How Canada Savvy Are You?

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2009

Would You Pass the Canadian Citizenship Test for Immigrants?

Now there's a question that many Canadians have never been asked! We take so many aspects of our lives in Canada for granted.

Let's Test Your Knowledge of Canada

If you were to apply for Canadian Citizenship...

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  You would be asked questions on subjects such as:

The rights and responsibilities of a citizen
Canadian social and cultural history (for example, which three Aboriginal groups are recognized in the Constitution)
Canadian politics (for example, the names of the leaders of the major political parties) and
Canadian physical and political geography (for example, how many provinces there are and the names of their capital cities).

The book, A Look at Canada, would help you study for the test. Ask for a copy at your local library, or read it here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/look/index.asp

Ready? Take the Sample Quiz....

To take a sample quiz, courtesy of the CBC, click on http://www.cbc.ca/news/becomingcanadian/self_citizen_quiz.html

Another version:

APNA Toronto, go here: http://www.apnatoronto.com/canadian-citizenship-quiz.html

En francais:

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/mul_ser_citizenship_fr_test.jsp

CELEBRATE YOUR CITIZENSHIP!

After passing the test, repeat this oath:

THE OATH OF CITIZENSHIP

"From this day forward, I pledge my loyalty and allegiance to Canada and Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada. I promise to respect our country's rights and freedoms, to defend out democratic values, to faithfully observe our laws and fulfil my duties and obligations as a Canadian citizen."

What does Canadian citizenship mean?

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/look/look-03.asp

Canadian values include freedom, respect for cultural differences and a commitment to social justice.

We are proud of the fact that we are a peaceful nation. In fact, Canadians act as peacekeepers in many countries around the world.
Canada is a large country with a small population.

We have developed a unique federal style of government that is based on compromise and co-existence.

We value our democracy, and every citizen is encouraged to do his or her share.

Our laws are based on our democratic values.

Canadian values include:

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  Equality—We respect everyone’s rights.

Everyone has the right to speak out and express ideas that others might disagree with.

Governments must treat everyone with equal dignity and respect—two other fundamental Canadian values.
Respect for cultural differences—

We try to understand and appreciate the cultures, customs and traditions of all Canadians, whether they were born in Canada or came here from another country.

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  Freedom—As Canadians, we enjoy basic freedoms, such as freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of peaceful assembly.
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  Peace—We are proud of our non-violent society and our international role as peacekeepers.
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  Law and order—We respect democratic decision making and the “rule of law.”

We promote due process so that the courts and the police treat everyone fairly and reasonably.

We ensure that our elected governments remain accountable to Canadians.

As you reflect on these values, ask yourself which responsibilities you will take on when you become - or have always been - a Canadian citizen.

Happy Canada Day!