Essential Knowledge for the Citizenship Test (20 Questions - Pass: 15+)
⏰ Study Tips: Focus on key facts, dates, and systems of government. The test emphasizes Canadian history, geography, symbols, and rights/responsibilities.
Overview: What You Need to Know
About the Test: 20 multiple-choice questions. You need 15+ correct to pass (75%). The test covers 5 key areas of Canadian citizenship knowledge.
5 Key Knowledge Areas
Canadian History: Political, military, social and cultural history
Geography: Physical and political geography - provinces, territories, capitals
Symbols: National symbols including flags, anthem, monarchical symbols
Rights & Responsibilities: Citizenship privileges and duties
Official Oath of Citizenship
"I swear (or solemnly affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Her heirs and successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen."
Canadian History
Key Periods & Events
1604: First permanent French settlement in Canada (Port-Royal)
1763: Treaty of Paris - British control of former French territory
1867: Confederation - Dominion of Canada established (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick)
1926: Balfour Declaration - Canada achieves dominion status as equal to Britain
1931: Statute of Westminster - Full independence from Britain
1982: Constitution Act - Canada patriates its constitution
Indigenous Peoples
Aboriginal peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) were the first inhabitants
First Nations had sophisticated societies and trade networks
Métis: people of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry
Inuit adapted to Arctic environment
Today: about 1.2 million Aboriginal Canadians (4% of population)
Military History
World War I (1914-1918): Canada fought as independent nation - major sacrifice
World War II (1939-1945): Canada declared war independently after Britain
Korean War (1950-1953): United Nations peacekeeping role
Peacekeeping: Canada is world leader in UN peacekeeping
National Defense: Canadian Armed Forces defend sovereignty and international peace
Confederation Provinces (1867)
Order
Province
Year Joined
1-4
Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
1867 (Confederation)
5
Manitoba
1870
6
British Columbia
1871
7
Prince Edward Island
1873
8
Alberta
1905
9
Saskatchewan
1905
10
Newfoundland and Labrador
1949
How Canadians Govern Themselves
Constitutional Monarchy
Canada is a constitutional monarchy - the sovereign (Queen) is head of state
Queen Elizabeth II is Queen of Canada (represented by Governor General)
Power rests with elected Prime Minister and parliament, not the monarch
Parliamentary system similar to Britain's Westminster tradition
Three Levels of Government
Federal Government
Location: Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Head: Prime Minister (elected leader of majority party in House of Commons)
Two Houses: House of Commons (elected) and Senate (appointed)
Powers: National defense, foreign policy, criminal law, interprovincial trade
Parliament: Must have an election at least every 5 years
Provincial/Territorial Government
Head: Premier (elected leader of majority party in Legislative Assembly)
Powers: Education, health care, property and civil rights, local business
10 Provinces: Ontario, Quebec, BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, NL
3 Territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut (appointed commissioners, elected assemblies)
Municipal Government
Head: Mayor (elected by local voters)
Powers: Local services, roads, water, public safety, recreation
Closest government to citizens
Voting & Elections
Who Can Vote: Canadian citizen, 18+ years old, permanent resident of province for 1 year
Secret Ballot: Privacy is protected - voters mark ballot in private
Candidates: Must be Canadian citizen, 18+, Canadian resident for 3 years
Party System: Multiple parties compete for office
Majority Government: Party with most seats forms government
Minority Government: No party has majority - must work with other parties
The Justice System
Independence: Courts independent from government
Rule of Law: Laws apply equally to everyone
Judges: Make decisions based on law, not politics
Juries: Citizens judge cases in serious criminal trials
Court Levels: Provincial courts, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Canada
Rights: Everyone has right to legal counsel and fair trial
Canadian Symbols & National Icons
The Monarch & Crown
Queen Elizabeth II is Canada's sovereign (head of state)
Represented in Canada by the Governor General
Crown appears on coins, official documents, and government buildings
Symbol of Canada's democratic institutions and continuity
National Flag
Adopted: 1965
Design: Red maple leaf on white background with red bars on sides
Maple Leaf: Represents unity and Canadian natural heritage
Red & White: Official national colors of Canada
National Anthem
Name: "O Canada"
Written: 1880 (music by Calixa Lavallée)
Official Status: National anthem since 1980
Bilingual: Sung in both English and French
Other National Symbols
Maple Leaf: National tree and symbol of Canada worldwide
Beaver: National animal - symbol of industry and hard work
