
Answer: B. 1999 — It was created from the eastern part of the Northwest Territories.
How does Nunavut's Legislative Assembly choose its premier and ministers?: A. By the Governor General
B. By party leadership races
C. By national vote
D. By consensus
Answer: D. By consensus — Nunavut has consensus government, without political parties.
Iqaluit was formerly called Frobisher Bay, after which explorer?: A. Martin Frobisher
B. Jacques Cartier
C. John Franklin
D. Henry Hudson
Answer: A. Martin Frobisher — Frobisher explored the Arctic for Queen Elizabeth I in 1576.
About what share of Nunavut's population is Inuit?: A. About 50%
B. About 10%
C. About 25%
D. About 85%
Answer: D. About 85% — Inuktitut is an official language and the first language in schools.
Who are the Canadian Rangers?: A. Customs officers
B. Park wardens in Banff
C. A hockey team
D. Part of the Canadian Forces Reserves who patrol the Arctic using Indigenous knowledge
Answer: D. Part of the Canadian Forces Reserves who patrol the Arctic using Indigenous knowledge — They travel by snowmobile and ATV and keep the flag flying in the Arctic.
Which railway, opened in 1900, runs from Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse?: A. VIA Rail Canadian
B. The Canadian Pacific
C. The Grand Trunk
D. The White Pass and Yukon Railway
Answer: D. The White Pass and Yukon Railway — It now provides a spectacular tourist excursion.
How do some people in the North continue to earn a living?: A. By hunting, fishing and trapping
B. By growing wheat
C. By running vineyards
D. By making cars
Answer: A. By hunting, fishing and trapping — Inuit art is sold throughout Canada and around the world.
What is Canada's fourth-largest metropolitan area, according to Discover Canada?: A. Quebec City
B. Calgary
C. Winnipeg
D. Ottawa
Answer: D. Ottawa — The National Capital Region covers 4,700 square kilometres around Ottawa.
What does the Rideau Canal in Ottawa become in winter?: A. A skateway
B. A ski hill
C. A railway
D. A highway
Answer: A. A skateway — Once a military waterway, it is now a tourist attraction.
Which region has long cold winters and short cool summers?: A. Central Canada
B. The Atlantic provinces
C. The Northern territories
D. The West Coast
Answer: C. The Northern territories — Much of the North is tundra.
Which region has cold winters and warm humid summers?: A. The BC coast
B. The North
C. Southern Ontario and Quebec
D. The Atlantic coast
Answer: C. Southern Ontario and Quebec — Central Canada has cold winters and warm, humid summers.
Which country borders Canada to the south?: A. Greenland
B. The United States
C. Russia
D. Mexico
Answer: B. The United States — The Canada–United States boundary runs along Canada's southern edge.

Economy · 20

What are Canada's three main types of industry?: A. Mining, fishing, farming
B. Service, manufacturing, natural resources
C. Banking, oil, tourism
D. Agriculture, forestry, technology
Answer: B. Service, manufacturing, natural resources — Service industries employ about three quarters of working Canadians.
Who is Canada's largest trading partner?: A. China
B. The United Kingdom
C. The United States
D. Mexico
Answer: C. The United States — The 1988 free trade agreement became NAFTA in 1994 and CUSMA in 2020.
What happened to the Atlantic cod fishery in 1992?: A. It was expanded
B. It was closed by a federal moratorium
C. It was sold to foreign fleets
D. It moved to the Pacific
Answer: B. It was closed by a federal moratorium — The stock had fallen to about one per cent of its historical size; around 30,000 people lost their work.
What is the engine of Canada's economic growth, according to Discover Canada?: A. Trade (commerce) with other nations
B. Government spending
C. Tourism only
D. Mining only
Answer: A. Trade (commerce) with other nations — Canada has always been a trading nation.
In what year did Canada enact free trade with the United States?: A. 1994
B. 1988
C. 2020
D. 1867
Answer: B. 1988 — Mexico joined in 1994 in the broader North American Free Trade Agreement.
When did Mexico join Canada and the United States in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?: A. 1988
B. 1867
C. 2008
D. 1994
Answer: D. 1994 — NAFTA was replaced in 2020 by the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Which agreement replaced NAFTA in 2020?: A. The Charter of Rights
B. The Commonwealth Treaty
C. GATT
D. The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
Answer: D. The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) — CUSMA came into force on July 1, 2020.
Canada has one of the world's largest economies and belongs to which group of leading industrialized countries?: A. The African Union
B. The G7
C. The Warsaw Pact
D. OPEC
Answer: B. The G7 — Discover Canada names the G8; Russia was suspended in 2014, so the group is now the G7.
