Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
2007 EDITION
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A Look at Canada 3
Table of
Contents
Introducing Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
4 A Look at Canada
Applying for
Citizenship
A Look at Canada 5
• find the answers to the questions After the test
about the region where you live.
The Citizenship office will tell you
about the results of your test. If you
About the citizenship test pass the test and meet all the other
The citizenship test is usually a written requirements, you will receive a
test, but it could be an interview. The “Notice to Appear to Take the Oath
test helps government officials decide of Citizenship.” This document tells
if you can speak English or French you the date, time and place of your
well enough to become a Canadian citizenship ceremony. This is the final
citizen. It is also used to test your step in becoming a Canadian citizen.
knowledge of Canada and of the At the ceremony, you will take the
responsibilities and privileges of oath of citizenship, sign the oath form
citizenship. To pass the test, you and receive your Canadian Citizenship
must correctly answer all Certificate. Many people bring their
questions about the following family and friends to share this
topics occasion.
• Canada’s history;
6 A Look at Canada
What Does Canadian
Citizenship Mean?
Canada is a large country with a small Peace—We are proud of our non-
population. We have developed a violent society and our
unique federal style of government international role as peacekeepers.
that is based on compromise and co-
Law and order—We respect
existence. We value our democracy,
democratic decision making and
and every citizen is encouraged to do
the “rule of law.” We promote due
his or her share. Our laws are based
process so that the courts and the
on our democratic values.
police treat everyone fairly and
Canadian values include:
reasonably. We ensure that our
Equality—We respect everyone’s elected governments remain
rights. Everyone has the right to accountable to Canadians.
speak out and express ideas that
As you reflect on these values, ask
others might disagree with.
yourself which responsibilities you
Governments must treat everyone
will take on when you become a
with equal dignity and respect—
Canadian citizen.
two other fundamental Canadian
values.
Freedom—As Canadians, we
enjoy basic freedoms, such as
freedom of thought, freedom of
speech, freedom of religion and
freedom of peaceful assembly.
A Look at Canada 7
Introducing
Canada
Multiculturalism As Canadians, we are proud that friends and neighbours in need. There
many different cultural and ethnic are many different ways you can help
Volunteerism groups live and work here in harmony. others in your community.
The Canadian Multiculturalism Act
recognizes our cultural diversity. It Canada’s official languages
states that we are all free to maintain
and share our cultural heritage and to English and French are Canada’s two
participate fully and equally in our official languages. English- and
national life. French-speaking people have lived
together in Canada for more than
The only people originally from 300 years. This is an important part of
Canada are the Aboriginal peoples. our Canadian identity—more than
They lived in Canada for thousands of 98 percent of Canadians speak either
years before the first immigrants English or French or both. You must
came here. The Aboriginal peoples be able to speak English or
are an important part of Canada’s French to become a Canadian
population. They are working to citizen.
protect and promote their languages,
cultures and traditions, and to set up Legal documents like the Canadian
their own governments. Constitution and the Official
Languages Act protect the rights of
In a country as large and diverse as individual Canadians with regard to
Canada, equality is very important. It official languages. For example,
is so important that the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms is part • English and French have equal
of our Constitution. status in the Parliament of Canada,
in federal courts and in all federal
In Canada, we also believe in the institutions;
importance of working together and
helping one another. People who help • everyone has the right to a
others without being paid are called criminal trial in either English
volunteers. There are millions of or French;
volunteers across Canada. Some
people join community groups and
help with local projects. Others help
8 A Look at Canada
• the public has the right, where Service industries provide
there is sufficient demand, to thousands of different jobs in areas
receive federal government like transportation, education, health
services in either English or care, construction, banking,
French; and communications and government.
More than 70 percent of working
• official language minority groups
Canadians now have jobs in service
in most provinces and territories
industries.
have the right to be educated in
their language.
Canada from coast to coast
Canada’s economy Canada is a very large country with
an area of 10 million square
Canada’s economy is made up of
kilometres, but it has a fairly small
many different industries. There are
population. About 31 million people
three main types of industries in
live here. Most Canadians live in the
Canada: natural resources,
southern parts of Canada.
manufacturing and services.
A Look at Canada 9
Protecting the Environment—
Sustainable Development
Key Words Economic growth is crucial for the future prosperity of Canada,
but growth must be managed carefully so that it does not
Compost
harm the environment. The Canadian government is committed
to the goal of sustainable development, which means economic
Recycle growth that is environmentally sound.
