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Canadian Citizenship Test questions and answers

Every question in the bank, with the answer and an explanation. Written from Discover Canada. Browsing is free and needs no account. But you will learn far more by taking a timed test than by reading answers.

1. 1.In which year was Magna Carta signed?

   • A1791
   • B1215
   • C1867
   • D1982

   Magna Carta was signed in 1215 in England and is also known as the Great Charter of Freedoms. (Where Canadian rights come from)

2. 2.By what other name is Magna Carta known?

   • AThe Charter of Rights
   • BThe British North America Act
   • CThe Constitution Act
   • DThe Great Charter of Freedoms

   Magna Carta was signed in 1215 in England and is also known as the Great Charter of Freedoms. (Where Canadian rights come from)

3. 3.What is habeas corpus?

   • AThe right to legal aid
   • BThe right to a trial by jury
   • CThe right to vote in federal elections
   • DThe right to challenge unlawful detention by the state

   Habeas corpus, the right to challenge unlawful detention by the state, comes from English common law. (Where Canadian rights come from)

4. 4.From which legal tradition does habeas corpus come to Canada?

   • AEnglish common law
   • BFrench civil law
   • CAboriginal customary law
   • DInternational treaty law

   Sources of Canadian law: Acts of Parliament and of the provincial legislatures, English common law, French civil law, and Britain's unwritten constitution. (Where Canadian rights come from)

5. 5.How long is the tradition of ordered liberty that Canadians have inherited?

   • AA 40-year-old tradition
   • BAn 800-year-old tradition
   • CA 400-year-old tradition
   • DA 150-year-old tradition

   Canadians have an 800-year-old tradition of ordered liberty. (Where Canadian rights come from)

6. 6.Which of these is a source of Canadian law?

   • AThe constitution of the United States
   • BRoman canon law
   • CThe civil code of France
   • DThe Treaty of Versailles

   Sources of Canadian law: Acts of Parliament and of the provincial legislatures, English common law, French civil law, and Britain's unwritten constitution. (Where Canadian rights come from)

7. 7.In which year was the Charter of Rights and Freedoms entrenched in the Constitution?

   • A1982
   • B1867
   • C1931
   • D1965

   The Constitution of Canada was amended in 1982 to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. (The Charter of Rights and Freedoms)

8. 8.Which two principles does the Charter say Canada is founded upon?

   • ALiberty, equality and fraternity
   • BLife, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
   • CPeace, order and good government
   • DThe supremacy of God and the rule of law

   The Charter begins with the words that Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law. (The Charter of Rights and Freedoms)

9. 9.Which of these is one of the four fundamental freedoms?

   • AFreedom of peaceful assembly
   • BFreedom to carry a firearm
   • CFreedom from taxation
   • DFreedom from military service

   Freedom of peaceful assembly is a fundamental freedom in the Charter. (The Charter of Rights and Freedoms)

10. 10.Freedom of expression in the Charter expressly includes which freedoms?

    • AFreedom of assembly and of association
    • BFreedom of religion and of conscience
    • CFreedom of movement and of trade
    • DFreedom of speech and of the press

    Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of speech and of the press, is a fundamental freedom. (The Charter of Rights and Freedoms)

11. 11.Which fundamental freedom covers the right to form and belong to organisations?

    • AFreedom of conscience
    • BFreedom of association
    • CMobility rights
    • DFreedom of peaceful assembly

    Freedom of association is a fundamental freedom in the Charter. (The Charter of Rights and Freedoms)

12. 12.What did the Charter set out to do?

    • ASummarize fundamental freedoms while setting out additional rights
    • BTransfer power from the provinces to Ottawa
    • CReplace the British North America Act of 1867
    • DAbolish the monarchy in Canada

    The Constitution of Canada was amended in 1982 to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. (The Charter of Rights and Freedoms)

13. 13.What do mobility rights allow Canadians to do?