What are the three main types of industries in Canada's economy?: A. Banking, insurance and real estate
B. Fishing, farming and hunting
C. Tourism, film and sports
D. Service, manufacturing and natural resources
Answer: D. Service, manufacturing and natural resources — Discover Canada describes three main types of industries.
What share of working Canadians have jobs in service industries?: A. About 10%
B. About 25%
C. About 50%
D. More than 75%
Answer: D. More than 75% — Service jobs include transportation, education, health care, construction, banking, retail, tourism and government.
Which of these is a service industry?: A. Fishing
B. Mining
C. Forestry
D. Health care
Answer: D. Health care — Health care, education, banking and tourism are service industries.
Which of these is a manufactured product, according to Discover Canada?: A. Automobiles
B. Wheat
C. Timber
D. Fish
Answer: A. Automobiles — Manufacturing includes paper, high-technology equipment, aerospace technology, automobiles, machinery, food and clothing.
Which of these is a natural resources industry?: A. Banking
B. Forestry
C. Education
D. Retail
Answer: B. Forestry — Natural resources industries include forestry, fishing, agriculture, mining and energy.
What is Canada's largest international trading partner?: A. Mexico
B. The United States
C. China
D. The United Kingdom
Answer: B. The United States — Each country is the other's largest trading partner.
About what share of Canadian exports go to the United States?: A. About half
B. Almost none
C. Over three-quarters
D. About one-quarter
Answer: C. Over three-quarters — Discover Canada says over three-quarters; in 2025 it was about 72%.
What is the Canada–U.S. border traditionally known as?: A. The world's longest undefended border
B. The 49th Wall
C. The Great Wall
D. The Iron Curtain
Answer: A. The world's longest undefended border — Millions of Canadians and Americans cross it safely every year.
Which monument at Blaine, Washington symbolizes the close ties between Canada and the U.S.?: A. The CN Tower
B. The Peace Tower
C. The Peace Arch
D. The Arc de Triomphe
Answer: C. The Peace Arch — It is inscribed 'children of a common mother' and 'brethren dwelling together in unity'.
What does Canada have with the United States, according to Discover Canada?: A. No trade at all
B. A shared currency
C. A shared parliament
D. The biggest bilateral trading relationship in the world
Answer: D. The biggest bilateral trading relationship in the world — Integrated Canada–U.S. supply chains compete with the rest of the world.
Which of these does Canada export every year?: A. Energy, machinery, automotive, agricultural, fishing and forestry products
B. Only tourists
C. Only gold
D. Nothing
Answer: A. Energy, machinery, automotive, agricultural, fishing and forestry products — Canada exports billions of dollars of goods every year.
Why are natural resources still important to Canada's economy?: A. Only for the North
B. They are no longer important
C. Many areas depend on them and a large share of exports are resource commodities
D. Only for tourism
Answer: C. Many areas depend on them and a large share of exports are resource commodities — Natural resources played an important part in Canada's history and development.

The test · 3

How many questions are on the citizenship test?: A. 15
B. 20
C. 25
D. 30
Answer: B. 20 — 20 questions, multiple choice and true or false, in 45 minutes.
How many correct answers do you need to pass?: A. 10
B. 12
C. 15
D. 18
Answer: C. 15 — 15 out of 20, which is 75 per cent.
Who has to take the citizenship test?: A. Everyone applying
B. Applicants aged 18 to 54 when they sign the application
C. Applicants aged 16 to 64
D. Only applicants from outside the Commonwealth
Answer: B. Applicants aged 18 to 54 when they sign the application — Those under 18 and those 55 and over are exempt from both the test and the language requirement.

Who we are · 38

From where are the ancestors of Indigenous peoples believed to have migrated?: A. Asia
B. Europe
C. South America
D. Africa
Answer: A. Asia — The ancestors of Aboriginal (Indigenous) peoples are believed to have migrated from Asia many thousands of years ago.
Which document first guaranteed Indigenous territorial rights, in 1763?: A. The Royal Proclamation of King George III
B. The Constitutional Act
C. The Quebec Act
D. The British North America Act
Answer: A. The Royal Proclamation of King George III — The Royal Proclamation of 1763 established the basis for negotiating treaties.
Where are Indigenous and treaty rights set out today?: A. Only in provincial laws
B. In the Criminal Code
C. In the Canadian Constitution
D. They are not written anywhere
Answer: C. In the Canadian Constitution — Aboriginal and treaty rights are in the Canadian Constitution.