Plant trees
A healthy environment is important to Achieving sustainable development is
Environmentally quality of life. All citizens should act in a long-term goal. Reaching it will
friendly a responsible manner toward the require many changes in the way
environment so that our children people act. Individuals can do many
have the opportunity to live in a things in their daily lives to help
country that is clean and prosperous. protect the environment and move
toward sustainable development.
All Canadian citizens have a
Here are some examples:
responsibility to contribute to the
social, economic and environmental • Throw waste paper or other
well-being of our country. Both garbage in designated public
individual and collective action will garbage containers.
help achieve progress toward the goal
• Compost, recycle and re-use as
of sustainable development.
many products as possible,
It takes time to learn about the such as paper, glass and cans.
environment and how to protect it.
• Conserve energy and water by
However, if we don’t pay attention to
turning off lights and taps when
environmental issues, our
they are not being used.
environment will suffer.
• Walk, join a car pool, or use
a bicycle or public transit
whenever possible.
10 A Look at Canada
• Use products that are
environmentally friendly.
A Look at Canada 11
Canada’s History
and Symbols
12 A Look at Canada
Canada’s Constitution Where does the name
Canada’s Constitution is the system of Canada come from?
laws and conventions that we In 1535, two Aboriginal youths used
Canadians use to govern ourselves. the Huron-Iroquois word “kanata,” In 1965, Canada
Until 1982, changes to the which means “village” or “settle- adopted its official red
Constitution had to be approved by and white flag with the
ment,” to tell Jacques Cartier the maple leaf. All federal
the British Parliament. The way to Stadacona (site of present- government buildings
fly the Canadian flag.
Constitution Act, 1982 gave the day Québec City). Cartier used
Parliament of Canada the power to “Canada” to refer not only to
change our Constitution. The Stadacona, but also to the entire
Canadian Charter of Rights and area subject to Donnacona, Chief at
Freedoms also became part of the Stadacona.
Canadian Constitution in 1982. Canada’s
By 1547, the first world map to
national anthem
show the discoveries made on
Canada Day
Cartier’s second voyage applied the
Each year on July 1, we celebrate word “Canada” to the area north of O Canada
Canada Day, the anniversary of the St. Lawrence gulf and river. By O Canada! Our home
Confederation. 1550, maps were also placing the and native land!
name south of the river. The first use True patriot love in all
The Queen of “Canada” as an official name thy sons command
came in 1791 when the
Her Majesty Queen With glowing hearts we
Constitutional Act (or Canada Act)
Elizabeth II is the see thee rise
divided Quebec, then considerably
Queen of Canada and The true North strong
larger, into the provinces of Upper and free!
Canada’s Head of Canada and Lower Canada. In 1841,
State. This means that they were united to become the From far and wide,
the Queen is the Province of Canada. At the time of O Canada
formal head of Canada. We stand on guard
Confederation, the new country
for thee
The Governor General is the took the name of Canada.
Queen’s representative in God keep our land
Canada. The provinces also have glorious and free!
representatives of the Queen, known O Canada, we stand on
as lieutenant governors. guard for thee
O Canada, we stand on
guard for thee
A Look at Canada 13
Aboriginal Peoples
of Canada
Key Words The Aboriginal peoples were the first people to live in Canada.
They had many different spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions
Inuit
that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Today, they live in every region of the country.
Métis
Aboriginal peoples developed a First Nations
First Nations
special relationship with nature, since
The term “First Nations” has been
Land claim they depended on it for survival.
used since the 1970s instead of
settlements Those who lived on Canada’s coasts
“Indian.” First Nations describes all
depended on fishing and hunting.
Aboriginal people in Canada who are
Self- Those who lived in central and
not Inuit or Métis. Different First
government eastern Canada hunted and grew
Nations communities have different
vegetable crops.
languages, cultures and traditions,
The Constitution Act of 1982 depending largely on where they are
recognizes three main groups of located.
Aboriginal peoples in Canada: the
First Nations people living in eastern
First Nations, the Inuit and the Métis.
North America invented bark canoes
Today, there are more than
to travel on rivers and lakes. Some
50 different languages spoken by
First Nations people lived on the
Aboriginal peoples, most of which are
plains, and moved with the buffalo
spoken only in Canada.
herds, which they hunted for food,
The Aboriginal population is growing clothing and tools. They made
almost twice as fast as the rest of the lightweight, solid homes that
population in Canada. Aboriginal were easy to move.
peoples make up about three percent These homes, called
of all Canadians, or roughly 790,000 “tepees,” were made
people. About 69 percent are First of poles arranged in
Nations, 26 percent are Métis and five a cone shape and
percent are Inuit. covered with
animal skins.
