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Canadian Citizenship Test questions and answers
There are 410 practice questions here, each with its correct answer and an explanation, written from Discover Canada. The real Canadian Citizenship Test is 20 questions in 45 minutes and you need 15 correct to pass. Reading is free and needs no account.
You will learn more by taking a timed test than by reading answers.
251.Which neutral agency of Parliament runs federal elections?
- AThe Supreme Court of Canada
- BThe Privy Council Office
- CThe Department of Justice
- DElections Canada
Elections Canada is a neutral agency of Parliament. (Who can vote, and the secret ballot)
252.What is the National Register of Electors?
- AThe list of registered political parties
- BThe record of past election results
- CThe list of candidates in each riding
- DA permanent database of citizens qualified to vote
The National Register of Electors is a permanent database of Canadian citizens 18 years of age or older who are qualified to vote. (Who can vote, and the secret ballot)
253.What does the voter information card tell you?
- AHow you voted last time
- BWhen and where you vote
- CWhich candidate to vote for
- DThe results of the election
The voter information card lists when and where you vote. (Who can vote, and the secret ballot)
254.When can you be added to the voters’ list?
- AOnly before the election is called
- BOnly at a returning office in person
- COnly up to 30 days before the vote
- DAt any time, including on election day
You can be added to the voters' list at any time, including on election day. (Who can vote, and the secret ballot)
255.What does the right to a secret ballot mean?
- ACandidates’ names are not printed on the ballot
- BBallots are destroyed after counting
- CNo one can watch you vote
- DResults are kept secret until the next election
No one can watch you vote and no one should look at how you voted. (Who can vote, and the secret ballot)
256.What happens immediately after the polling stations close?
- AThe Governor General certifies the result first
- BElection officers count the ballots and the results are announced
- CThe ballots are sent to Ottawa to be counted
- DThe Senate reviews the ballots before any result
Immediately after the polling stations close, election officers count the ballots and the results are announced. (Who can vote, and the secret ballot)
257.When you go to vote on election day, what do you do with the ballot?
- ASign your name beside your chosen candidate
- BWrite the candidate’s name on a blank slip
- CTick every candidate you would accept
- DMark an X in the circle next to the candidate of your choice
Cannot make election day, or would rather not? Advance polls and the special ballot are the alternatives. (Voting procedures)
258.What must you bring to the polling station?
- AYour citizenship certificate and nothing else
- BYour voter information card and proof of identity and address
- CYour passport together with your last tax return
- DNothing at all, since your name is on the list
On election day bring your voter information card and proof of your identity and address to the polling station. (Voting procedures)
259.What should you do if you do not receive a voter information card?
- ACall your local elections office to check you are on the voters’ list
- BAsk your member of Parliament in Ottawa to register you
- CGo to any polling station and vote without one
- DWait until the next general election is called
If you do not receive a voter information card you should call your local elections office. (Voting procedures)
260.What are your options if you cannot vote on election day?
- AVote by telephone
- BVote at the advance polls or by special ballot
- CAsk a family member to vote for you
- DApply for an exemption from voting
Cannot make election day, or would rather not? Advance polls and the special ballot are the alternatives. (Voting procedures)
261.Where do you mark your ballot?
- AAnywhere in the polling station
- BBehind the screen, so your vote is secret
- CAt the poll official’s table
- DIn the presence of two witnesses
A screen is provided, and you are invited behind it to mark the ballot. (Voting procedures)
262.What does the poll official do with the ballot number?
- ARecords it against your name
- BTears it off and gives the ballot back to you
- CKeeps it with your identity documents
- DWrites it on the voters’ list
The ballot number is torn off by the poll official, who hands the ballot back for you to put in the box. (Voting procedures)
263.After an election, which party forms the government?
- AThe party with the most votes nationally
- BUsually the party with the most seats in the House of Commons
- CThe party with the most members in the Senate
- DThe party chosen by the Senate
After an election the leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons is invited by the Governor General to form the government. (After an election: government and opposition)
264.What is it called when the party in power holds at least half the seats?
- AA minority government
- BA confidence government
- CA coalition government
- DA majority government
If the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons, this is called a majority government. (After an election: government and opposition)
265.What is it called when the party in power holds fewer than half the seats?
- AAn opposition government
- BA minority government
- CA caretaker government
- DA majority government
If the party in power holds less than half of the seats in the House of Commons, this is called a minority government. (After an election: government and opposition)
266.What is the opposition party with the most members called?
- AThe Shadow Government
- BThe Loyal Coalition
- CThe Third Party
- DThe Official Opposition
The opposition party with the most members of the House of Commons is the Official Opposition, or Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. (After an election: government and opposition)
267.What is the role of the opposition parties?
- ATo appoint senators
- BTo administer the government departments
- CTo peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposals
- DTo grant royal assent
The role of opposition parties is to peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposals. (After an election: government and opposition)
268.What usually happens if the government is defeated on a confidence vote?
