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Citizenship test questions and answers
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Canadian citizenship test: 100 practice questions and answers
From Pass15 (pass15.ca), an independent study tool, not a government publication. Based on Discover Canada. Page numbers refer to the official PDF.
Practice test 1
Take it online, timed1. What does Canada’s national motto, A Mari Usque Ad Mare, mean in English?
- A. Strong and free
- B. From sea to sea
- C. Glorious and free
- D. Peace, order and good government
Answer: B. From sea to sea. The motto is in Latin and means "from sea to sea." Canada adopted it, together with an official coat of arms, after the First World War.
Discover Canada: Canadian Symbols, "Coat of Arms and Motto", page 38
2. Canadian law draws in part on the civil code of which country?
- A. Spain
- B. France
- C. Germany
- D. The United States
Answer: B. France. The sources of Canadian law include laws passed by Parliament and the provinces, English common law, the French civil code, and an unwritten constitution from Great Britain.
Discover Canada: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, "Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship", page 8
3. In criminal matters, what does the presumption of innocence mean?
- A. An accused person must prove they are innocent
- B. The police decide who is guilty
- C. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty
- D. Only citizens are presumed innocent
Answer: C. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Canada's judicial system treats every person as innocent unless and until their guilt is proven.
Discover Canada: The Justice System, "The Justice System", page 36
4. Why did the first European explorers call the native peoples of Canada "Indians"?
- A. They used the name the native peoples gave themselves
- B. They believed they had reached the East Indies
- C. They thought the native peoples had come from India by land
- D. It was the name of the first fur-trading company
Answer: B. They believed they had reached the East Indies. The early explorers mistakenly believed they had arrived in the East Indies, so they called the people they met Indians.
Discover Canada: Canada's History, "Aboriginal Peoples", page 14
5. 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. Prince Edward Island is the smallest province. It is known for its beaches, red soil and potato farming.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "Prince Edward Island", page 46
6. Who are the Métis?
- A. A distinct people of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry
- B. Descendants of French colonists in the Maritimes
- C. Descendants of British soldiers in Ontario
- D. An Inuit group living in the far North
Answer: A. A distinct people of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry. The Métis are a distinct people whose ancestors were both Aboriginal and European.
Discover Canada: Who We Are, "Aboriginal Peoples", page 10
7. In 1988, Canada began free trade with which country?
- A. Mexico
- B. The United Kingdom
- C. The United States
- D. Japan
Answer: C. The United States. Canada brought in free trade with the United States in 1988.
Discover Canada: Canada's Economy, "A Trading Nation", page 42
8. What was the name of Canada's original constitutional document of 1867?
- A. The Royal Proclamation
- B. Magna Carta
- C. The British North America Act
- D. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Answer: C. The British North America Act. Canada's first constitutional document, from 1867, was the British North America Act.
Discover Canada: Who We Are, "Who We Are", page 10
9. In 1948, which group became the last Canadians of Asian descent to gain the right to vote?
- A. Chinese-Canadians
- B. Japanese-Canadians
- C. Korean-Canadians
- D. Vietnamese-Canadians
Answer: B. Japanese-Canadians. In the past, most Canadians of Asian descent could not vote. Japanese-Canadians were the last of these groups to win the vote, in 1948.
Discover Canada: Modern Canada, "A Changing Society", page 24
10. In 1947, a discovery in Alberta started Canada's modern energy industry. What was discovered?
- A. Gold
- B. Oil
- C. Coal
- D. Uranium
Answer: B. Oil. Oil was found in Alberta in 1947. This discovery marked the beginning of Canada's modern energy industry.
Discover Canada: Modern Canada, "Trade and Economic Growth", page 24
11. Which three facts describe Canada's system of government?
- A. A republic, a direct democracy and a federal state
- B. A federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy
- C. A unitary state, a presidential system and a monarchy
- D. A confederation of provinces with no national parliament
Answer: B. A federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The guide names three key features of how Canada is governed: it is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.
Discover Canada: How Canadians Govern Themselves, "How Canadians Govern Themselves", page 28
12. When you apply for citizenship, what will officials check?
- A. Your political views
- B. Your status and whether you meet the requirements
- C. Your religion
- D. Your ethnic background
Answer: B. Your status and whether you meet the requirements. Officials check your status, make sure you are not prohibited from applying, and confirm that you meet the requirements.