14 A Look at Canada
Inuit Treaties—past, present
and future
Inuit are Aboriginal people who live in
Canada’s North, which includes The British and Canadian govern-
Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, ments made many agreements, or
Northern Quebec and Labrador. They treaties, with the Aboriginal peoples
have a close connection with the land between 1701 and 1923. These
and all the plants and animals that treaties granted the Aboriginal
share it. They adjusted to the cold peoples certain rights and benefits in
northern weather and lived by exchange for giving up their title to
hunting seals, whales, caribou and the land. Each treaty is unique and is
polar bears. Some Inuit people still seen as a solemn promise.
hunt for food and clothing.
Aboriginal groups and the Canadian
government are still negotiating new
agreements for land and other rights.
These modern agreements are known
as land claim settlements. Nunavut,
Canada’s newest territory, was created
as a result of a land claim settlement.
A Look at Canada 15
Map of Canada
Arctic
Ocean
Saskatchew
cou
ve
r Is
16 A Look at Canada
Region Province/Territory Capital
Atlantic Newfoundland St. John's
Region and Labrador
Prince Edward Island Charlottetown
Nova Scotia Halifax
New Brunswick Fredericton
NORTH
Central Quebec Québec
Canada Ontario Toronto
Prairie Manitoba Winnipeg
Provinces Saskatchewan Regina
Alberta Edmonton
West Coast British Columbia Victoria
North Nunavut Iqaluit
Northwest Territories Yellowknife
Yukon Territory Whitehorse
Baffin Island
Nunavut
Hudson Strait
Labrador
Sea
Newfoundland
Hudson and Labrador
Bay
Quebec
ver
wan
Ri
Manitoba
en
James
wr
Bay
La
St.
Ontario
Nova Scotia
New
Brunswick
Lake Superior
CA
Lake
Huron Lake
Ontario
Atlantic
Ocean
Lake
Michigan Lake Erie
1 cm = 370 Km
A Look at Canada 17
The Atlantic Region
Acadians Italian explorer John Cabot reached Atlantic Canada’s economy has
Newfoundland in 1497, while French traditionally relied on a strong
United Empire explorer Jacques Cartier explored the resource sector, including fishing,
Loyalists region in the 1500s. In the 1600s, farming, forestry and mining. The
French settlers, who became known economy has grown and diversified in
Hibernia as Acadians, were the first Europeans recent years. This has led to the
to settle permanently in Canada. Over development of other sectors,
time, they were joined by settlers including information technology,
from the British Isles and Germany. professional services, advanced
manufacturing, aquaculture, and oil
During and after the American
and gas exploration. Trade has also
Revolution (1775–1783), thousands
increased.
of people left the United States. They
became known as United Empire
Loyalists. Many of them settled in the
Atlantic region. They had various
ethnic backgrounds, including English,
Irish, Scottish, German, Swiss, Dutch,
Italian, Jewish and African-American.
Today, people of many different
cultures and ethnic backgrounds live
in the Atlantic region. Many are
descendants of the earliest arrivals.
18 A Look at Canada
Potatoes and fruit from Prince Edward The Gulf of the St. Lawrence River
Island, Nova Scotia and New and the Atlantic Ocean are important
Brunswick are sold across Canada and tourist attractions in the region.
to other countries. The food Thousands of tourists visit the Atlantic
processing industry is another provinces each year for the
important sector of the economy. spectacular scenery, natural coastlines,
warm beaches and world-class golf
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have
courses. About 85,000 Atlantic
extensive forests that allow them to
Canadians work in the tourism
produce valuable products like pulp,
industry.
paper and lumber. Forest products are
the most valuable manufacturing
industry in New Brunswick. Many of Population (approximate)
these products are exported to other Newfoundland and
countries. Labrador 534,000
Lobster traps
A Look at Canada 19
Central Canada
Key Words Central Canada is made up of Ontario and Quebec. More than
half the people in Canada live in cities and towns in southern
Ontario
Quebec and Ontario, close to the Great Lakes and the
St. Lawrence River. This area is the industrial and
Quebec manufacturing heartland of Canada. Together, Ontario and
Quebec produce more than three-quarters of all Canadian
St. Lawrence
manufactured goods.
