Canadian Symbols

Question 1

What has been a symbol of the state in Canada for 400 years?

Answer 1

The Crown

The Crown symbolizes government and includes Parliament, legislatures, courts, police services, and the Canadian Forces.

Question 2

Since when has Canada been a constitutional monarchy?

Answer 2

Since Confederation in 1867

This occurred during Queen Victoria’s reign.

Question 3

Who has been Queen of Canada since 1952?

Answer 3

Queen Elizabeth II

She marked her Golden Jubilee in 2002 and her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Question 4

When was the new Canadian flag first raised?

Answer 4

In 1965

The flag features a red-white-red pattern.

Question 5

What do the colors red and white represent in Canada?

Answer 5

They are the national colors

Red and white were established as national colors in 1921.

Question 6

What is Canada’s best-known symbol?

Answer 6

The maple leaf

It has historical significance dating back to the 1700s and is featured on uniforms and headstones.

Question 7

What flower is known as ‘fleur-de-lys’?

Answer 7

Lily flower

It became a symbol of French royalty and was included in the Canadian Red Ensign.

Question 8

What is the national motto of Canada?

Answer 8

A mari usque ad mare

This Latin phrase means ‘from sea to sea’.

Question 9

What symbols are contained in Canada’s coat of arms?

Answer 9

Symbols of England, France, Scotland, Ireland, and red maple leaves

The coat of arms was adopted after the First World War.

Question 10

What architectural style is reflected in the Parliament Buildings?

Answer 10

Gothic Revival architecture

This style was popular during the time of Queen Victoria.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The Canadian Red Ensign served as the Canadian flag for about ______ years.

Answer 11

100

The Canadian Red Ensign was used before the new flag was adopted.

Question 12

Which flag design was based on the Cross and the fleur-de-lys?

Answer 12

Quebec’s flag

Quebec adopted its own flag in 1948.

Question 14

What is the significance of the Library in the Centre Block?

Answer 14

It is the only part of the original building remaining after the fire in 1916.

Question 15

When was the Peace Tower completed, and what does it commemorate?

Answer 15

The Peace Tower was completed in 1927 in memory of the First World War.

Question 16

What is contained within the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower?

Answer 16

The Books of Remembrance with the names of soldiers, sailors, and airmen who died serving Canada.

Question 17

What architectural styles are represented in the provincial legislatures of Canada?

Answer 17

Baroque, Romanesque, neoclassical, and the French Second Empire style.

Question 18

What is Canada’s most popular spectator sport?

Answer 18

Hockey.

Question 19

What is considered Canada’s national winter sport?

Answer 19

Ice hockey.

Question 20

Who donated the Stanley Cup and in what year?

Answer 20

Lord Stanley donated the Stanley Cup in 1892.

Question 21

What is the Clarkson Cup and when was it established?

Answer 21

The Clarkson Cup is awarded for women’s hockey and was established in 2005.

Question 22

What is the second most popular sport in Canada?

Answer 22

Canadian football.

Question 23

What sport is recognized as the official summer sport of Canada?

Answer 23

Lacrosse.

Question 24

What is the most registered sport in Canada?

Answer 24

Soccer.

Question 25

What animal was adopted as a symbol by the Hudson's Bay Company?

Answer 25

The beaver.

Question 26

In what year did the beaver become an emblem of the St. Jean Baptiste Society?

Answer 26

1834.

Question 27

Where can the beaver be seen as a symbol in Canada?

Answer 27

On the five-cent coin and the coats of arms of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and cities like Montreal and Toronto.

Question 28

What are Canada's two official languages?

Answer 28

English and French.

Question 29

What is required for someone to become a Canadian citizen regarding language?

Answer 29

Adequate knowledge of English or French.

Question 30

Who is exempt from the language requirement for Canadian citizenship?

Answer 30

Adult applicants 55 years of age or over.

Question 31

What year was the Official Languages Act passed?

Answer 31

1969.

Question 32

What are the three main objectives of the Official Languages Act?

Answer 32

Establish equality between French and English, maintain official language minority communities, and promote equality in Canadian society.

Question 34

When was 'O Canada' proclaimed as the national anthem?

Answer 34

1980

Question 35

In which city was 'O Canada' first sung?

Answer 35

Québec City

Question 36

What languages do Canadians sing 'O Canada' in?

Answer 36

French and English

Question 37

What is the first line of 'O Canada' in English?

Answer 37

O Canada! Our home and native land!

Question 38

What does 'O Canada' express about the nation?

Answer 38

True patriot love and strength

Question 39

What is the Royal Anthem of Canada?

Answer 39

'God Save the Queen (or King)'

Question 40

On what occasions can the Royal Anthem be played or sung?

Answer 40

When Canadians wish to honour the Sovereign

Question 41

What year was the Order of Canada established?

Answer 41

1967

Question 42

What does the honours system in Canada consist of?

Answer 42

Orders, decorations, and medals

Question 43

What is the purpose of the Order of Canada?

Answer 43

To recognize outstanding citizens

Question 44

What can citizens do if they know someone worthy of recognition?

Answer 44

Nominate them for honours

Question 45

Fill in the blank: The Order of Canada was established in _____, the centennial of Confederation.

Answer 45

1967

Question 46

True or False: 'God Save the Queen' is a song that can be sung only on special occasions.

Answer 46

False

Question 47

What website can be visited for information on nominations for Canadian honours?

Answer 47

www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=70?&lan=eng