Discover Canada: Applying for Citizenship, "Applying for Citizenship", page 6
13. What is another name for members of the House of Commons?
- A. Senators
- B. Members of Parliament (MPs)
- C. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs)
- D. Commissioners
Answer: B. Members of Parliament (MPs). People elected to the House of Commons are called members of Parliament, or MPs.
Discover Canada: Federal Elections, "Federal Elections", page 30
14. How many distinct regions is Canada divided into?
- A. Three
- B. Five
- C. Seven
- D. Ten
Answer: B. Five. The guide divides Canada into five regions: Atlantic, Central, Prairie, West Coast and the North.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "The Regions of Canada", page 44
15. Which is the most easterly province in Canada?
- A. Nova Scotia
- B. Prince Edward Island
- C. New Brunswick
- D. Newfoundland and Labrador
Answer: D. Newfoundland and Labrador. Newfoundland and Labrador lies farther east than any other province, and it has a time zone of its own.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "Newfoundland and Labrador", page 46
16. In June 1812, which country invaded Canada, believing it would be easy to conquer?
- A. The United States
- B. France
- C. Spain
- D. The Netherlands
Answer: A. The United States. The United States invaded Canada in June 1812, thinking it would be easy to conquer. The Americans were wrong.
Discover Canada: Canada's History, "A Growing Economy", page 16
17. Senators are elected by the voters of their province.
True or false?
Answer: False. False. Senators are not elected. The Governor General appoints them on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Discover Canada: How Canadians Govern Themselves, "Parliamentary Democracy", page 28
18. Which sport is considered Canada’s national winter sport?
- A. Curling
- B. Hockey
- C. Skiing
- D. Lacrosse
Answer: B. Hockey. Hockey is Canada’s national winter sport and its most popular sport to watch.
Discover Canada: Canadian Symbols, "Popular Sports", page 38
19. What does the right to a secret ballot mean?
- A. Only government officials can see your vote
- B. No one can watch you vote or should look at how you voted
- C. You must vote in a private home
- D. Your vote is shared only with your family
Answer: B. No one can watch you vote or should look at how you voted. Canadian law protects your right to a secret ballot: nobody may watch you vote, and nobody should look at how you voted.
Discover Canada: Federal Elections, "Secret Ballot", page 30
20. In Canada, men and women are equal under the law.
True or false?
Answer: True. This is true. Canadian law treats men and women equally.
Discover Canada: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, "The Equality of Women and Men", page 8
Practice test 2
Take it online, timed1. The federal government brought in unemployment insurance in 1940. What is this program now called?
- A. Employment insurance
- B. Old Age Security
- C. The Canada Pension Plan
- D. Medicare
Answer: A. Employment insurance. Unemployment insurance started in 1940. Its name has since changed to employment insurance.
Discover Canada: Modern Canada, "Trade and Economic Growth", page 24
2. What is one of Canada's founding principles?
- A. Rule by the army
- B. The rule of law
- C. Rule by one religion
- D. Rule by the wealthy
Answer: B. The rule of law. The rule of law is one of Canada's founding principles. Both individuals and governments must follow the law.
Discover Canada: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, "Citizenship Responsibilities", page 8
3. What did the Group of Seven, founded in 1920, paint?
- A. Portraits of political leaders
- B. Abstract modern art
- C. Historical battle scenes
- D. Rugged wilderness landscapes
Answer: D. Rugged wilderness landscapes. The Group of Seven created a style of painting meant to capture Canada's rugged wilderness.
Discover Canada: Modern Canada, "Arts and Culture in Canada", page 24
4. Under the law passed by Parliament, when must federal elections be held?
- A. On the first Monday in July every five years
- B. On Canada Day every three years
- C. On the third Monday in October every four years
- D. On the last Friday in January every two years
Answer: C. On the third Monday in October every four years. Federal law sets elections for the third Monday in October, four years after the last general election. The Prime Minister can still ask the Governor General for an earlier election.
Discover Canada: Federal Elections, "Federal Elections", page 30
5. Who grants royal assent to a bill in Canada?
- A. The Leader of the Opposition
- B. The Speaker of the House of Commons
- C. The Prime Minister
- D. The Governor General
Answer: D. The Governor General. Royal assent is the final step for a bill. The Governor General gives it on behalf of the Sovereign.