Seaway
Canadian The Great Lakes and the and iron ore found in the ancient rock
Shield St. Lawrence Seaway of the Shield. The Shield is covered by
forests, and part of Canada’s major
Niagara Falls There are five Great Lakes between
pulp and paper industry relies on the
Canada and the United States. They
trees of this region. Some of the vast
are Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake
freshwater resources of the Shield are
Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake
used to generate electricity.
Superior. Lake Superior is the largest
freshwater lake in the world. The
Great Lakes have been an important The Province of Quebec
waterway for thousands of years.
The people
Aboriginal peoples and fur traders first
used them to create trading networks The first people to live in Quebec
in North America. Ships from all over were the First Nations people and the
the world reach the Great Lakes from Inuit. The Aboriginal peoples who
the Atlantic Ocean by travelling along lived near the St. Lawrence River were
the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Great fur traders who taught the early
Lakes also provide freshwater for settlers how to survive. There are still
people and industries around their many Aboriginal communities
shores. throughout Quebec today.
20 A Look at Canada
making it the province with the There are many farms around the
highest number of bilingual lowland areas of the St. Lawrence,
Canadians. The province preserves where vegetables, fruit and feed crops
and promotes the historic language are grown. Dairy farms are common.
and culture of its French-speaking Quebec has the largest dairy farming
citizens. industry in Canada. Street in the old town.
Quebec City, Quebec
About seven million people live in Quebec’s provincial parks, the
Quebec. It is Canada’s largest Laurentian Mountains and its many
province. historic sites play an important role in
its tourism industry.
The economy
A Look at Canada 21
The economy pulp, lumber, newsprint and other
paper products. The province’s
Throughout Canada’s history, the
numerous rivers are a vital source of
large population, rich resources and
electric power. In Ontario, Niagara
strategic location of Ontario have
Falls is a well-known example of
helped the province build Canada’s
The province’s numerous
waterpower that generates electricity.
biggest provincial economy. Most
rivers are a vital source of
electric power. In people in Ontario work in the service More than 400,000 Ontario workers
Ontario, Niagara Falls is or manufacturing industries. depend on tourism, the province’s
a well-known example of
waterpower that third largest industry.
generates electricity. More than 140,000 people work in
the province’s automobile industry, Southern Ontario has rich farmland.
which accounts for more than one The Niagara Peninsula is a major
third of Canada’s total exports. Other producer of peaches, apples, grapes
manufactured goods include steel, and other fruit
machinery, metal, plastic and crops. Ontario
chemical products, and food. farmers also raise
dairy and beef
Ontario mines are the biggest
cattle, poultry, and
producers of metal in Canada. These
vegetable and
metals include nickel, gold, silver,
grain crops.
platinum, uranium, zinc and copper.
Ontario’s forestry industry produces
Population (approximate)
Quebec 7.4 million
Ontario 11.9 million
Central Canada 19.3 million
22 A Look at Canada
The Prairie Provinces
Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are called the Prairie Key Words
provinces. This region of Canada is known for its fertile
agricultural land and valuable energy resources. Manitoba
Saskatchewan
The Prairies During the late 1800s, the Canadian
Alberta
government built a railway across the
The Prairies are flat plains that stretch
Prairies to the Pacific coast. This made
across the southern part of the
immigration to western Canada much
region. This area has few trees and
easier. In the early 1900s, about three
very fertile soil. Most of what was
million people came to the Prairies
open grasslands is now used for
from Europe and Britain. Many settled
farming, particularly grain crops, and
on land that the government offered
for raising cattle.
at cheap prices to encourage
The Prairie region, however, is not all settlement in the West.
flat farmland. The northern and
western parts of the region include The economy
gently rolling hills, valleys and rivers. The Prairies are rich in energy
In southern Alberta, the open prairies resources. About one-half of all the
gradually rise to meet the Rocky energy used in Canada comes from
Mountains along the border of British oil and natural gas. Alberta is the
Columbia. country’s major producer of these
fuels. Alberta also has an important
The people
coal mining industry. Saskatchewan is
The First Nations people, the earliest a large producer of oil, natural gas,
inhabitants of the Prairies, were skilled uranium and potash. Manitoba,
buffalo hunters. Their descendants known as the Land of 100,000 Lakes,
and the Métis people became is the most important source of
important suppliers, traders, guides hydroelectric power in the Prairie
and interpreters for the fur trade. region.