From the 1800s until the 1980s, what did the federal government do with many Indigenous children?: A. Placed them in residential schools to assimilate them
B. Gave them free university
C. Sent them to Europe
D. Made them serve in the army
Answer: A. Placed them in residential schools to assimilate them — The schools were poorly funded, inflicted hardship, and mostly prohibited Indigenous languages and culture.
In what year did the federal government formally apologize to former students of residential schools?: A. 1982
B. 1999
C. 2008
D. 2015
Answer: C. 2008 — Ottawa formally apologized to former students in 2008.
What were Indigenous languages and cultural practices like in residential schools?: A. Required for graduation
B. Taught every day
C. Mostly prohibited
D. Celebrated each week
Answer: C. Mostly prohibited — Aboriginal languages and cultural practices were mostly prohibited.
What are the three distinct groups of Indigenous peoples in Canada?: A. Dene, Sioux and Huron
B. First Nations, Inuit and Métis
C. Acadians, Inuit and Métis
D. Cree, Mohawk and Haida
Answer: B. First Nations, Inuit and Métis — The term Aboriginal (Indigenous) peoples refers to three distinct groups.
When did the term 'First Nations' begin to be used?: A. In 1867
B. In the 1970s
C. In 2000
D. In the 1920s
Answer: B. In the 1970s — The term First Nations began to be used in the 1970s.
About how many First Nations communities are on reserve land?: A. About 13
B. About 60
C. About 600
D. About 6,000
Answer: C. About 600 — About half of First Nations people live on reserve land in about 600 communities.
Where do about half of First Nations people live?: A. In Europe
B. In the United States
C. Off-reserve, mainly in cities
D. In the Arctic
Answer: C. Off-reserve, mainly in cities — About half live on reserve land and the other half live off-reserve, mainly in urban centres.
What does 'Inuit' mean in Inuktitut?: A. The ice
B. The north
C. The people
D. The hunters
Answer: C. The people — Inuit means 'the people' in the Inuktitut language.
Where do the Inuit live?: A. In small, scattered communities across the Arctic
B. In British Columbia's valleys
C. Mainly in Toronto
D. On the Prairies
Answer: A. In small, scattered communities across the Arctic — Their knowledge of the land, sea and wildlife let them adapt to one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Who are the Métis?: A. An Inuit group in the Arctic
B. Recent immigrants from France
C. A distinct people of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry
D. Settlers from Scotland
Answer: C. A distinct people of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry — Most Métis live in the Prairie provinces and come from French- and English-speaking backgrounds.
What is the language of the Métis called?: A. Cree
B. Inuktitut
C. Michif
D. Gaelic
Answer: C. Michif — The Métis speak their own dialect, Michif.
Where do most Métis live?: A. In the Atlantic provinces
B. In Quebec City
C. In Nunavut
D. In the Prairie provinces
Answer: D. In the Prairie provinces — The majority of Métis live in the Prairie provinces.
According to Discover Canada, about what share of Indigenous people are First Nations?: A. About 4%
B. About 90%
C. About 65%
D. About 30%
Answer: C. About 65% — About 65% are First Nations, 30% Métis and 4% Inuit.
What is an Anglophone?: A. A French speaker in Ontario
B. A person from England
C. A person whose first language is English
D. A person who speaks three languages
Answer: C. A person whose first language is English — Anglophones are people who speak English as their first language.
What is a Francophone?: A. A person from New Brunswick
B. A person born in France
C. A person who studies French
D. A person whose first language is French
Answer: D. A person whose first language is French — Francophones speak French as their first language; most live in Quebec.
Which is the only officially bilingual province?: A. Manitoba
B. Ontario
C. New Brunswick
D. Quebec
Answer: C. New Brunswick — New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province.
Outside Quebec, in which provinces do about one million Francophones live?: A. Nova Scotia and PEI
B. Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba
C. Saskatchewan and Yukon
D. British Columbia and Alberta
Answer: B. Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba — While most Francophones live in Quebec, about one million live in Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba.
Who are the Acadians?: A. Descendants of the Vikings
B. Descendants of British soldiers
C. Descendants of French colonists who settled in the Maritimes from 1604
D. Recent immigrants from Africa
Answer: C. Descendants of French colonists who settled in the Maritimes from 1604 — Acadians began settling in what are now the Maritime provinces in 1604.
What was the deportation of the Acadians called?: A. The Great Migration
B. The Quiet Revolution
C. The Long March
D. The Great Upheaval
Answer: D. The Great Upheaval — Between 1755 and 1763, more than two-thirds of the Acadians were deported.
