Citizenship Answers
Section I. Questions about Canada
Who are the Aboriginal peoples of Canada? The original inhabitants of Canada. Thought to have come across a landbridge at the Behring straits. Commonly known as the First Nations
What are the three main groups of Aboriginal peoples?
According to the Government they are:
Indian
Inuit
Metis
In which parts of Canada did the Aboriginal peoples first live?
Depending on the viewpoint it was either in the Northern Territories or right across the Southern portion of Canada.
What did the Aboriginal peoples living in your region depend on for survival?
Hunting, farming and trading
From whom are the Métis descended?
They are of mixed blood. Mainly Native, French and Scot
In what industry did the Métis first work with European settlers?
Fur Trading and trapping
Which group of Aboriginal peoples make up more than half the population of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut?
The Inuit
Why are the Aboriginal peoples of Canada working toward self-government?
To keep their unique cultures and languages alive and to regain control over decisions that affect their lives
Where did the first European settlers in Canada come from?
The first settlement was a Viking one around 1012 AD .
Why did the early explorers first come to Atlantic Canada?
To fish and trade with the Native people.
Who are the Acadian people?
They were the first French Settlers
What three industries helped the early settlers build communities in the Atlantic region?
Farming, Fishing and Shipbuilding
Who were the United Empire Loyalists?
People of all races and creed who fled the United States after the American Revolution.
When did the United Empire Loyalists come to Canada?
1775 to 1783 and later
When did settlers from France first establish communities on the St. Lawrence River?
In the early 1600's
In which type of industry did most early European settlers work?
Fishing and trading
Which trade spread across Canada, making it important to the economy for over 300 years?
The Fur Trade
What form of transportation did Aboriginal peoples and fur traders use to create trading networks in North America?
Canoes
How long did the Hudson's Bay Company control the northern lands?
300 years (1600's to the 1900's)
What important trade did the Hudson's Bay Company control?
The Fur Trade
When did thousands of miners first come to the Yukon?
During the Gold Rush in the late 1800's
What did the government do to make immigration to western Canada much easier?
Built a Railway and offered cheap land
Which group of people were important in the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway?
Apparently only the Chinese.
When was the Canadian Pacific Railway finished?
November 7th 1885 the last spike of the CPR was driven home by Donald Smith at Craigellachie
What did the federal government do to encourage people to settle in the Prairie provinces during the early 1900s?
Offered land at cheap prices
What does Confederation mean?
A joining together of seperate nations in an equal partnership as a new country
What is the Canadian Constitution?
The system of laws and conventions by which the country governs itself.
In what year did Canada become a country?
1867
Which document made Confederation legal?
The British North American act of 1867
Which document first defined the responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments?
The British North American Act
When did the British North America Act come into effect?
1867
Why is the British North America Act important in Canadian history?
Technically it was the document that created Canada
Which four provinces first formed the Confederation?
Ontario
Nova Scotia
Quebec
New Brunswick
List each province and territory and tell when each one joined the Confederation.
1867
Ontario
Nova Scotia
Quebec
New Brunswick
1870
Manitoba
Northwest Territories
1871
British Columbia
1873
Prince Edward Island
1898
Yukon Territory
1905
Alberta
Saskatchewan
1949
Newfoundland
1999
Nunavut
Which was the last province to join Canada?
Newfoundland
When is Canada Day and what does it celebrate?
July 1st It is the anniversary of Confederation
Who was the first prime minister of Canada?
Sir. John A MacDonald
Why is the Constitution Act of 1982 important in Canadian history?
In 1982, the new Constitution Act allowed Canadians to change the Constitution without asking the British government's approval. This is the year when the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms became part of the Canadian Constitution.
What part of the Constitution legally protects the basic rights and freedoms of all Canadians?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
When did the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms become part of the Canadian Constitution?
1982
Name two fundamental freedoms protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Basic freedoms, such as freedom of thought, freedom of speech, and freedom of
peaceful assembly.