A Look at Canada 23
The Prairies have some of the most Manitoba’s manufacturing industries
fertile farmland in the world. Prairie produce a variety of goods, including
farmers and ranchers produce grains food, transportation equipment,
(such as wheat, barley or oats), meat metal products, electrical goods and
and other food products for markets clothing. The manufacturing, mining
in Canada and other countries. In and forestry sectors play an important
Manitoba, the agricultural industry role in Saskatchewan’s economy. Food
benefits from heavy rainfall and and beverage processing is the largest
farmers produce a wide variety of manufacturing industry in Alberta.
grain crops and livestock.
Saskatchewan, the leading wheat
Population (approximate)
producer in Canada, is one of the
most productive agricultural regions Manitoba 1.2 million
in the world. Alberta leads the Saskatchewan 1 million
country in beef cattle and feed grain Alberta 3 million
production. Prairie Provinces 5.2 million
Stampede
Morris, Manitoba
24 A Look at Canada
The West Coast
British Columbia, on the Pacific Ocean, is known for its Key Words
majestic mountains. There are three major mountain ranges in
the province: the Rocky Mountains, the Columbia Mountains Rocky
and the Coast Mountains. Mountains
Totem poles
The people British Columbia was settled by
Europeans when the fur trade spread Forests
First Nations people lived in British
to the west in the early 1800s. In the
Columbia for thousands of years Shipping
late 1800s, thousands of Chinese
before European settlers arrived. Their
came to British Columbia to help
cultures and languages were
build the final section of the Canadian
influenced by the wide range of
Pacific Railway. Many of their
geography in British Columbia, from
descendants still live in the province.
seashore to mountains. They
Many people come to live in British
developed a unique form of art, best
Columbia from Asia. Today, about
known as totem poles. Their art is
one-third of the population of the
popular around the world. It often
Lower British Columbia Mainland is of
represents animals, including salmon,
Chinese origin. The total population
bears, whales, ravens and eagles.
of British Columbia is about four
million people.
The economy
A Look at Canada 25
Rocky Mountains bring thousands of
tourists to the province to fish, hike,
camp and ski in the mountains.
26 A Look at Canada
The North
Canada’s northern region is divided into the Yukon, the Key Words
Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Together, they cover more
than one-third of Canada. The Canadian government is Northwest
responsible for the territories but elected legislatures make Territories
decisions on most issues. The people in the Northwest
Territories voted to make the eastern region into a new, Nunavut
separate territory called Nunavut. It came into existence on
Yukon
April 1, 1999.
Gold Rush
The economy
A Look at Canada 27
Mining, oil and gas are very The climate
important to the northern economy.
The North is sometimes called the
Thousands of miners first came to the
“Land of the Midnight Sun.” At the
Yukon during the Gold Rush at the
height of summer, daylight can last
end of the 1800s. There are gold,
up to 24 hours. In winter, the sun
lead, diamond and zinc mines in the
disappears, and darkness sets in for
territories today. Oil and gas deposits
three months. Winters in the North
are being developed and people
are long and cold. During the brief
continue to explore for more of these
summers, the land blossoms.
valuable resources.
The Yukon holds the record for the
Inuit prints and soapstone carvings
coldest temperature ever recorded in
are sold throughout Canada and
Canada (-63°C). Most of the North is
around the world. In the Yukon, the
made up of tundra, the vast rocky
Northwest Territories and Nunavut,
Arctic plain. Because of the cold Arctic
many Aboriginal people work in
climate, there are no trees on the
cooperative businesses to produce
tundra, and the soil is permanently
Aboriginal arts and crafts. Tourism is
frozen.
also a growing industry.
28 A Look at Canada
Government in Canada
In general, the federal government people who serve in the Senate are
takes major responsibility for matters chosen by the Prime Minister and
that affect all of Canada. These include appointed by the Governor General.
national defence, foreign policy and They are called senators. The Prime
citizenship. Provincial and territorial Minister is the leader of the political
governments look after such matters party with the most elected members
as education, health care and high- of Parliament sitting in the House of
ways. They share responsibilities with Commons.
the federal government in some areas.
A Look at Canada 29
Other Levels of Government
in Canada
30 A Look at Canada
Do You Know Your
Elected Representatives?
Provincial Government
Head of State: the representative of the Queen for my province is the
Lieutenant Governor: ___________________________________________________
Territorial Government
Head of State: the Commissioner for my territory is ________________________
Municipal Government
The name of the municipality where I live is ________________________________
A Look at Canada 31
Federal Elections
Key Words Canadians vote in elections for the people they want to
represent them in the House of Commons. In each election,
Federal elections
voters may re-elect the same members of the House of
Commons or choose new ones.