    • ALive and work anywhere in Canada and enter and leave the country freely
    • BVote in any province regardless of where they live
    • CClaim social assistance in any province they enter
    • DWork in the United States without needing a visa

    Mobility rights mean Canadians can live and work anywhere they choose in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport. (Other rights in the Charter)

14. 14.What does the Charter say about Aboriginal peoples’ rights?

    • AExisting treaty rights are replaced by the Charter
    • BEach province decides which of them are recognised
    • CCharter rights will not adversely affect treaty or other Aboriginal rights
    • DThey apply only on reserve land, not off-reserve

    The rights guaranteed in the Charter will not adversely affect any treaty or other rights or freedoms of Aboriginal peoples. (Other rights in the Charter)

15. 15.What standing do French and English have in Parliament?

    • AEqual status
    • BEach province decides which applies
    • CEnglish takes precedence
    • DFrench takes precedence

    Official language rights give French and English equal status in Parliament and throughout the government. (Other rights in the Charter)

16. 16.Which right allows a Canadian to apply for a passport?

    • AAboriginal peoples’ rights
    • BOfficial language rights
    • CFreedom of association
    • DMobility rights

    Mobility rights mean Canadians can live and work anywhere they choose in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport. (Other rights in the Charter)

17. 17.How does the guide describe multiculturalism?

    • AAs a recent policy of the federal government
    • BAs a responsibility belonging to the provinces
    • CAs a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity
    • DAs a feature of the preamble to the Charter

    Multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity. (Other rights in the Charter)

18. 18.Which of these is a responsibility of Canadian citizenship?

    • AServing on a jury when called to do so
    • BDonating to a registered charity
    • CFlying the flag on Canada Day
    • DJoining the Canadian Armed Forces

    When called to serve on a jury you are legally required to serve. (Responsibilities of citizenship)

19. 19.What does Discover Canada say about jury service?

    • AIt is voluntary for most citizens
    • BWhen called to do so, you are legally required to serve
    • COnly property owners may be called
    • DIt applies to permanent residents but not citizens

    When called to serve on a jury you are legally required to serve. (Responsibilities of citizenship)

20. 20.Why does the guide call jury service a privilege?

    • AIt exempts a citizen from voting in that year
    • BThe justice system depends on impartial juries made up of citizens
    • CIt gives citizens access to the courts for their own cases
    • DJurors receive a daily allowance for attending

    Serving on a jury is a privilege that makes the justice system work, because it depends on impartial juries made up of citizens. (Responsibilities of citizenship)

21. 21.In which elections do Canadians have a responsibility to vote?

    • AFederal elections only, and no others
    • BFederal, provincial or territorial, and local
    • CLocal elections only, where they live
    • DFederal and provincial, but not local

    The right to vote comes with a responsibility to vote in federal, provincial or territorial and local elections. (Responsibilities of citizenship)

22. 22.What does taking responsibility for yourself and your family involve?

    • AReporting your income to the province
    • BPaying a family levy
    • CRegistering with your municipality
    • DGetting a job and taking care of your family

    Taking responsibility for oneself and one's family means getting a job, taking care of one's family and working hard. (Responsibilities of citizenship)

23. 23.What does the guide say work contributes to?

    • AFaster processing of an application for citizenship
    • BA reduction in the income tax a person owes
    • CEligibility to vote in federal and provincial elections
    • DPersonal dignity and self-respect, and Canada’s prosperity

    Work contributes to personal dignity and self-respect, and to Canada's prosperity. (Responsibilities of citizenship)

24. 24.What does the rule of law mean for individuals and governments in Canada?

    • AThe courts may set aside any law
    • BOnly individuals are bound by law
    • CGovernments may act without legal limit
    • DThey are regulated by laws and not by arbitrary actions

    Individuals and governments are regulated by laws and not by arbitrary actions, and no person or group is above the law. (Responsibilities of citizenship)

25. 25.Which of these is listed as a citizenship responsibility?