- AThe Senate takes over the government
- BThe Governor General appoints new ministers
- CThe Supreme Court rules on the matter
- DThe Prime Minister asks the Governor General to call an election
After an election the leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons is invited by the Governor General to form the government. (After an election: government and opposition)
269.Which kind of vote is considered a matter of confidence?
- AAny vote in the Senate
- BA vote on a major issue such as the budget
- CA vote on a private member’s bill
- DA vote to elect the Speaker
A vote on a major issue such as the budget is considered a matter of confidence. (After an election: government and opposition)
270.Who invites the leader of the winning party to form the government?
- AThe Chief Electoral Officer
- BThe Governor General
- CThe Speaker of the House of Commons
- DThe Chief Justice
After an election the leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons is invited by the Governor General to form the government. (After an election: government and opposition)
271.What are laws passed by a municipal council called?
- AOrders in Council
- BBy-laws
- COrdinances of the Crown
- DStatutes
By-laws are what a municipal council passes, and they bind only the local community. (Provincial, territorial and municipal government)
272.Who usually heads a municipal government?
- AA commissioner
- BA lieutenant governor
- CA band chief
- DA mayor or a reeve
A municipal council usually includes a mayor or a reeve and councillors or aldermen. (Provincial, territorial and municipal government)
273.Which of these is normally a municipal responsibility?
- ACriminal law
- BCitizenship
- CForeign policy
- DSnow removal
Municipalities are normally responsible for urban or regional planning, streets and roads, sanitation, snow removal, firefighting, ambulance and other emergency services, recreation facilities and public transit. (Provincial, territorial and municipal government)
274.What are the elected members of Quebec’s legislature called?
- AMembers of the House of Assembly
- BMembers of the National Assembly
- CMembers of the Provincial Parliament
- DMembers of the Legislative Assembly
Members of provincial and territorial legislatures are called members of the Legislative Assembly, members of the National Assembly, members of the Provincial Parliament or members of the House of Assembly. (Provincial, territorial and municipal government)
275.Who has major responsibilities on First Nations reserves?
- AProvincial premiers
- BThe Commissioner
- CMunicipal mayors
- DBand chiefs and councillors
First Nations have band chiefs and councillors who have major responsibilities on reserves, including housing and schools. (Provincial, territorial and municipal government)
276.How do the rules for provincial and municipal elections compare with federal ones?
- AThey are held by secret ballot, but the rules are not the same
- BThey are identical to the rules for federal elections
- CThey do not use a secret ballot, unlike federal ones
- DThey are set for every province by Elections Canada
Provincial, territorial and municipal elections are held by secret ballot, but the rules are not the same as those for federal elections. (Provincial, territorial and municipal government)
277.What is the role of the courts in Canada?
- ATo make the laws
- BTo enforce the laws
- CTo appoint the police
- DTo settle disputes
Canada's laws are intended to provide order in society, offer a peaceful way to settle disputes, and express the values and beliefs of Canadians. (The justice system)
278.What is Canada’s judicial system founded on in criminal matters?
- AThe presumption of innocence
- BTrial by the Governor General
- CThe presumption of guilt
- DDecisions of elected representatives
Presumption of innocence underpins criminal matters: guilt has to be proven. (The justice system)
279.What is due process?
- AThe right to be tried by a jury of twelve citizens
- BThe right to legal aid where you cannot pay a lawyer
- CThe right to question the police about their conduct
- DThe principle that government must respect all a person’s legal rights
Due process is the principle that the government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to under the law. (The justice system)
280.Which is Canada’s highest court?
- AThe Federal Court of Canada
- BThe Supreme Court of Canada
- CThe Provincial Court of Appeal
- DThe Court of Queen’s Bench
The Supreme Court of Canada is the country's highest court. (The justice system)
281.How many judges sit on the Supreme Court of Canada?
- ASeven
- BNine
- CEleven
- DFive
The Supreme Court of Canada has nine judges appointed by the Governor General. (The justice system)
282.Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court of Canada?
- AThe provincial premiers
- BThe Prime Minister alone
- CThe Governor General
- DThe Senate
The Supreme Court of Canada has nine judges appointed by the Governor General. (The justice system)
283.Which court deals with matters concerning the federal government?
- AThe Supreme Court of Canada
- BThe Court of Queen’s Bench
- CA small claims court
- DThe Federal Court of Canada
The Federal Court of Canada deals with matters concerning the federal government. (The justice system)
284.To whom does the law in Canada apply?
- AEveryone except judges while they are sitting
- BOnly Canadian citizens, not permanent residents
- CEveryone, including judges, politicians and the police
- DEveryone except elected politicians in office
The law in Canada applies to everyone, including judges, politicians and the police. (The justice system)
285.Which court handles civil cases involving small sums of money?
- AThe Court of Queen’s Bench
- BThe Federal Court
- CA small claims court
- DA family court
There are also provincial courts for lesser offences, family courts, traffic courts and small claims courts. (The justice system)
286.Who makes the written rules that guide people in Canadian society?