Discover Canada: How Canadians Govern Themselves, "Parliamentary Democracy", page 28
6. Which of these does the guide suggest to help you prepare for the citizenship test?
- A. Ask a friend or family member to help you practise
- B. Read only the chapter about history
- C. Avoid studying with other people
- D. Memorize the answers from a single website
Answer: A. Ask a friend or family member to help you practise. The guide suggests studying it and having a friend or family member help you practise answering questions about Canada.
Discover Canada: Applying for Citizenship, "How to Use this Booklet to Prepare for the Citizenship Test", page 6
7. Who are Canada's three founding peoples?
- A. French, Spanish and British
- B. Aboriginal, Dutch and British
- C. British, German and Irish
- D. Aboriginal, French and British
Answer: D. Aboriginal, French and British. To understand what being Canadian means, it helps to know the three founding peoples: Aboriginal, French and British.
Discover Canada: Who We Are, "Who We Are", page 10
8. Which four provinces formed the Dominion of Canada in 1867?
- A. Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
- B. Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia
- C. Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland
- D. Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta
Answer: A. Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The old Province of Canada was divided into Ontario and Quebec. With Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, they formed the new country.
Discover Canada: Canada's History, "Confederation", page 18
9. What are Canada's two official languages?
- A. English and French
- B. English and Inuktitut
- C. French and Michif
- D. English and Spanish
Answer: A. English and French. English and French are Canada's official languages. They shape daily life for most people in Canada.
Discover Canada: Who We Are, "English and French", page 10
10. After an election, who is normally invited to form the government?
- A. The candidate with the most votes in Ottawa
- B. The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons
- C. The leader of the Senate
- D. The oldest member of Parliament
Answer: B. The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons. The Governor General normally invites the leader of the party that won the most seats in the House of Commons to form the government.
Discover Canada: Federal Elections, "After an Election", page 30
11. The beaver was adopted centuries ago as a symbol of which organization?
- A. The Royal Canadian Navy
- B. The Hudson’s Bay Company
- C. The National Hockey League
- D. The Royal Military College
Answer: B. The Hudson’s Bay Company. The beaver became a symbol of the Hudson’s Bay Company centuries ago.
Discover Canada: Canadian Symbols, "The Beaver", page 38
12. Canada's tradition of ordered liberty dates back to the signing of Magna Carta in what year?
- A. 1215
- B. 1763
- C. 1867
- D. 1982
Answer: A. 1215. Magna Carta was signed in England in 1215. Canadians' tradition of ordered liberty goes back about 800 years to that event.
Discover Canada: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, "Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship", page 8
13. The name "Canada" comes from the Iroquoian word kanata. What does kanata mean?
- A. Land
- B. Village
- C. River
- D. Nation
Answer: B. Village. Jacques Cartier heard two guides use the Iroquoian word kanata, which means "village." By the 1550s the name Canada was appearing on maps.
Discover Canada: Canada's History, "Exploring a River, Naming Canada", page 14
14. In what year was the new Canadian flag raised for the first time?
- A. 1867
- B. 1921
- C. 1982
- D. 1965
Answer: D. 1965. Canada’s new flag was first raised in 1965.
Discover Canada: Canadian Symbols, "Flags in Canada", page 38
15. What is due process?
- A. The rule that police may arrest people without a reason
- B. The principle that the government must respect all of a person's legal rights
- C. The process for electing judges
- D. The way Parliament passes new laws
Answer: B. The principle that the government must respect all of a person's legal rights. Due process means the government has to respect every legal right that a person has under the law.
Discover Canada: The Justice System, "The Justice System", page 36
16. Who chose Ottawa as the capital of Canada in 1857?
- A. Queen Victoria
- B. Sir John A. Macdonald
- C. King George VI
- D. Lord Durham
Answer: A. Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria picked Ottawa, a city on the Ottawa River, to be the capital in 1857.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "The National Capital", page 44
17. Which of these is a responsibility of the federal government?
- A. Education
- B. Highways
- C. Natural resources
- D. Defence
Answer: D. Defence. Matters of national and international concern, such as defence, belong to the federal government. Education, highways and natural resources are provincial.
Discover Canada: How Canadians Govern Themselves, "Federal State", page 28
18. Which is the only officially bilingual province in Canada?
- A. Quebec
- B. Ontario
- C. New Brunswick
- D. Alberta
Answer: C. New Brunswick. New Brunswick is the one province in Canada that is officially bilingual.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "New Brunswick", page 46
19. In 1994, which country joined Canada and the United States in the wider North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
- A. Mexico
- B. Brazil
- C. The United Kingdom
- D. Japan
Answer: A. Mexico. Mexico joined Canada and the United States in 1994 under NAFTA.