Political parties
Voting Federal elections are usually held or her electoral district, even the
every four years. The Prime Minister people who did not vote for him or
Electoral districts may ask the Governor General to call her. Your member of the House of
an earlier election. According to Commons is your link to the federal
Candidates Canada’s Constitution, an election government. Your member of the
must be held within five years of the House of Commons helps you by
National Register last election.
of Electors • representing your ideas when new
Canada is divided into 308 electoral laws are being proposed;
Voter information districts. An electoral district is a
• asking questions about the federal
card geographical area represented by a
government on your behalf; and
member of the House of Commons.
Ballot The citizens of each electoral district • helping you if you need
elect one member of the House of information from the federal
Polling stations
Commons who sits in the House of government or if you have any
Commons. problems with the government.
32 A Look at Canada
by calling Elections Canada toll-free at Members of political parties help to The right to vote is
1 800 463-6868, or if you have access a privilege and a
• decide on the party platform;
to Internet, by visiting its Web site at responsibility of
www.elections.ca. • choose the party leader; Canadian
citizenship.
Your member of the House of • choose the party’s candidates; and
Commons has an office in your
• campaign for party candidates in
electoral district. You can also write to
elections.
your member of the House of
Commons by sending your letter to: Candidates who do not belong to a
political party are called independents. Voters lists are
House of Commons
produced from the
Name of your member of
Voting National Register
the House of Commons
of Electors.
Ottawa, Ontario One of the privileges and responsi-
K1A 0A6 bilities of Canadian citizenship is the
You don’t need to put a stamp right to vote. Elections Canada is the
on a letter you send to the House non-partisan agency of Parliament
of Commons. responsible for conducting federal
elections and referendums.
Members of political parties hold The voters lists used during federal
meetings where they discuss their elections and referendums are
ideas and opinions. They develop produced from the National Register
plans for what they would do if their of Electors, a permanent database of
candidates were elected to form the Canadian citizens 18 years of age and
government. The plans they make are older, who are qualified to vote in
called the party platform. federal elections and referendums.
A Look at Canada 33
As soon as you are The National Register of Electors Even if you choose not to be listed in
granted contains the name, address, sex and the National Register of Electors or do
citizenship, you date of birth of each elector. Elections not receive a voter information card,
are eligible to Canada updates the National Register you can still be added to the voters
vote. Make sure of Electors through existing data list right up to election day. For
your name is on sources, including Citizenship and information on how to do this, call
the National Immigration Canada. Elections Canada toll-free at
Register of 1 800 463-6868 or visit their Web site
Electors. It is important to add your name to
at www.elections.ca.
the National Register of Electors as
soon as your citizenship is granted To vote either on election day or at
and you become eligible to vote. advance polls, go to the polling
Once an election is station listed on your voter
When you apply for citizenship, you
called, you will information card. An election officer
can check a box on the application
receive a voter will give you a ballot. The ballot lists
form to show your consent to the
information card. the names of the candidates in your
transfer of your name, address, sex
electoral district in alphabetical order.
and date of birth to Elections Canada.
Mark the ballot by writing an “X” in
This information will only be sent to
Your vote is secret. the circle beside the name of your
Elections Canada and added to the
chosen candidate. Next, fold the
National Register of Electors if you
ballot so that no one can see how
check the box to show that you
you voted. Give the folded ballot to
agree. The information can be used
For more the election officer, who tears off the
only for electoral purposes.
information on ballot number and hands your ballot
voting, visit Eligible Canadians are also able to back to you. Then, either put the
Elections Canada’s indicate their consent to being added ballot in the ballot box or ask the
Web site at to the National Register of Electors on election officer to do it for you.
www.elections.ca their federal income tax form.
Canada’s election laws say that your
Once an election has been called, vote is secret. This means that no one
Elections Canada mails a voter can watch you vote and no one
information card to each elector should look at your marked ballot.
whose name is in the National You may choose to discuss how you
Register of Electors. The card tells you voted with others, but no one has the
when and where to vote. If you right to insist that you tell them how
require an interpreter or other special you voted.
services, it tells you the number to call.
Immediately after the polling stations
close, election officers count the
34 A Look at Canada
ballots, and the results are announced The parties that are not in power are Your member of the
on radio and television, and in the called the opposition parties. The House of Commons
newspapers. You can also see the opposition party with the most has an office in
results on Elections Canada’s Web site members of the House of Commons your electoral
at www.elections.ca. is the official opposition. The role of district.
the opposition parties is to oppose or
After an election try to improve government proposals.