Between which years were more than two-thirds of the Acadians deported?: A. 1755 and 1763
B. 1914 and 1918
C. 1867 and 1873
D. 1812 and 1814
Answer: A. 1755 and 1763 — The deportation happened during the war between Britain and France.
Most Quebecers are descendants of about how many French settlers from the 1600s and 1700s?: A. 850
B. 1 million
C. 8,500
D. 85,000
Answer: C. 8,500 — Most Quebecers descend from about 8,500 French settlers.
In 2006, what did the House of Commons recognize about the Québécois?: A. That they form a nation within a united Canada
B. That French is the only official language
C. That Quebec is independent
D. That Quebec City is the capital
Answer: A. That they form a nation within a united Canada — The House of Commons recognized in 2006 that the Québécois form a nation within a united Canada.
About how many Anglo-Quebecers are there, with a heritage of 250 years?: A. One hundred thousand
B. One million
C. Ten thousand
D. Five million
Answer: B. One million — One million Anglo-Quebecers form a vibrant part of Quebec.
Who established the basic way of life in English-speaking areas of Canada?: A. English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish settlers, soldiers and migrants
B. Dutch merchants only
C. Spanish explorers
D. Russian fur traders
Answer: A. English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish settlers, soldiers and migrants — Hundreds of thousands of settlers from the British Isles came from the 1600s to the 20th century.
Were the majority of Canadians born in Canada?: A. Only in Quebec
B. Yes, and this has been true since the 1800s
C. No, most were born abroad
D. Only since 2000
Answer: B. Yes, and this has been true since the 1800s — Canada is still called a land of immigrants because millions of newcomers helped build it.
Since the 1970s, where have most immigrants to Canada come from?: A. European countries
B. African countries
C. Asian countries
D. The United States
Answer: C. Asian countries — Since the 1970s, most immigrants have come from Asian countries.
In Vancouver and Toronto, which languages are the second most spoken at home after English?: A. Chinese languages
B. German
C. Spanish
D. Italian
Answer: A. Chinese languages — In Vancouver about 13% and in Toronto about 7% speak Chinese languages at home (guide figures).
According to Discover Canada, what is the largest religious affiliation in Canada?: A. Catholic
B. Muslim
C. Jewish
D. Hindu
Answer: A. Catholic — The largest affiliation is Catholic, followed by various Protestant churches.
How has the Canadian state traditionally worked with faith communities?: A. By banning them
B. By taxing them heavily
C. By making one religion official
D. By partnering with them to provide schools, health care and refugee resettlement
Answer: D. By partnering with them to provide schools, health care and refugee resettlement — The state partnered with faith communities to promote social welfare, harmony and mutual respect.
Do gay and lesbian Canadians have access to civil marriage?: A. Only in some provinces
B. Only if they are citizens for 10 years
C. Yes, with full protection and equal treatment under the law
D. No
Answer: C. Yes, with full protection and equal treatment under the law — Gay and lesbian Canadians enjoy full protection and equal treatment, including civil marriage.
Which of these groups is NOT listed among the largest ethnic groups in Canada?: A. Brazilian
B. Chinese
C. Ukrainian
D. Italian
Answer: A. Brazilian — The largest groups listed are English, French, Scottish, Irish, German, Italian, Chinese, Indigenous, Ukrainian, Dutch, South Asian and Scandinavian.
What are newcomers expected to embrace when they become Canadian?: A. Violent prejudices from past conflicts
B. Democratic principles such as the rule of law
C. A single official religion
D. Only their old traditions
Answer: B. Democratic principles such as the rule of law — Experiences of war or conflict do not justify bringing violent, extreme or hateful prejudices to Canada.
Why are English speakers in Canada generally referred to as English Canadians?: A. Because they live in Ontario
B. Because they were all born in England
C. Because generations of pioneers of British origin laid the foundations of the country
D. Because English is the only official language
Answer: C. Because generations of pioneers of British origin laid the foundations of the country — British settlers, soldiers and migrants established the basic way of life in English-speaking areas.
Olympian Marjorie Turner-Bailey of Nova Scotia is a descendant of whom?: A. French nobility
B. Hudson's Bay Company governors
C. Viking explorers
D. Black Loyalists and freed people who fled to Canada in the 1780s
Answer: D. Black Loyalists and freed people who fled to Canada in the 1780s — Many Black Loyalists and escaped slaves came to Canada from America in the 1780s.
What is the federal government required by law to do regarding languages?: A. Provide services only in English
B. Teach Latin in schools
C. Ban other languages
D. Provide services throughout Canada in English and French
Answer: D. Provide services throughout Canada in English and French — English and French are official, and federal services must be offered in both.