- AThe Governor General
- BThe police
- CThe Supreme Court
- DElected representatives
Laws are written rules intended to guide people in society and are made by elected representatives. (The justice system)
287.In Canada, are you allowed to question the police about their service or conduct?
- AOnly where you have a lawyer present with you
- BOnly through your member of Parliament in Ottawa
- CNo — questioning an officer’s conduct is an offence
- DYes — almost all forces have a process for bringing concerns
Concerns about police service or conduct are yours to raise. (The police)
288.Which force enforces federal laws throughout Canada?
- AMunicipal police departments
- BThe Ontario Provincial Police
- CThe Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- DThe Canadian Forces Military Police
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police enforce federal laws throughout Canada. (The police)
289.In which two provinces does the RCMP not serve as the provincial police?
- AManitoba and Saskatchewan
- BOntario and Quebec
- CAlberta and British Columbia
- DNova Scotia and New Brunswick
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police serve as the provincial police in all provinces and territories except Ontario and Quebec. (The police)
290.What can you do if you cannot pay for a lawyer?
- ARepresent yourself with no assistance
- BUse legal aid services, available free or at low cost
- CAsk the judge to act for you
- DApply to the Governor General
Legal aid services exist in most communities, free or low-cost, for those who cannot pay a lawyer. (The police)
291.Which of these is a reason to ask the police for help?
- ASomeone you know has gone missing
- BYou disagree with a by-law
- CYou need a passport
- DYou want to register to vote
You can ask the police for help if there has been an accident, if something has been stolen, if you are a victim of assault, if you see a crime taking place or if someone you know has gone missing. (The police)
292.In which year was the Canadian flag first raised?
- A1965
- B1921
- C1867
- D1876
A new Canadian flag was raised for the first time in 1965. (The Canadian flag and the maple leaf)
293.What appears at the centre of the Canadian flag?
- AA fleur-de-lis
- BA crown
- CA red maple leaf
- DA beaver
The red-white-red pattern of the Canadian flag comes from the flag of the Royal Military College, Kingston, founded in 1876. (The Canadian flag and the maple leaf)
294.What is Canada’s best-known symbol?
- AThe fleur-de-lys
- BThe beaver
- CThe Crown
- DThe maple leaf
The maple leaf is Canada's best-known symbol. (The Canadian flag and the maple leaf)
295.Since when have red and white been Canada’s national colours?
- ASince 1867
- BSince the Middle Ages
- CSince 1921
- DSince 1965
Red and white have been the national colours of Canada since 1921. (The Canadian flag and the maple leaf)
296.Where does the flag’s red-white-red pattern come from?
- AThe Canadian Red Ensign, flown for a century
- BThe flag of the Royal Military College, Kingston
- CThe flag Quebec adopted in 1948
- DThe Union Jack, Canada’s official Royal Flag
The red-white-red pattern of the Canadian flag comes from the flag of the Royal Military College, Kingston, founded in 1876. (The Canadian flag and the maple leaf)
297.Which flag is Canada’s official Royal Flag?
- AThe maple leaf flag
- BThe Canadian Red Ensign
- CThe Union Jack
- DThe Royal Arms of Canada
The Union Jack is Canada's official Royal Flag. (The Canadian flag and the maple leaf)
298.For about how long did the Canadian Red Ensign serve as the Canadian flag?
- AAbout 100 years
- BAbout 50 years
- CAbout 20 years
- DAbout 200 years
The Canadian Red Ensign served as the Canadian flag for about 100 years. (The Canadian flag and the maple leaf)
299.When did French Canadians adopt maple leaves as a symbol?
- AIn the 1700s
- BIn the 1850s
- CIn 1965
- DIn 1921
Maple leaves were adopted as a symbol by French Canadians in the 1700s. (The Canadian flag and the maple leaf)
300.What does the Latin motto A mari usque ad mare mean?
- APeace, order and good government
- BOur land
- CFrom sea to sea
- DStrong and free
Canada's national motto is A mari usque ad mare, which in Latin means from sea to sea. (Other Canadian symbols)
Common questions
- How many questions are in the Canadian Citizenship Test?
- The real test is 20 multiple-choice questions with 45 minutes to answer them, and you need 15 correct to pass. This page lists 410 practice questions drawn from the same official material, which is far more than any single sitting will ask you.
- Are these the real Canadian Citizenship Test questions?
- No, and nobody has them. No government publishes its live exam questions. These are written from Discover Canada, the official study guide the real questions are drawn from, so the facts being tested are the same even though the wording is ours.
- Do I need an account to read the questions and answers?
- No. Every question, its correct answer and its explanation is on this page with no signup and no payment. An account only matters if you want your progress saved across devices.
- How should I use the question bank?
- Reading answers is the weakest form of revision. Sit a timed test first to find out which chapters you are losing marks on, then come back here and read only those. Recognition feels like knowledge and is not the same thing.