Canadian Symbols: Citizenship Test Practice Questions
Canadian Symbols is one of the seven topics in Discover Canada, the official guide every real test question comes from. It covers: Canada's national symbols, including the flag, the maple leaf, the beaver, the Coat of Arms, the anthem O Canada, and important national days.
Of the 280 questions in our practice bank, 40 are Canadian Symbols questions. On a typical 20-question test you can expect roughly 3 from this topic. Below are 9 sample questions with answers and explanations to show you exactly what to prepare for.
Sample Canadian Symbols Questions and Answers
Try each question before expanding the answer. Every question below also appears in one of our free practice tests.
1. When was the current Canadian flag raised for the first time?
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Explanation
A new Canadian flag was raised for the first time in 1965. It replaced the Canadian Red Ensign, which had served as Canada's flag for about 100 years.
2. Where does the red-white-red pattern of the Canadian flag come from?
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Explanation
The red-white-red pattern of the Canadian flag comes from the flag of the Royal Military College, Kingston, which was founded in 1876. This distinctive pattern was adopted when the new Canadian flag was designed.
3. When did red and white become the national colours of Canada?
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Explanation
Red and white were declared the national colours of Canada in 1921 by King George V. These colours had been associated with France and England since the Middle Ages and are the colours of the Canadian flag today.
4. What is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recognized as?
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Explanation
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), known as the "Mounties," is both Canada's national police force and a well-known symbol of Canada. Founded in 1873 as the North-West Mounted Police, the RCMP enforces federal laws across Canada and also serves as the provincial police in many provinces. Their iconic red serge uniforms and Stetson hats are recognized worldwide as a symbol of Canada.
5. What is the significance of the Crown in Canada?
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Explanation
In Canada, the Crown symbolizes the government, including federal and provincial governments, and is the source of authority for all three branches: the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. As a constitutional monarchy, the Crown is central to Canada's system of government. Courts, laws, and government authority all derive from the Crown, and the Governor General and Lieutenant Governors act on behalf of the Crown.
6. What is the Victoria Cross (V.C.)?
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Explanation
The Victoria Cross (V.C.) is the highest honour available to Canadians and is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery, daring, or valour in the presence of the enemy. Since 1854, 96 Canadians have been awarded the V.C.
7. What is Canada's best-known symbol?
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Explanation
The maple leaf is Canada's best-known symbol. Maple leaves were adopted as a symbol by French Canadians in the 1700s. Canada's soldiers also began using the maple leaf in the 1850s, and a maple leaf cap badge was worn during the First World War.
8. What does the fleur-de-lys symbolize in Canada?
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Explanation
The fleur-de-lys was adopted by the French king in the year 496 and became the symbol of French royalty for more than 1,000 years, including the colony of New France. Revived at Confederation, the fleur-de-lys was included in the Canadian Red Ensign. In 1948, Quebec adopted its own flag based on the Cross and the fleur-de-lys.
9. What do the provinces and territories of Canada have that embody their distinct traditions?
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Explanation
The provinces and territories of Canada each have their own flags that embody their distinct traditions. The Canadian Red Ensign served as the national flag for about 100 years before the current maple leaf flag was adopted, and the provinces and territories also have flags that reflect their unique heritage.
Practise Canadian Symbols Until It Sticks
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