Who We Are

Question 1

What is the significance of the phrase ‘Peace, Order and Good Government’ in Canada?

Answer 1

It is a key phrase in Canada’s original constitutional document, the British North America Act of 1867.

This phrase reflects the foundational principles of Canadian governance.

Question 2

What are the three founding peoples of Canada?

Answer 2

Aboriginal, French, and British.

These groups have significantly influenced Canadian culture and identity.

Question 3

What does the term ‘Aboriginal peoples’ encompass in Canada?

Answer 3

It refers to three distinct groups: Indian, Inuit, and Métis.

Each group has unique cultural and historical backgrounds.

Question 4

When were Aboriginal and treaty rights first guaranteed in Canada?

Answer 4

Through the Royal Proclamation of 1763 by King George III.

This proclamation established the basis for negotiating treaties with newcomers.

Question 5

What was the purpose of residential schools for Aboriginal children?

Answer 5

To educate and assimilate them into mainstream Canadian culture.

These schools were poorly funded and often inflicted hardship on students.

Question 6

What term began to be used in the 1970s to refer to Aboriginal peoples?

Answer 6

First Nations.

This term is now widely accepted and used in Canada.

Question 7

What achievements have Aboriginal peoples made in contemporary Canada?

Answer 7

Significant achievements in agriculture, the environment, business, and the arts.

This reflects a renewed pride and confidence among Aboriginal communities.

Question 8

True or False: Canada is the only constitutional monarchy in North America.

Answer 8

True.

This distinguishes Canada’s political system from others in the continent.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The ancestors of Aboriginal peoples are believed to have migrated from _______.

Answer 9

Asia.

This migration occurred thousands of years ago.

Question 10

What has been a historical issue regarding treaties with Aboriginal peoples in Canada?

Answer 10

Treaties were not always fully respected.

This has led to ongoing disputes and challenges in Aboriginal rights.

Question 11

What is the geographical range of Canada, from its Atlantic shores to the _______.

Answer 11

Pacific Ocean and to the Arctic Circle.

This highlights the vastness and diversity of the Canadian landscape.

Question 12

Who was John Buchan?

Answer 12

1st Baron Tweedsmuir, popular Governor General of Canada (1935-40)

Buchan emphasized the importance of immigrant groups retaining their individuality while contributing to the national character.

Question 13

What does ‘Inuit’ mean?

Answer 13

‘The people’ in Inuktitut language

Inuit communities are small and scattered across the Arctic.

Question 14

What is the heritage of the Métis people? Where do they live and whats their language?

Answer 14

Mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry

The majority live in the Prairie provinces and speak their own dialect, Michit.

Question 15

What percentage of Aboriginal people are First Nations?

Answer 15

65%

The remaining percentages are 30% Métis and 4% Inuit.

Question 16

What are Canada’s official languages?

Answer 16

English and French

These languages reflect the English-speaking and French-speaking Christian civilizations brought by settlers.

Question 17

How many Anglophones live in Canada?

Answer 17

18 million

Anglophones speak English as their first language.

Question 18

How many Francophones are there in Canada?

Answer 18

7 million

Francophones speak French as their first language, with the majority in Quebec.

Question 19

Which province is the only officially bilingual province in Canada?

Answer 19

New Brunswick

New Brunswick has a significant population of both Anglophones and Francophones.

Question 20

Who are the Acadians?

Answer 20

Descendants of French colonists in the Maritime provinces

The Acadians began settling in 1604 and faced deportation during the Great Upheaval (1755-1763).

Question 21

What was the ‘Great Upheaval’?

Answer 21

Deportation of more than two-thirds of Acadians from 1755 to 1763

This event occurred during the war between Britain and France.

Question 22

What is the identity of Quebecers?

Answer 22

French-speaking majority with unique culture and language

Quebecers are primarily descendants of 8,500 French settlers from the 1600s and 1700s.

Question 23

What recognition did the House of Commons give to Quebecers in 2006?

Answer 23

That Quebecois form a nation within a united Canada

This acknowledgment highlights the distinct identity of Quebecers.

Question 24

How long is the heritage of Anglo-Quebecers?

Answer 24

250 years

Anglo-Quebecers are a vibrant part of the Quebec fabric.

Question 25

What is expected of newcomers in becoming Canadian?

Answer 25

Newcomers are expected to embrace democratic principles such as the rule of law ## Footnote This includes rejecting violent, extreme, or hateful prejudices.

Question 26

Who were the foundational settlers in English-speaking areas of Canada?

Answer 26

English, Welsh, Scottish, and Irish settlers, soldiers, and migrants from the 1600s to the 20th century ## Footnote These groups laid the foundations of Canadian society.

Question 27

What term is generally used to refer to English speakers in Canada?

Answer 27

English Canadians ## Footnote This term reflects the British origins of many Anglophones.

Question 28

What has been true about the majority of Canadians since the 1800s?

Answer 28

The majority of Canadians were born in Canada ## Footnote This contrasts with the perception of Canada as a land of immigrants.

Question 29

Why is Canada referred to as a land of immigrants?

Answer 29

Millions of newcomers have helped to build and defend Canadian life over the past 200 years ## Footnote Immigrants have significantly contributed to the nation's development.

Question 30

What are some of the largest ethnic groups in Canada?

Answer 30

* English * French * Scottish * Irish * German * Italian * Chinese * Aboriginal * Ukrainian * Dutch * South Asian * Scandinavian ## Footnote These groups coexist and contribute to Canada's diversity.

Question 31

From which regions have most immigrants come to Canada since the 1970s?

Answer 31

Asian countries ## Footnote This shift reflects changing global migration patterns.

Question 34

What is the second most-spoken non-official language in Canadian homes?

Answer 34

Chinese languages ## Footnote Chinese languages are the second most-spoken at home, after English, in Vancouver and Toronto.

Question 35

What percentage of the population in Vancouver speaks Chinese languages at home?

Answer 35

13% ## Footnote This figure represents the proportion of the population in Vancouver that speaks Chinese languages at home.

Question 36

What percentage of the population in Toronto speaks Chinese languages at home?

Answer 36

7% ## Footnote This figure represents the proportion of the population in Toronto that speaks Chinese languages at home.

Question 37

What is the largest religious affiliation in Canada?

Answer 37

Catholic ## Footnote The majority of Canadians identify as Christians, with Catholic being the largest group.

Question 38

What religious groups are growing in Canada besides Christianity?

Answer 38

Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, and members of other religions ## Footnote The number of people stating 'no religion' is also increasing.

Question 39

What role has the state traditionally played in relation to faith communities in Canada?

Answer 39

Partnered to promote social welfare, harmony and mutual respect ## Footnote This includes providing schools and health care, resettling refugees, and upholding religious freedom.

Question 40

True or False: Gay and lesbian Canadians do not have equal treatment under the law in Canada.

Answer 40

False ## Footnote Gay and lesbian Canadians enjoy full protection and equal treatment under the law.

Question 41

What is the common identity shared by diverse groups in Canada?

Answer 41

Canadian identity ## Footnote This identity contributes to Canada's multicultural society.

Question 42

Who is Olympian Marjorie Turner-Bailey?

Answer 42

A descendant of black Loyalists, escaped Slaves and freed men and women of African origin ## Footnote She is from Nova Scotia and her ancestors fled to Canada in the 1780s.

Question 43

In what year did slavery remain legal in America until?

Answer 43

1863 ## Footnote This year marks the end of legal slavery in America.