Discover Canada: Canada's Economy, "A Trading Nation", page 42
20. Newfoundland and Labrador is known as the oldest colony of which empire?
- A. The British Empire
- B. The French Empire
- C. The Spanish Empire
- D. The Portuguese Empire
Answer: A. The British Empire. Newfoundland and Labrador was the British Empire's oldest colony and an important prize in Canada's early history.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "Newfoundland and Labrador", page 46
Practice test 3
Take it online, timed1. Who may run as a candidate in a federal election?
- A. Canadian citizens aged 18 or older
- B. Any adult living in Canada
- C. Canadian citizens aged 30 or older
- D. Only people who are already senators
Answer: A. Canadian citizens aged 18 or older. Any Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old may run in a federal election.
Discover Canada: Federal Elections, "Federal Elections", page 30
2. Which of these does the guide suggest calling to ask about citizenship classes?
- A. The Senate
- B. A foreign embassy
- C. A community centre
- D. The Supreme Court
Answer: C. A community centre. To find citizenship classes, the guide suggests contacting places such as schools, colleges, community centres or groups that help immigrants.
Discover Canada: Applying for Citizenship, "How to Use this Booklet to Prepare for the Citizenship Test", page 6
3. During the Cold War, Canada joined other Western democracies to form which military alliance?
- A. The World Trade Organization
- B. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
- C. La Francophonie
- D. The United Nations
Answer: B. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Canada and other democratic countries of the West formed NATO, a military alliance.
Discover Canada: Modern Canada, "International Engagement", page 24
4. In 1980, Terry Fox began a cross-country run called the "Marathon of Hope." What was it for?
- A. To raise money for cancer research
- B. To raise money for spinal cord research
- C. To promote official bilingualism
- D. To celebrate the Olympic Games
Answer: A. To raise money for cancer research. Terry Fox lost his right leg to cancer at age 18. He ran across the country to raise money for cancer research.
Discover Canada: Modern Canada, "Arts and Culture in Canada", page 26
5. Who is Canada's Head of State?
- A. The Prime Minister
- B. The Chief Justice
- C. A hereditary Sovereign (King or Queen)
- D. The Speaker of the Senate
Answer: C. A hereditary Sovereign (King or Queen). Canada is a constitutional monarchy, so its Head of State is a hereditary Sovereign who reigns according to the Constitution.
Discover Canada: How Canadians Govern Themselves, "Constitutional Monarchy", page 28
6. True or false: Labrador has immense hydro-electric resources.
True or false?
Answer: True. Labrador, part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, has very large hydro-electric resources.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "Newfoundland and Labrador", page 46
7. In April 1917, what did the Canadian Corps capture, earning a reputation as the "shock troops of the British Empire"?
- A. Juno Beach
- B. Vimy Ridge
- C. Dieppe
- D. Hong Kong
Answer: B. Vimy Ridge. In April 1917 the Canadian Corps took Vimy Ridge, with 10,000 killed or wounded. The victory earned Canadians a reputation for great courage.
Discover Canada: Canada's History, "The First World War", page 20
8. Who makes Canada's laws?
- A. The police
- B. Elections Canada
- C. Elected representatives
- D. Lawyers
Answer: C. Elected representatives. Laws in Canada are written by the representatives that people elect.
Discover Canada: The Justice System, "The Justice System", page 36
9. What is a majority government?
- A. The party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons
- B. The party in power holds less than half of the seats
- C. Two parties share power equally
- D. The Senate controls the House of Commons
Answer: A. The party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons. When the governing party holds at least half of the House of Commons seats, it is a majority government. With fewer than half, it is a minority government.
Discover Canada: Federal Elections, "After an Election", page 30
10. How many provinces and territories does Canada have?
- A. Ten provinces and three territories
- B. Nine provinces and four territories
- C. Twelve provinces and one territory
- D. Eight provinces and five territories
Answer: A. Ten provinces and three territories. Canada is made up of ten provinces and three territories.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "Provinces and Territories", page 44
11. In what year did Parliament pass the Official Languages Act?
- A. 1867
- B. 1969
- C. 1982
- D. 1931
Answer: B. 1969. The Official Languages Act was passed by Parliament in 1969.