Name three legal rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Democratic rights, such as the right to vote;
Legal rights, such as the right to a fair trial;
Equality rights, such as the right to protection against discrimination;
Mobility rights, such as the right to live and work anywhere in Canada;
List four rights Canadian citizens have.
Be a candidate in federal, provincial and territorial elections;
Be educated in either official language;
Apply for a Canadian passport;
Vote in federal, provincial and territorial elections; and
Enter and leave Canada freely.
List three ways in which you can protect the environment.
Throw waste paper or other garbage in designated public garbage containers. Recycle and re-use as many products as possible, such as paper, glass and cans. Walk, join a car pool, or use a bicycle or public transit whenever possible. Get involved with a local group to protect our natural and cultural heritage
Who has the right to apply for a Canadian passport?
Any Canadian citizen
Who has the right to enter and leave Canada at will?
Any Canadian Citizen
Who has the right to be considered first for a job in the federal government?
Canadian Citizens
What does equality under the law mean?
All men will be treated equally
What does "mobility rights" mean?
The right to live and work anywhere in Canada
Name six responsibilities of citizenship.
Vote in elections;
Help others in the community;
Care for and protect our heritage and environment;
Obey Canada's laws;
Express opinions freely while respecting the rights and freedoms of others; and
Eliminate discrimination and injustice.
Give an example of how you can care for Canada's natural heritage.
Join a community group such as an environmental group
What will you promise when you take the Oath of Citizenship?
That you will be faithfull and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that you will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil your duties as a Canadian Citizen
Explain how a citizenship right can also be seen as a citizenship responsibility -- for example, the right to vote.
Give an example of how you can show responsibility by participating in your community.
Volunteer to work on an election campaign for a candidate of your choice.
Help your neighbours.
Work with others to solve problems in your community.
Become a candidate in an election
Which legal document recognizes the cultural diversity of Canadians?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
What are the two official languages of Canada?
English and French
Which legal documents protect the rights of Canadians with regard to official languages?
The Canadian Constitution and the Official Languages Act
Give an example of where English and French have equal status in Canada.
English and French have equal status in the Parliament of Canada, in federal courts and in all federal institutions
Where do most French-speaking Canadians live?
Quebec (followed by Ontario)
Which province has the most bilingual Canadians?
Quebec
Which province is the only officially bilingual province?
New Brunswick
What does the Canadian flag look like?
A rectangle with three equal vertical bars. The two outside bars are red and the inside one is white. In the white (inside) bar there is a red maple leaf
What song is Canada's national anthem?
"O Canada"
Give the first two lines of Canada's national anthem.
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
Where does the name "Canada" come from?
In 1535, two Indian youths used the Huron-Iroquois word "kanata," which means "village" or "settlement," to tell Jacques Cartier the way to Stadacona (site of present-day Québec City). Cartier used "Canada" to refer not only to Stadacona, but also to the entire area subject to Donnacona, Chief at Stadacona. By 1547, the first world map to show the discoveries made on Cartier's second voyage applied the word "Canada" to the area north of the gulf and river St. Lawrence. By 1550, maps were also placing the name south of the river. The first use of "Canada" as an official name came in 1791 when the Constitutional Act (or Canada Act) divided Québec, then considerably larger, into the provinces of Upper Canada and Lower Canada. In 1841, they were united to become the Province of Canada. At the time of Confederation, the new country took the name of Canada.
Which animal is an official symbol of Canada?
The Beaver
What is the tower in the centre of the Parliament buildings called?
The Peace Tower
What unique art form was developed by the First Nations people on the West Coast?
The Totem Pole
Why is the North sometimes called the "Land of the Midnight Sun"?
Because of the suns position low on the horizon during summer. Due to the tilt of the earth the sun does not set at the high northern latitudes
An act of Parliament was required to create a new territory in Canada's North. What is the name of the new territory?
Nunavut
What is the population of Canada?
Roughly 31 million people
What three oceans border on Canada?
Pacific
Atlantic
Arctic
How many provinces and territories are there in Canada?
10 Provinces
3 Territories
What is the capital city of Canada?
Ottawa
Name all the provinces and territories and their capital cities.