Justice · 18

What does due process mean?: A. Trials must be finished in one day
B. Judges are elected
C. Police can arrest anyone
D. The government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to under the law
Answer: D. The government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to under the law — The Canadian justice system guarantees everyone due process under the law.
What is the presumption of innocence?: A. Police decisions are final
B. Everyone is guilty until proven innocent
C. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty
D. Only citizens have rights in court
Answer: C. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty — Canada's judicial system is founded on the presumption of innocence in criminal matters.
Who makes Canada's laws?: A. The police
B. The King alone
C. Elected representatives
D. The courts
Answer: C. Elected representatives — Courts settle disputes and police enforce the laws.
Who does the law in Canada apply to?: A. Only citizens
B. Only adults born in Canada
C. Everyone, including judges, politicians and the police
D. Everyone except the police
Answer: C. Everyone, including judges, politicians and the police — No one is above the law.
What is the role of the courts?: A. To run elections
B. To settle disputes
C. To collect taxes
D. To make laws
Answer: B. To settle disputes — Laws are made by elected representatives, courts settle disputes and police enforce laws.
What is Canada's highest court?: A. The Court of King's Bench
B. The Senate
C. The Federal Court
D. The Supreme Court of Canada
Answer: D. The Supreme Court of Canada — The Supreme Court of Canada is the highest court.
Which court deals with matters concerning the federal government?: A. Small claims court
B. The Federal Court of Canada
C. Family court
D. Traffic court
Answer: B. The Federal Court of Canada — The Federal Court handles federal matters.
What kind of cases does small claims court handle?: A. Immigration appeals
B. Murder trials
C. Civil cases involving small sums of money
D. Federal elections
Answer: C. Civil cases involving small sums of money — Provinces also have courts for lesser offences, family courts and traffic courts.
What are the police there to do?: A. Judge criminals
B. Make the laws
C. Collect taxes
D. Keep people safe and enforce the law
Answer: D. Keep people safe and enforce the law — You can ask the police for help after an accident, theft, assault, a crime or if someone is missing.
Which of these is a situation where you can ask the police for help?: A. You want to vote
B. Someone has stolen something from you
C. You need a passport photo
D. You want to change your job
Answer: B. Someone has stolen something from you — The police help with accidents, theft, assault, crimes in progress and missing persons.
Which police force enforces federal laws throughout Canada?: A. The RCMP
B. The Ontario Provincial Police
C. The Sûreté du Québec
D. Municipal police
Answer: A. The RCMP — The RCMP also serves as provincial police everywhere except Ontario and Quebec.
Can you question the police about their service or conduct?: A. No, never
B. Yes, almost all police forces have a process to bring concerns
C. Only if you are a lawyer
D. Only in Quebec
Answer: B. Yes, almost all police forces have a process to bring concerns — You can bring your concerns to the police and seek action.
If you cannot pay for a lawyer, what can you use in most communities?: A. A judge's personal advice
B. Legal aid services, free or at low cost
C. The police
D. Nothing
Answer: B. Legal aid services, free or at low cost — Lawyers can help you with legal problems and act for you in court.
What does Lady Justice's blindfold symbolize?: A. Justice is slow
B. Judges cannot read
C. Trials are secret
D. Laws are applied impartially, blind to everything but the facts
Answer: D. Laws are applied impartially, blind to everything but the facts — The blindfolded Lady Justice at the Vancouver Law Courts symbolizes impartiality.
What are Canada's laws intended to do?: A. Favour one religion
B. Make the government rich
C. Provide order, a peaceful way to settle disputes, and express Canadians' values
D. Protect only property owners
Answer: C. Provide order, a peaceful way to settle disputes, and express Canadians' values — Laws are the written rules intended to guide people in society.
What is Canada's legal system based on?: A. Religious law only
B. Military rule
C. The will of the Prime Minister
D. The rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles and due process
Answer: D. The rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles and due process — This heritage underlies Canada's legal system.
Besides trial and appeal courts, what other courts do provinces have?: A. Provincial courts for lesser offences, family, traffic and small claims courts
B. Only military courts
C. Only the Supreme Court
D. Church courts
Answer: A. Provincial courts for lesser offences, family, traffic and small claims courts — Provinces have several kinds of courts.
What is habeas corpus related to?: A. Property taxes
B. Language rights
C. Protection against unlawful detention
D. Freedom of religion
Answer: C. Protection against unlawful detention — It is the right to challenge unlawful detention by the state.