Discover Canada: Canadian Symbols, "Canada’s Official Languages", page 38
12. Who are the Acadians?
- A. Descendants of French colonists who settled in the Maritimes from 1604
- B. Descendants of British Loyalists who came from America
- C. A First Nation of the Prairie provinces
- D. Descendants of Irish settlers in Ontario
Answer: A. Descendants of French colonists who settled in the Maritimes from 1604. The Acadians descend from French colonists who started settling in today's Maritime provinces in 1604.
Discover Canada: Who We Are, "English and French", page 10
13. Where are the ancestors of Aboriginal peoples believed to have come from?
- A. Africa
- B. Asia
- C. Europe
- D. South America
Answer: B. Asia. The ancestors of Aboriginal peoples are believed to have come from Asia many thousands of years ago, long before European explorers arrived.
Discover Canada: Who We Are, "Aboriginal Peoples", page 10
14. True or false: Canadians could not keep their standard of living without trading with other countries.
True or false?
Answer: True. True. Trade with other nations is needed for Canadians to maintain their standard of living.
Discover Canada: Canada's Economy, "A Trading Nation", page 42
15. Which of these is a responsibility of the provinces?
- A. Foreign policy
- B. Education
- C. Citizenship
- D. Criminal law
Answer: B. Education. Education is a provincial responsibility. Foreign policy, citizenship and criminal law are federal.
Discover Canada: How Canadians Govern Themselves, "Federal State", page 28
16. Which of these is one of the fundamental freedoms of Canadians?
- A. Freedom to refuse jury duty
- B. Freedom of speech and of the press
- C. Freedom from obeying the law
- D. Freedom from paying any taxes
Answer: B. Freedom of speech and of the press. Canadians have freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression. This includes freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
Discover Canada: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, "Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship", page 8
17. In 1759, the British defeated the French at Québec City in which battle?
- A. The Battle of Queenston Heights
- B. The Battle of Châteauguay
- C. The Battle of Vimy Ridge
- D. The Battle of the Plains of Abraham
Answer: D. The Battle of the Plains of Abraham. The British victory at the Plains of Abraham in 1759 ended France's empire in America.
Discover Canada: Canada's History, "Struggle for a Continent", page 14
18. Which city is Canada's largest city and its main financial centre?
- A. Montreal
- B. Vancouver
- C. Ottawa
- D. Toronto
Answer: D. Toronto. Toronto, in Ontario, is the biggest city in Canada and the centre of the country's finance.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "Ontario", page 48
19. What is Canada’s best-known symbol?
- A. The beaver
- B. The fleur-de-lys
- C. The Peace Tower
- D. The maple leaf
Answer: D. The maple leaf. The maple leaf is the symbol most people know Canada by.
Discover Canada: Canadian Symbols, "The Maple Leaf", page 38
20. If you are called to serve on a jury in Canada, what must you do?
- A. You may refuse without a reason
- B. You only serve if you are a lawyer
- C. You are legally required to serve
- D. You may send a family member instead
Answer: C. You are legally required to serve. Jury service is a legal duty when you are called. The justice system depends on fair juries made up of citizens.
Discover Canada: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, "Citizenship Responsibilities", page 8
Practice test 4
Take it online, timed1. The right to vote comes with a responsibility to vote in which elections?
- A. Federal elections only
- B. Local elections only
- C. Provincial elections only
- D. Federal, provincial or territorial, and local elections
Answer: D. Federal, provincial or territorial, and local elections. Citizens have a responsibility to vote at every level: federal, provincial or territorial, and local.
Discover Canada: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, "Citizenship Responsibilities", page 8
2. Since what year has Canada been a constitutional monarchy in its own right?
- A. 1763
- B. 1812
- C. 1867
- D. 1945
Answer: C. 1867. Canada became a constitutional monarchy in its own right at Confederation in 1867, when Queen Victoria was on the throne.
Discover Canada: Canadian Symbols, "The Canadian Crown", page 38
3. What is the deportation of the Acadians between 1755 and 1763 known as?
- A. The Quiet Revolution
- B. The Great Upheaval
- C. The Great Migration
- D. The Long March
Answer: B. The Great Upheaval. During the war between Britain and France, most Acadians were deported from their homeland. This ordeal is called the "Great Upheaval."
Discover Canada: Who We Are, "English and French", page 10
4. The Government of Canada offers English or French language classes free of charge.
True or false?
Answer: True. This is true. Taking free English or French classes is one of the ways the guide suggests to prepare.