Newfoundland St. John's
Prince Edward Island Charlottetown
Nova Scotia Halifax
New Brunswick Fredericton
Quebec Québec
Ontario Toronto
Manitoba Winnipeg
Saskatchewan Regina
Alberta Edmonton
British Columbia Victoria
Nunavut Iqaluit
Northwest Territories Yellowknife
Yukon Territory Whitehorse
Name the five regions of Canada.
Atlantic Region
Central Canada
Prairie Provinces
West Coast
North
What are the provinces of Central Canada?
Quebec
Toronto
What are the provinces of the Atlantic Region?
Newfoundland
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
What are the Prairie provinces?
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta
What are the territories of northern Canada?
Nunavut
Northwest Territories
Yukon Territory
Name one province that is on the Atlantic coast of Canada.
Newfoundland
Name a province on the Pacific coast of Canada.
British Columbia
Which region covers more than one-third of Canada?
The Northern Region
Where do more than half the people in Canada live?
In the Southern part of Canada. It is claimed that most Canadians live within 100km of the border
One-third of all Canadians live in which province?
Ontario
What is the Canadian Shield?
The land in northern Quebec and Ontario is part of the Canadian Shield, a rock
formation that is millions of years old. Canada is one of the world's leading producers of minerals because of the rich deposits of gold, silver, nickel, zinc, copper and iron ore found in the ancient rock of the Shield.
The Shield is covered by forests, and part of Canada's major pulp and paper industry relies on the trees of this region. Some of the vast freshwater resources of the Shield
Where is the Canadian Shield?
Mainly in Ontario and Quebec
Where are the Canadian Rockies?
On the Border between Alberta and British Columbia
Where are the Great Lakes?
On the border between the United States and Canada.The Great Lakes only touch the Province of Ontario
What are the names of the Great Lakes?
Lake Ontario
Lake Erie
Lake Huron
Lake Superior
Lake Michigan
Where is the St. Lawrence Seaway?
At the Eastern end of Lake Ontario. It joins the St.Lawrence river to the Atlantic ocean.
Name two mountain ranges in Canada.
Rocky , Columbia, Coast
Which territory shares a border with another country?
Yukon Territory (borders Alaska)
Which province is known as the "Land of 100,000 Lakes"?
Manitoba
Which provinces are joined to New Brunswick by land?
Quebec and Nova Scotia
To which ocean is Newfoundland closest?
Atlantic Ocean
Which mountain range forms a border between Alberta and British Columbia?
The Rocky Mountain range
Which two provinces are closest to Prince Edward Island?
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Which province in Canada is the smallest in land size?
Prince Edward Island
Where are the Parliament buildings located?
Ottawa
Which country borders Canada on the south?
United States of America
What are the three main types of industries in Canada?
Natural resources, manufacturing and services
In what sorts of jobs do most Canadians work?
Over 70% have jobs in the service industries
What country is Canada's largest trading partner?
United States of America
Why are the Great Lakes important to Canada?
As a source of trading as well as a fresh water source for people and industries
Why is the St. Lawrence Seaway important to Canada?
Ships from all over the world reach the Great Lakes from the Atlantic Ocean by way of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Seaway makes it possible for ocean-going ships to travel on the St. Lawrence River and the small rivers between the Great Lakes.
Why is the Canadian Shield important to Canada's economy?
The rich mineral deposits and the vast forest region
List four important minerals found in the Canadian Shield.
Gold, silver, nickel, zinc, copper and iron ore
Which province is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world?
Saskatchewan
Which region is known as the industrial and manufacturing heartland of Canada?
Central Canada
Which region of Canada is known for both its fertile agricultural land and valuable energy resources?
The Prairie Region
Which two provinces produce more than three-quarters of Canadian manufactured goods?
Ontario and Quebec
Which province is the biggest producer of metals in Canada?
Ontario
Which province is Canada's main producer of pulp and paper?
Ontario
Which province has the largest dairy farming industry in Canada?
Quebec
Which province has the most valuable forest industry in Canada?
British Columbia
Which province is Canada's major producer of oil and gas?