    • ALearning both of Canada’s official languages
    • BBuying Canadian products wherever possible
    • CBelonging to a trade union or professional body
    • DProtecting and enjoying Canada’s heritage and environment

    Protecting and enjoying Canada's heritage and environment is a responsibility of citizenship. (Responsibilities of citizenship)

26. 26.What is meant by the equality of women and men in Canada?

    • AEquality applies only to citizens
    • BMen and women are equal under the law
    • CEach province sets its own rule
    • DWomen receive preference in employment

    In Canada, men and women are equal under the law. (The equality of women and men, and defending Canada)

27. 27.How does Canadian law treat so-called honour killings and forced marriage?

    • AThose guilty are severely punished under criminal law
    • BThey are dealt with by provincial legislatures
    • CThey are tolerated as cultural practices
    • DThey are civil matters between families

    Those guilty of gender-based violence are severely punished under Canada's criminal laws. (The equality of women and men, and defending Canada)

28. 28.Is military service compulsory in Canada?

    • AYes, for one year after citizenship
    • BNo, there is no compulsory military service
    • CYes, for men aged 18 to 25
    • DYes, in time of war only

    There is no compulsory military service in Canada. (The equality of women and men, and defending Canada)

29. 29.Which three services make up the regular Canadian Forces?

    • AThe navy, army and air force
    • BThe army, RCMP and Coast Guard
    • CThe air force, Rangers and reserves
    • DThe navy, militia and cadets

    Serving in the regular Canadian Forces, made up of the navy, army and air force, is a way to contribute to Canada. (The equality of women and men, and defending Canada)

30. 30.Which of these is a way young people can learn discipline and skills?

    • AServing on a jury
    • BJoining a political party
    • CGetting involved in the cadets
    • DVolunteering at a food bank

    Serving in the regular Canadian Forces, made up of the navy, army and air force, is a way to contribute to Canada. (The equality of women and men, and defending Canada)

31. 31.Who were the founding peoples of Canada?

    • ABritish, German and Ukrainian
    • BAboriginal, French and American
    • CFrench, British and Irish
    • DAboriginal, French and British

    Canada's three founding peoples are Aboriginal, French and British. (Canada’s three founding peoples)

32. 32.What is said to be unique about Canada in North America?

    • AIt is the only parliamentary democracy
    • BIt is the only bilingual country
    • CIt is the only constitutional monarchy
    • DIt is the only federal state

    Canada is the only constitutional monarchy in North America. (Canada’s three founding peoples)

33. 33.Which phrase from Canada’s original constitutional document describes its institutions?

    • AOrdered Liberty and Fair Play
    • BPeace, Order and Good Government
    • CLife, Liberty and Property
    • DFrom Sea to Sea

    Peace, Order and Good Government is a key phrase in Canada's original constitutional document of 1867, the British North America Act. (Canada’s three founding peoples)

34. 34.What was Canada’s original constitutional document of 1867 called?

    • AThe British North America Act
    • BThe Quebec Act
    • CThe Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
    • DThe Constitutional Act

    Peace, Order and Good Government is a key phrase in Canada's original constitutional document of 1867, the British North America Act. (Canada’s three founding peoples)

35. 35.What constitutional tradition has Canada inherited?

    • AThe oldest continuous constitutional tradition in the world
    • BA constitution modelled on the United States
    • CA constitution drawn up entirely in 1982
    • DThe newest written constitution in the Commonwealth

    Canada has inherited the oldest continuous constitutional tradition in the world. (Canada’s three founding peoples)

36. 36.Where are the ancestors of Aboriginal peoples believed to have migrated from?

    • AEurope
    • BPolynesia
    • CAfrica
    • DAsia

    The ancestors of Aboriginal peoples are believed to have migrated from Asia many thousands of years ago. (Aboriginal peoples)

37. 37.Which 1763 document first guaranteed Aboriginal territorial rights?