Discover Canada: Applying for Citizenship, "How to Use this Booklet to Prepare for the Citizenship Test", page 6
5. Why is Canada's North often called the "Land of the Midnight Sun"?
- A. The sun never sets in winter
- B. Northern lights shine at midnight all year
- C. Summer daylight can last up to 24 hours
- D. The sun rises only at midnight
Answer: C. Summer daylight can last up to 24 hours. At the height of summer in the North, the sun can stay up for as long as 24 hours.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "The Northern Territories", page 50
6. Which party is the Official Opposition?
- A. The party with the fewest seats
- B. The party chosen by the Senate
- C. The opposition party with the most members in the House of Commons
- D. The party that won the previous election
Answer: C. The opposition party with the most members in the House of Commons. Among the parties not in power, the one holding the largest number of seats in the House of Commons is the Official Opposition.
Discover Canada: Federal Elections, "After an Election", page 30
7. In what year was the Constitution of Canada amended to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
- A. 1867
- B. 1215
- C. 1982
- D. 1763
Answer: C. 1982. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms became part of the Constitution through an amendment in 1982.
Discover Canada: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, "Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship", page 8
8. Which neutral agency of Parliament produces the voters' lists for federal elections?
- A. Elections Canada
- B. Statistics Canada
- C. The Senate
- D. Canada Post
Answer: A. Elections Canada. Elections Canada, a neutral agency of Parliament, prepares the voters' lists from the National Register of Electors.
Discover Canada: Federal Elections, "Voting", page 30
9. Which two areas do the federal government and the provinces share?
- A. Defence and currency
- B. Education and highways
- C. Agriculture and immigration
- D. Criminal law and navigation
Answer: C. Agriculture and immigration. Agriculture and immigration are shared between Ottawa and the provinces. The other pairs belong to only one level of government.
Discover Canada: How Canadians Govern Themselves, "Federal State", page 28
10. In what year was O Canada proclaimed as Canada’s National Anthem?
- A. 1867
- B. 1919
- C. 1980
- D. 1949
Answer: C. 1980. O Canada was officially proclaimed the National Anthem in 1980.
Discover Canada: Canadian Symbols, "National Anthem", page 40
11. Who represents the Sovereign in Canada?
- A. The Governor General
- B. The Prime Minister
- C. The Speaker of the House of Commons
- D. The Premier of Ontario
Answer: A. The Governor General. The Governor General represents the Sovereign in Canada. The Sovereign makes the appointment, acting on the Prime Minister's advice.
Discover Canada: How Canadians Govern Themselves, "Constitutional Monarchy", page 28
12. Which province was once called the "breadbasket of the world"?
- A. Ontario
- B. Manitoba
- C. Alberta
- D. Saskatchewan
Answer: D. Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan was once called the "breadbasket of the world" and the "wheat province."
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "Saskatchewan", page 48
13. Who founded the women's suffrage movement in Canada?
- A. Agnes Macphail
- B. Thérèse Casgrain
- C. Mary Ann Shadd Cary
- D. Dr. Emily Stowe
Answer: D. Dr. Emily Stowe. Dr. Emily Stowe founded the movement for women's right to vote. She was also the first Canadian woman to practise medicine in Canada.
Discover Canada: Canada's History, "Women Get the Vote", page 20
14. Why did the federal government place many Aboriginal children in residential schools?
- A. To teach them their own Aboriginal languages
- B. To educate them and assimilate them into mainstream culture
- C. To train them to serve in the army
- D. To prepare them to lead their own communities
Answer: B. To educate them and assimilate them into mainstream culture. The guide says residential schools were used to educate Aboriginal children and assimilate them into mainstream Canadian culture.
Discover Canada: Who We Are, "Aboriginal Peoples", page 10
15. Who invented the world system of standard time zones?
- A. Reginald Fessenden
- B. Dr. John A. Hopps
- C. Sir Sandford Fleming
- D. Alexander Graham Bell
Answer: C. Sir Sandford Fleming. Sir Sandford Fleming created the system of standard time zones used around the world.
Discover Canada: Modern Canada, "Great Canadian Discoveries and Inventions", page 27
16. In Canada, what is the role of the courts?
- A. To make laws
- B. To enforce laws
- C. To elect representatives
- D. To settle disputes
Answer: D. To settle disputes. Courts settle disputes. The police are the ones who enforce the laws.