After an election, the party with the The party with the
most elected representatives becomes most elected
the party in power. The leader of this representatives
party becomes the Prime Minister. becomes the party
About the citizenship test
The Prime Minister and the party in in power.
power run the government as long as To pass the test, you must
they have the support of the majority correctly answer all questions
of the members of the House of about the following topics
Commons. The leader of
• the right to vote in elections this party becomes
The Prime Minister chooses members in Canada; the Prime Minister.
of the House of Commons to become • the right to run for elected
Cabinet ministers. Cabinet ministers office in Canada; and
are responsible for running the federal
government departments. The Prime • voting procedures and how to The parties that
Minister and the Cabinet ministers are register yourself as a voter. are not in power
called the Cabinet, and they make are called the
important decisions about how to run opposition parties.
the country. They also propose most
new laws. Their decisions can be
questioned by all members of the
House of Commons. The opposition
party with the
If a majority of the members of the most members
House of Commons vote against a of the House of
major government decision, the party Commons is the
in power is defeated. The Prime official opposition.
Minister resigns and a new election is
usually held.
A Look at Canada 35
Voting Procedures During
an Election Period
1 2 3
4 5 6
On election day
Go to your polling station. The location is Voting is secret
on your voter information card. The poll Marking the ballot Your vote is secret. You will be invited
officials will confirm that you are on the Mark an "X" in the circle next to to go behind the screen to mark your
voters list by asking for your name and the name of the candidate of ballot. Once marked, fold it and present
address and will give you a ballot. your choice. it to the poll officials.
7 8
36 A Look at Canada
The Canadian
Justice System
A Look at Canada 37
Citizenship Rights
and Responsibilities
Many of these rights are defined in Some citizenship rights are defined in
the Canadian Charter of Rights and Canadian laws. One such right is the
Freedoms, which is part of Canada’s right to be given preference for jobs
Constitution. The Canadian Charter of in the federal government.
Rights and Freedoms legally protects
Many of these rights and freedoms
the basic rights and freedoms of
existed in earlier laws. However, with
everyone in Canada. Some of these
the creation of the Charter in 1982,
As Canadians, our rights and freedoms are
they became better defined and
rights are defined
• legal rights, such as the right better protected.
in the Canadian
Charter of Rights to a fair trial;
With these rights come responsibilities
and Freedoms. • equality rights, such as the for everyone in Canada. Individual
right to protection against Canadians and all levels of Canadian
discrimination; government have the responsibility to
respect the rights and freedoms of all
• mobility rights, such as the
Canadians. However, it is important
right to live and work
to realize that the rights of a single
anywhere in Canada;
Canadian or a group of Canadians
• Aboriginal peoples’ rights; cannot interfere with the rights of any
and other. For this reason, courts must
interpret the Charter from time to
• basic freedoms, such as
time to make sure that it is applied
freedom of thought, speech,
fairly in all situations.
religion and peaceful
assembly.
38 A Look at Canada
Citizenship rights • express opinions freely while
respecting the rights and
Under the Canadian Charter of
freedoms of others; and
Rights and Freedoms, Canadian
citizens have the right to • eliminate discrimination and
injustice. About the
• be candidates in federal, citizenship test
provincial and territorial
Getting involved in Canada You will be asked
elections;
questions about
• be educated in either official Being a Canadian citizen is more than
the rights and
language; voting and obeying laws. Being a
responsibilities of
citizen also means getting involved in
being a Canadian
• apply for a Canadian passport; your community and your country.
citizen.
• vote in federal and provincial Everyone has something to give to
or territorial elections; and make Canada a better place. Here are
some ways to participate:
• enter and leave Canada freely.
• join a community group such as
Citizenship also brings responsibilities. an environmental group;
For example, voting in elections is
both a right and a responsibility. • volunteer to work on an election
Before you read the next section, campaign for a candidate of your
review the list of rights and try to choice;
think of the responsibilities that come Voting in elections
• help your neighbours; is both a right and
with them.
• work with others to solve problems a responsibility.
in your community; and
Citizenship responsibilities
• become a candidate in an election.
All Canadian citizens have the
responsibility to
• vote in elections;
A Look at Canada 39
Oath of Citizenship
To become a Canadian citizen you
will be required to repeat the Oath
after the presiding officer.
Oath of Citizenship
I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful
and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth the Second, 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.