    • AThe British North America Act
    • BThe Quebec Act
    • CThe Royal Proclamation
    • DThe Constitutional Act

    Territorial rights were first guaranteed through the Royal Proclamation of 1763 by King George III. (Aboriginal peoples)

38. 38.Which king issued the Royal Proclamation of 1763?

    • AKing Charles II
    • BKing George III
    • CKing Francis I
    • DKing George V

    Territorial rights were first guaranteed through the Royal Proclamation of 1763 by King George III. (Aboriginal peoples)

39. 39.What did the Royal Proclamation of 1763 establish the basis for?

    • ANegotiating treaties with the newcomers
    • BAbolishing slavery in the colonies
    • CCreating the province of Quebec
    • DElecting a representative assembly

    The Royal Proclamation of 1763 established the basis for negotiating treaties with the newcomers. (Aboriginal peoples)

40. 40.What was the purpose of the residential schools?

    • ATo train Aboriginal children as interpreters and guides
    • BTo teach Aboriginal languages and cultural traditions
    • CTo educate and assimilate Aboriginal children into mainstream Canadian culture
    • DTo prepare Aboriginal children for entry to university

    From the 1800s until the 1980s the federal government placed many Aboriginal children in residential schools to assimilate them. (Aboriginal peoples)

41. 41.In which year did Ottawa formally apologise to former residential school students?

    • A2008
    • B1988
    • C2012
    • D1998

    In 2008 Ottawa formally apologized to the former students of residential schools. (Aboriginal peoples)

42. 42.Where are Aboriginal and treaty rights set out?

    • AIn the Royal Proclamation alone
    • BIn the Official Languages Act
    • CIn the Canadian Constitution
    • DIn provincial legislation only

    Aboriginal and treaty rights are in the Canadian Constitution. (Aboriginal peoples)

43. 43.What does the word Inuit mean?

    • AThe people
    • BOur land
    • CThe north
    • DThe hunters

    Inuit means the people in the Inuktitut language. (First Nations, Inuit and Métis)

44. 44.In which language does the word Inuit mean “the people”?

    • AInuktitut
    • BCree, spoken across the northwest
    • CMichif, the dialect of the Métis
    • DOjibwe, spoken around the Great Lakes

    Inuit means the people in the Inuktitut language. (First Nations, Inuit and Métis)

45. 45.Who are the Métis?

    • AThe descendants of French colonists in Acadia
    • BAboriginal people who live in the Arctic
    • CFirst Nations people living off-reserve
    • DA distinct people of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry

    The Métis are a distinct people of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry. (First Nations, Inuit and Métis)

46. 46.Where do the majority of Métis live?

    • AIn Quebec
    • BIn the Prairie provinces
    • CIn the Arctic territories
    • DIn the Atlantic provinces

    The majority of Métis live in the Prairie provinces. (First Nations, Inuit and Métis)

47. 47.What is the Métis dialect called?

    • AChinook
    • BMichif
    • CJoual
    • DInuktitut

    The Métis speak their own dialect, Michif. (First Nations, Inuit and Métis)

48. 48.Which term refers to Aboriginal people who are not Inuit or Métis?

    • AAnglophone
    • BHabitant
    • CAcadian
    • DIndian

    Indian refers to all Aboriginal people who are not Inuit or Métis. (First Nations, Inuit and Métis)

49. 49.When did the term First Nations begin to be used?

    • AIn the 1970s
    • BIn 1999
    • CIn the 1940s
    • DIn the 1870s

    In the 1970s the term First Nations began to be used. (First Nations, Inuit and Métis)

50. 50.About how many communities is First Nations reserve land divided into?

    • AAbout 60
    • BAbout 600
    • CAbout 100
    • DAbout 6,000

    About half of First Nations people live on reserve land in about 600 communities, and the other half live off-reserve mainly in urban centres. (First Nations, Inuit and Métis)