Discover Canada: The Justice System, "The Justice System", page 36
17. What is the name for the period of rapid change in Quebec during the 1960s?
- A. The Quiet Revolution
- B. The Great Depression
- C. The Cold War
- D. The Rebellion of 1837
Answer: A. The Quiet Revolution. Quebec changed quickly in the 1960s. This period is called the Quiet Revolution.
Discover Canada: Modern Canada, "Canada and Quebec", page 24
18. According to the study guide, what is the engine of Canada’s economic growth?
- A. Commerce
- B. Tourism
- C. Government spending
- D. Immigration
Answer: A. Commerce. Canada has always been a trading nation, and commerce drives its economic growth.
Discover Canada: Canada's Economy, "A Trading Nation", page 42
19. Which law, passed by the British Parliament in 1774, allowed religious freedom for Catholics and let them hold public office?
- A. The Quebec Act
- B. The Constitutional Act
- C. The British North America Act
- D. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Answer: A. The Quebec Act. The Quebec Act of 1774 is one of Canada's constitutional foundations. It gave Catholics freedom of religion and the right to hold public office, which was not yet allowed in Britain.
Discover Canada: Canada's History, "A Tradition of Accommodation", page 14
20. What is the name of the long bridge that connects Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada?
- A. The Lions Gate Bridge
- B. The Ambassador Bridge
- C. The Confederation Bridge
- D. The Quebec Bridge
Answer: C. The Confederation Bridge. P.E.I., the birthplace of Confederation, is linked to the mainland by the Confederation Bridge, one of the longest multispan bridges in the world.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "Prince Edward Island", page 46
Practice test 5
Take it online, timed1. What are the laws passed by a municipal council called?
- A. Acts of Parliament
- B. Treaties
- C. By-laws
- D. Royal decrees
Answer: C. By-laws. Municipal councils pass "by-laws," which apply only to the local community.
Discover Canada: Federal Elections, "Other Levels of Government in Canada", page 32
2. Military service is compulsory in Canada.
True or false?
Answer: False. False. No one in Canada is required to do military service.
Discover Canada: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, "Defending Canada", page 8
3. If you do not receive a voter information card, you are not allowed to vote.
True or false?
Answer: False. False. Even without a card, you can get your name added to the list of voters, and this is possible right up to and on election day.
Discover Canada: Federal Elections, "Voting", page 30
4. The Peace Tower on Parliament Hill was completed in 1927 in memory of what?
- A. The War of 1812
- B. The First World War
- C. Confederation
- D. The Second World War
Answer: B. The First World War. The Peace Tower was finished in 1927 to remember the First World War.
Discover Canada: Canadian Symbols, "Parliament Buildings", page 38
5. True or false: Mount Logan, the highest mountain in Canada, is in Yukon.
True or false?
Answer: True. Mount Logan, Canada's highest mountain, is located in Yukon.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "Yukon", page 50
6. Forestry, fishing, agriculture, mining and energy belong to which type of industry?
- A. Service industries
- B. Manufacturing industries
- C. Natural resources industries
- D. Technology industries
Answer: C. Natural resources industries. These are all natural resources industries.
Discover Canada: Canada's Economy, "Canada’s Economy Includes Three Main Types of Industries:", page 42
7. Who wrote Anne of Green Gables, a story set in Prince Edward Island?
- A. Lucy Maud Montgomery
- B. Robert W. Service
- C. Martin Frobisher
- D. Princess Louise
Answer: A. Lucy Maud Montgomery. Lucy Maud Montgomery set Anne of Green Gables in P.E.I. It tells of a red-headed orphan girl and her adventures.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "Prince Edward Island", page 46
8. Why is Canada often called a land of immigrants?
- A. Because Canada has no Aboriginal peoples
- B. Because most Canadians today were born abroad
- C. Because over 200 years millions of newcomers helped build and defend Canada
- D. Because Canada was settled only in the 20th century
Answer: C. Because over 200 years millions of newcomers helped build and defend Canada. Over the past 200 years, millions of newcomers have helped build and defend the Canadian way of life. Even so, most Canadians were born in Canada.
Discover Canada: Who We Are, "Diversity in Canada", page 12
9. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, which beach in Normandy did 15,000 Canadian troops capture?
- A. Dieppe
- B. Paardeberg
- C. Hong Kong
- D. Juno Beach
Answer: D. Juno Beach. Canadian soldiers stormed and captured Juno Beach from the German Army during the Allied invasion of Normandy.