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): Famous symbol of Canada
Totem Poles: Indigenous artistic tradition (West Coast)
Order of Canada: Highest civilian honor for service to nation
Victoria Cross: Highest military decoration for bravery
Parliamentary Symbols: Mace and Speaker's chair represent democracy
Canadian Geography
Physical Geography
Size: Second largest country in the world by area (after Russia)
Borders: Shares border with USA (longest border between two countries)
Coastlines: Longest coastline in world (longest on both Atlantic and Pacific)
Oceans: Borders Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans
Major Mountain Ranges: Rocky Mountains (west), Appalachians (east), Canadian Shield
Great Lakes: Shares 4 of 5 with USA (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie)
Major Rivers: St. Lawrence, Mackenzie, Yukon, Saskatchewan, Nelson
Provinces & Capitals
Province
Capital
Region
Ontario
Toronto
Central
Quebec
Quebec City
Central
British Columbia
Victoria
West
Alberta
Edmonton
West
Manitoba
Winnipeg
Central
Saskatchewan
Regina
Central
Nova Scotia
Halifax
Atlantic
New Brunswick
Fredericton
Atlantic
Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown
Atlantic
Newfoundland & Labrador
St. John's
Atlantic
Territories & Capitals
Territory
Capital
Yukon
Whitehorse
Northwest Territories
Yellowknife
Nunavut
Iqaluit
Regional Characteristics
Atlantic Region: Fishing, shipbuilding, Bay of Fundy (highest tides), historic cities
Central Canada: Most population, Great Lakes region, financial center (Toronto), cultural center (Montreal)
Prairies: Agriculture, mining, vast plains, energy resources (oil, gas)
West Coast: Mountains, Pacific Ocean, forests, Pacific Rim trade, Indigenous cultures
North: Arctic, vast wilderness, mineral resources, Inuit communities, challenging climate
Canadian Economy
Economic Overview
Type: Mixed economy - free market with government regulation
Ranking: One of the world's largest and most developed economies
Standard of Living: Among highest in the world
Natural Resources: Abundant minerals, forests, oil, gas, water
Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) - Canada's primary stock market
Rights & Responsibilities of Citizens
Canadian Rights
Charter of Rights & Freedoms (1982): Part of Canadian Constitution
Freedom of Conscience: Religion, thought, opinion
Freedom of Expression: Speech, press, media
Freedom of Assembly & Association: Peaceful meetings, groups
Democratic Rights: Vote in elections, run for office
Mobility Rights: Move freely within Canada, work anywhere
Legal Rights: Fair trial, presumption of innocence, protection from unreasonable search
Equality Rights: Non-discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation
Canadian Responsibilities
Obey the Law: Follow all federal, provincial, and local laws
Pay Taxes: Income tax, property tax, sales tax support public services
Vote: Participate in democratic process by voting in elections
Respect Diversity: Treat all people fairly regardless of background
Environmental Responsibility: Protect natural environment for future generations
Jury Duty: Serve on jury if called (civic responsibility)
Military Service: Defend Canada when needed (if member of armed forces)
Community Service: Contribute positively to communities
Immigration & Citizenship
Permanent Residents: Foreign nationals with permanent resident status
Citizenship Requirements: Permanent residency, 3 years in Canada (of past 5), knowledge of English or French, knowledge of Canadian government and culture, good character
Dual Citizenship: Canada allows citizens to hold citizenship in other countries
Citizenship Oath: Swear allegiance to Crown and Canada upon citizenship
Privileges: Vote, hold office, own property, access government services
Equality & Diversity
Multiculturalism: Official policy celebrates diversity and cultural heritage
Official Languages: English and French are co-official languages
Non-Discrimination: Laws protect against discrimination in employment, housing, services
Aboriginal Rights: Recognized rights to cultural practices, self-government, treaty rights
People & Diversity of Canada
Population
Total Population: Approximately 40+ million people
Distribution: Most concentrated near US border and on coasts
Urbanization: About 82% live in urban areas
Growth: Immigration is key driver of population growth
Indigenous Peoples
First Nations: Largest Indigenous group (~800,000)
Métis: Mixed European and Indigenous ancestry (~450,000)
Inuit: Arctic peoples (~65,000) - formerly called Eskimo
History: Inhabited Canada for 15,000+ years before European contact
Modern Status: Many live on reserves, but also in cities; face socioeconomic challenges
Government Recognition: Rights recognized in Constitution, treaty rights protected
Contributions: Rich cultural traditions, art, knowledge of lands
Founding Peoples
French: Established New France in 1600s along St. Lawrence River
English: Established settlements on Atlantic coast and expanded westward
French-Canadian Culture: Strong in Quebec, parts of Atlantic provinces, Manitoba, Ontario
Legacy: French-English relationship shapes Canadian politics, language policy, culture