Serment de citoyenneté
Je jure fidélité et sincère allégeance
à Sa Majesté la Reine Elizabeth Deux, Reine du Canada,
à ses héritiers et successeurs et je jure d’observer fidèlement
les lois du Canada et de remplir loyalement
mes obligations de citoyen canadien.
Affirmation solennelle
J’affirme solennellement que je serai fidèle et
porterai sincère allégeance à Sa Majesté la Reine
Elizabeth Deux, Reine du Canada, à ses héritiers
et successeurs, que j’observerai fidèlement les lois
du Canada et que je remplirai loyalement mes
obligations de citoyen canadien.
40 A Look at Canada
For More Information
A Look at Canada 41
Citizenship Test:
Questions
• the right to run for elected office; 2. What are the three main groups
of Aboriginal peoples?
• voting procedures in Canada and
how to register yourself as a voter; 3. From whom are the Métis
descended?
• Canada’s main historical and
geographical features; 4. Which group of Aboriginal peoples
make up more than half the
• the rights and responsibilities of a
population of the Northwest
citizen;
Territories and Nunavut?
• the structure of Canadian
5. Why are the Aboriginal peoples of
government; and
Canada working toward self-
• Confederation. government?
42 A Look at Canada
6. Which trade spread across Rights and Responsibilities
Canada, making it important to
1. What part of the Constitution
the economy for over 300 years?
legally protects the basic rights
7. What form of transportation did and freedoms of all Canadians?
Aboriginal peoples and fur traders
2. When did the Canadian Charter of
use to create trading networks in
Rights and Freedoms become part
North America?
of the Canadian Constitution?
8. What important trade did the
3. Name two fundamental freedoms
Hudson’s Bay Company control?
protected by the Canadian Charter
9. What did the government do to of Rights and Freedoms.
make immigration to western
4. Name three legal rights protected
Canada much easier?
by the Canadian Charter of Rights
Confederation/Government and Freedoms.
1. What does Confederation mean? 5. List three ways in which you can
protect the environment.
2. What is the Canadian
Constitution? 6. Who has the right to apply for a
Canadian passport?
3. What year was Confederation?
7. What does equality under the law
4. When did the British North America mean?
Act come into effect?
8. Name six responsibilities of
5. Why is the British North America citizenship.
Act important in Canadian history?
9. Give an example of how you can
6. Which four provinces first formed show responsibility by
Confederation? participating in your community.
7. Which was the last province to 10. List four rights Canadian citizens
join Canada? have.
8. When is Canada Day and what 11. What will you promise when you
does it celebrate? take the Oath of Citizenship?
9. Who was the first Prime Minister
of Canada?
A Look at Canada 43
Languages Geography
3. Give the first two lines of Canada’s 11. Which mountain range is on the
national anthem. border between Alberta and
British Columbia?
4. Where does the name “Canada”
come from? 12. Where are the Parliament
buildings located?
5. Which animal is an official symbol
of Canada? 13. Which country borders Canada
on the south?
6. What is the tower in the centre of
the Parliament buildings called? 14. What are the Prairie provinces?
44 A Look at Canada
Economy 10. Who do members of Parliament
represent?
1. What are the three main types of
industries in Canada? 11. How does a bill become law?
A Look at Canada 45
10. Name all the federal political Section II. Questions about
parties in the House of Commons your region
and their leaders.
1. What is the capital city of the
11. Which party becomes the official province or territory in which
opposition? you live?
12. What is the role of the opposition 2. List three natural resources
parties? important to your region’s
economy today.
13. Which party is the official
opposition at the federal level? 3. Who is your city councillor,
alderperson, reeve or regional
14. Name the Prime Minister of
councillor?
Canada and his party.
4. What is the name of your mayor?
15. Name your member of
Parliament and the party he or 5. What is the name of your
she belongs to. provincial representative (member
of the Legislative Assembly,
16. What is a voter information card?
member of the provincial
17. Who has the right to run as a Parliament, member of the
candidate in federal elections? National Assembly or member of
the House of Assembly)?
18. Who do Canadians vote for in a
federal election? 6. What is the name of the premier
of your province or territory?
19. What do political parties do?
7. Which political party is in power in
20. Which federal political party is
your province or territory?
in power?
8. What is the name of the leader of
21. How are senators chosen?
the opposition in your province?
22. What should you do if you do
9. What is the name of your
not receive a voter information
lieutenant governor or
card telling you when and where
commissioner?
to vote?
46 A Look at Canada
These questions have been
developed as a study guide. Your
citizenship test is made up of
similar questions.
Sample Question
A Look at Canada 47