Canadian Citizenship Test 2024
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Canadian Symbols
The Canadian Crown
The Crown has been a symbol of the state in Canada for 400 years.
Canada has been a constitutional monarchy since Confederation in 1867 during Queen Victoria's reign.
Queen Elizabeth II was Queen of Canada since 1952 and marked her Golden Jubilee in 2002.
The Crown symbolizes government, including Parliament, legislatures, courts, police services, and the Canadian Forces.
Flags in Canada
The Canadian flag was raised for the first time in 1965.
The red-white-red pattern is inspired by the Royal Military College flag, founded in 1876.
The Union Jack is Canada’s official Royal Flag.
The Canadian Red Ensign served as the flag for about 100 years before 1965.
The Maple Leaf
The maple leaf is Canada’s best-known symbol.
Adopted as a symbol by French-Canadians in the 1700s.
Maple leaves have appeared on Canadian uniforms and insignia since the 1850s.
Carved into the headstones of fallen soldiers buried overseas and in Canada.
The Fleur-de-lys
The fleur-de-lys was adopted by the French king in 496.
It became the symbol of French royalty and New France.
Revived at Confederation, it was included in the Canadian Red Ensign.
Quebec adopted its own flag featuring the fleur-de-lys in 1948.
Coat of Arms and Motto
Canada adopted an official coat of arms and national motto after the First World War.
The motto A Mari Usque Ad Mare means “from sea to sea”.
The coat of arms includes symbols of England, France, Scotland, and Ireland, as well as red maple leaves.
Parliament Buildings
The Parliament Buildings reflect French, English, and Aboriginal traditions.
The original Centre Block was destroyed in a fire in 1916 and rebuilt in 1922.
The Peace Tower was completed in 1927 to honor First World War soldiers.
The Memorial Chamber holds the Books of Remembrance, listing names of fallen soldiers.
Popular Sports
Hockey is Canada’s most popular spectator sport and national winter sport.
The Stanley Cup was donated in 1892 by Lord Stanley, Governor General.
The Clarkson Cup, established in 2005, honors women’s hockey.
Lacrosse, first played by Aboriginals, is Canada’s official summer sport.
Soccer has the most registered players of any game in Canada.
The Beaver
The beaver has been a symbol of Canada since the time of the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Adopted by the St. Jean Baptiste Society in 1834.
Appears on the five-cent coin, and on the coats of arms of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and cities like Montreal and Toronto.
Canada’s Official Languages
English and French are Canada’s two official languages.
The Official Languages Act (1969) established equality between French and English.
The Act aims to: promote equality, maintain language minority communities, and establish bilingual services.
National Anthem
O Canada was proclaimed as the national anthem in 1980.
It was first sung in Québec City in 1880.
Both French and English versions have different lyrics.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (V.C.) is Canada’s highest honour for bravery in the face of the enemy.
It has been awarded to 96 Canadians since 1854.
Notable recipients include Alexander Roberts Dunn, William Hall, and Billy Bishop.