Alberta
Which province is Canada's leading wheat producer?
Saskatchewan
Which province is Canada's largest producer of hydroelectricity?
Quebec
Which two fuels provide about one-half of all the energy used in Canada?
Oil and Natural Gas
Which products from southern Ontario are among Canada's key exports?
Products from the auto industry
Name three minerals still being mined in the territories today.
Gold, Lead and Zinc
Which city provides important shipping and air links between Canada and other countries across the Pacific Ocean?
Vancouver
What products are produced in the Niagara Peninsula?
Fruit and Wine
More than half of Canada's aeronautics and space industries are located in which province?
Quebec
For what is the Okanagan Valley famous?
Fruit Orchards (but try the Wine)
What fish is a valuable industry on the West Coast?
Salmon
Who is Canada's Head of State?
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Who is the Queen's representative in Canada?
The Governor General
What is the name of the Governor General?
Adrienne Clarkson
What do you call the Queen's representative in the provinces and territories?
Lieutenant-Governor
What is Canada's system of government called?
Parliamentary
What are the three parts of Parliament?
The Queen
The House of Commons
The Senate
What are the three levels of government in Canada?
Federal
Provincial (or Territorial)
Municipal (or Local)
Explain how the three levels of government are different.
In general, the federal government takes major responsibility for matters that affect all of Canada. These include national defence, foreign policy and citizenship.
Provincial and territorial governments look after such matters as education, health
care and highways. They share responsibilities with the federal government in some areas.
The municipal (or local) governments of each city or community are responsible for matters such as policing, firefighting, snow removal and recycling programs.
Name two levels of government and explain how they are different.
Provincial Governments look after such matters as education, health care and
highways in the province which effects all the people who live in that Province.
The municipal (or local) governments of each city or community are responsible for local matters which effect only the citizens of that area.
Name two responsibilities for each level of government.
Federal government - National defence, foreign policy and citizenship.
Provincial government - education, health care and highways.
Municipal (or local) government - Policing, firefighting, snow removal,recycling
programs.
What do you call a law before it is passed?
A bill
How does a bill become a law?
To become law, a bill must be approved by majorities in the House of Commons and in the Senate.
What is the final step before a bill becomes a law?
Once a majority of MPs and senators have approved a bill,the Governor General
gives final approval and the bill becomes law.
What do the initials MP stand for in Canadian politics?
Member of Parliament
How are members of Parliament chosen?
Canadian citizens go to the polls to elect their local representative
Who do members of Parliament represent?
An elected MP represents everyone who lives in his or her electoral district, even the people who did not vote for the MP
What does a member of Parliament do?
Represents your ideas when new laws are being proposed;
Asks questions about the government on your behalf
Helps you if you need information from the government or if you have any problem
with the government.
What is an "electoral district"?
An electoral district is a geographical area represented by a member of the House of Commons.
How many electoral districts are there in Canada?
301
In what electoral district do you live?
Halton
What four requirements must you meet in order to vote in a federal election?
A Canadian Citizen
At least 18 years old
Be on the National Register of Electors
Have a Notice of Confirmation of Registration
What is a Notice of Confirmation of Registration?
The notice tells you when and where to vote
What is a polling station?
Any designated building or area where you may cast your vote
What is a ballot?
A piece of paper which has the names of the local candidates on it.
What is written on an election ballot?
The ballot lists the names of the candidates in your electoral district in alphabetical order.
What do you mark on a federal election ballot?
An "X" in the circle beside the name of your chosen candidate
What does voting by secret ballot mean?
This means that no one can watch you vote and no one should look at your marked ballot.
Who has the right to vote in federal elections?
Any Canadian Citizen over the age of 18
Who has the right to run as a candidate in federal elections?
Any Canadian citizen over the age of 18
Who do Canadians vote for in a federal election?
The people in each electoral district vote for the candidate of their choice
How is the government formed after an election?
After an election, the party with the most elected representatives becomes the party in power. The leader of this party becomes the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister and the party in power run the government as long as they have the support of the majority of the Members of Parliament (MPs), in the House of Commons
How is the prime minister chosen?