Discover Canada: Canada's History, "Between the Wars", page 22
10. The Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism led to which law?
- A. The Canada Health Act
- B. The Quebec Act
- C. The Old Age Security Act
- D. The Official Languages Act
Answer: D. The Official Languages Act. Parliament set up the Royal Commission in 1963. Its work led to the Official Languages Act of 1969, which guarantees federal government services in both French and English.
Discover Canada: Modern Canada, "Canada and Quebec", page 24
11. In a province, who has a role similar to the Prime Minister's role in the federal government?
- A. The Premier
- B. The Lieutenant Governor
- C. The mayor
- D. The Commissioner
Answer: A. The Premier. The Premier leads a provincial government much as the Prime Minister leads the federal one. The Lieutenant Governor's role is like the Governor General's.
Discover Canada: How Canadians Govern Themselves, "Constitutional Monarchy", page 28
12. The Canadian Rangers, who help protect Canada's Arctic, are part of which organization?
- A. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- B. The Canadian Coast Guard
- C. The Canadian Forces Reserves (militia)
- D. Parks Canada
Answer: C. The Canadian Forces Reserves (militia). The Canadian Rangers belong to the Canadian Forces Reserves, or militia. They play a key role in the harsh, isolated North.
Discover Canada: Canada's Regions, "The Canadian Rangers", page 50
13. What are the three parts of Parliament?
- A. The Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the courts
- B. The House of Commons, the provinces and the territories
- C. The Governor General, the Premiers and the Senate
- D. The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons
Answer: D. The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons. Parliament is made up of the Sovereign (King or Queen), the Senate and the House of Commons.
Discover Canada: How Canadians Govern Themselves, "Parliamentary Democracy", page 28
14. Who must obey the law in Canada?
- A. Only Canadian citizens
- B. Everyone, including judges, politicians and the police
- C. Everyone except judges and politicians
- D. Only people over the age of 18
Answer: B. Everyone, including judges, politicians and the police. No one is above the law in Canada. Judges, politicians and police officers must follow it like everyone else.
Discover Canada: The Justice System, "The Justice System", page 36
15. In 1793, which became the first province in the British Empire to move toward abolishing slavery?
- A. Lower Canada
- B. Nova Scotia
- C. Upper Canada
- D. Prince Edward Island
Answer: C. Upper Canada. Upper Canada, under Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, was the first province in the Empire to start moving toward the abolition of slavery, in 1793.
Discover Canada: Canada's History, "Abolition of Slavery", page 16
16. Which Charter right lets Canadians live and work anywhere they choose in Canada?
- A. Multiculturalism
- B. Aboriginal Peoples' Rights
- C. Mobility Rights
- D. Official Language Rights
Answer: C. Mobility Rights. Mobility Rights mean Canadians can live and work anywhere in Canada, come and go from the country freely, and apply for a passport.
Discover Canada: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, "Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship", page 8
17. What is the Canadarm?
- A. A wireless phone
- B. A winter vehicle
- C. A robotic arm used in outer space
- D. A heart pacemaker
Answer: C. A robotic arm used in outer space. The Canadarm is a robotic arm for use in space. It was invented by SPAR Aerospace and the National Research Council.
Discover Canada: Modern Canada, "Great Canadian Discoveries and Inventions", page 27
18. If you pass the test and meet all other requirements, what document will you receive?
- A. A Canadian passport
- B. A Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship
- C. A voter registration card
- D. A permanent resident card
Answer: B. A Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship. After passing the test and meeting the other requirements, you receive a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship.
Discover Canada: Applying for Citizenship, "After the Test", page 6
19. What is the highest honour available to Canadians?
- A. The Order of Canada
- B. The Victoria Cross
- C. The Star of Courage
- D. The Order of Military Merit
Answer: B. The Victoria Cross. The Victoria Cross is the highest honour. It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
Discover Canada: Canadian Symbols, "The Victoria Cross", page 40
20. Which three groups make up Canada's Aboriginal (Indigenous) peoples?
- A. First Nations (Indians), Inuit and Métis
- B. Inuit, Métis and Acadians
- C. Indians, Acadians and Quebecers
- D. First Nations, Loyalists and Inuit
Answer: A. First Nations (Indians), Inuit and Métis. Aboriginal peoples are made up of three distinct groups: First Nations (the guide's older term is Indians), Inuit and Métis. Indians are all Aboriginal people who are not Inuit or Métis.
Discover Canada: Who We Are, "Aboriginal Peoples", page 10
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