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. 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.
3. Which flag served as Canada's national flag before the current maple leaf flag?
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Explanation
The Canadian Red Ensign served as the Canadian flag for about 100 years before the current maple leaf flag was adopted in 1965. The Union Jack remains Canada's official Royal Flag, but it was the Red Ensign that served as the national flag.
4. Who wrote the original French lyrics to "O Canada"?
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Explanation
Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier, a judge and poet, wrote the original French lyrics to "O Canada." The French lyrics were written in 1880, while the English version was written later by Robert Stanley Weir in 1908.
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 Order of Canada?
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Explanation
The Order of Canada is Canada's highest civilian honour. Created in 1967, it recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. Its motto is "Desiderantes meliorem patriam" (They desire a better country).
7. Who was Terry Fox and what is he famous for?
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Explanation
Terry Fox was a young Canadian who, after losing his right leg to cancer, embarked on a cross-Canada run called the Marathon of Hope in 1980 to raise money for cancer research. Although he had to stop after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres when his cancer spread, his legacy continues through the annual Terry Fox Run, which has raised over $850 million worldwide.
8. 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.
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
The app has 14 dedicated category tests, so you can practise Canadian Symbols questions on their own. All 16 mock exams, every question in 13 languages, and weak-spot tracking, all in the app.