The Prime Minister is normally the leader of the party with the majority of votes cast
When does an election have to be held according to the Constitution?
According to Canada's Constitution, an election must be held within five years of the last election.
What do political parties do?
A political party is a group of people who share ideas about how the government should work
Members of political parties help to: decide on the party platform; choose the party leader; choose the party's candidates; and campaign for party candidates in elections
What does "party platform" mean?
Members of political parties hold meetings where they discuss their ideas and
opinions. They develop plans for what they would do if their candidates were elected to form the government. The plans they make are called the party platform.
Name all the federal political parties represented in the House of Commons and their leaders.
Liberal - Stephane Dion
Conservative Party - Stephan Harper
Bloc Quebecois - Gilles Duceppe
New Democratic Party - Jack Layton
Which federal political party is in power?
Conservative Party
To which party does your member of Parliament belong?
Liberal Party
What does it mean for a political party to "be in power"?
They have won the most "seats" in an election and have formed the Goverment. Their brief is to manage the affairs of the country on a daily basis.
What are the parties that are not in power called?
The Opposition (parties)
Which party becomes the Official Opposition?
The party with the second largest amount of MP's.
What is the role of the Opposition parties?
The role of the Opposition parties is to oppose or try to improve government proposals.
Which party is the Official Opposition at the federal level?
Conservative Party
What is a political candidate?
A citizen who is seeking election to the parliament based on a set of principles they believe in.
What do you call a candidate who does not belong to a political party?
Independent
What is a Cabinet minister?
The Prime Minister chooses several MPs to become Cabinet ministers. Cabinet
ministers are responsible for running the federal government departments. The
Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers are called the Cabinet, and they make
important decisions about how to run the country. They also propose most new laws. Their decisions can be questioned by all MPs in the House of Commons
How are senators chosen?
The people who serve in the Senate are chosen by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Governor General
How can a party in power be defeated in Parliament?
At the polls or by being out-voted in a motion If a majority of the MPs vote against a major government decision, the party in power where he is defeated. The Prime Minister resigns and a new election is usually held
What is the name of the Prime Minister of Canada?
Stephan Harper
What is the name of your member of Parliament?
Garth Turner
How can you contact your member of Parliament?
Telephone, Mail, E-mail, Constituency Office, Internet.
Who do provincial members of the legislative or national assemblies represent?
The voters of the province or riding that they are elected to represent
What level of government passes "by-laws"?
Municipal
Section II. Questions about your region
When did settlers from Europe first come to your region?
Late 1600's
Who were the first settlers in the area where you live?
United Empire Loyalists
Why did the early Europeans come to your region in the 1600s, 1700s, 1800s or early 1900s?
To escape the American Revolution
What is the capital city of the province or territory in which you live?
Toronto
What are the major industries of your city, province and region today?
Mining - Nickel, gold, silver, platinum, uranium, zinc and copper
The automobile industry
The Forestry industry
Farming
Technology (computer based)
What is the most valuable manufacturing industry in your region today?
The Automobile industry
List three minerals found in your region.
Gold, zinc, nickel, copper
List three natural resources important to your region's economy today.
Forests
Water
Mineral deposits
List the activities that are important to the tourism industry in your region.
Winter sports
Water sports
Cultural activities
Business activities
What has always been important to the economy in your region?
An abundance of water
Who is your city councillor, alderperson, reeve or regional councillor?
Ward 6
Regional Councillor - Kurt Franklin
City Councillor - Kurt Franklin and Janice Wright
What is the name of your mayor?
Grodon Krantz
What is the name of your provincial representative (member of the Legislative Assembly, member of the provincial Parliament, member of the National Assembly or member of the House of Assembly)?
Ted Chudleigh
What is the name of the premier of your province?
Dalton McGuinty
Which political party is in power in your province or territory?
Liberals
What is the name of the leader of the Opposition in your province?
John Tory
What is the name of your lieutenant-governor or commissioner?
James Bartleman
These questions have been developed as a study guide. You may be asked questions similar to these when you undergo your citizenship test.
