Canadian-Citizenship Practice Test - Canadian Symbols 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the name of the three-ocean vessel that sails as Canada's national sailing vessel?
- HMCS Haida
- The Bluenose II (Correct answer)
- HMCS Montreal
- The Pride of Canada
Correct answer: The Bluenose II
The Bluenose was a legendary Nova Scotia fishing and racing schooner launched in 1921. Its image appears on the Canadian dime. The Bluenose II is its replica and serves as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador.
Question 2: What does the Canadian coat of arms' shield depict, and what do the elements represent?
- A maple leaf and a beaver representing the fur trade
- Three golden lions (England), a red lion (Scotland), a golden harp (Ireland), three golden fleurs-de-lis (France), and a sprig of maple leaves (Canada) (Correct answer)
- Ten provincial flowers arranged around a central maple leaf
- A red cross on a white background representing the Red Cross
Correct answer: Three golden lions (England), a red lion (Scotland), a golden harp (Ireland), three golden fleurs-de-lis (France), and a sprig of maple leaves (Canada)
Canada's coat of arms shield contains symbols representing the founding nations: three golden lions passant (England), a red lion rampant (Scotland), a golden harp (Ireland), three golden fleurs-de-lis on blue (France), and a red sprig of three maple leaves (Canada).
Question 3: On which coin does the image of the common loon appear, giving the coin its popular nickname?
- The penny (now discontinued)
- The quarter
- The $1 coin (the "loonie") (Correct answer)
- The $2 coin (the "toonie")
Correct answer: The $1 coin (the "loonie")
The common loon appears on the Canadian $1 coin, which is why it is affectionately called the "loonie." The coin was introduced in 1987 to replace the $1 paper bill.
Question 4: What is the significance of November 11 in Canada, and what is the red poppy symbol associated with it?
- It is Canada Day, celebrating Confederation; poppies represent Canadian farms
- It is Remembrance Day, honouring Canadians who died in wars; poppies were inspired by the WWI poem "In Flanders Fields" (Correct answer)
- It is Victoria Day, honouring the monarch; poppies are a royal symbol
- It is a provincial holiday in Quebec only
Correct answer: It is Remembrance Day, honouring Canadians who died in wars; poppies were inspired by the WWI poem "In Flanders Fields"
November 11 is Remembrance Day in Canada, when Canadians honour the memory of those who died in war, especially World War I and II. The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance inspired by Lt. Col. John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields."
Question 5: What Canadian government building features the Peace Tower with its 53-bell carillon?
- Rideau Hall
- The Centre Block of Parliament Hill (Correct answer)
- The Supreme Court of Canada building
- The Château Frontenac
Correct answer: The Centre Block of Parliament Hill
The Peace Tower rises above the Centre Block of Parliament Hill in Ottawa. It was completed in 1927 as a memorial to Canadians who died in World War I. Its carillon plays music on the hour and at special occasions.
Question 6: What is the Order of Canada, and who awards it?
- A parliamentary medal awarded by the Prime Minister for political service
- Canada's highest civilian honour, awarded by the Governor General to recognize outstanding achievement and service to the country (Correct answer)
- A military decoration awarded by the Minister of National Defence
- An academic distinction awarded by Canadian universities jointly
Correct answer: Canada's highest civilian honour, awarded by the Governor General to recognize outstanding achievement and service to the country
The Order of Canada is the country's highest civilian honour, established in 1967. The Governor General awards it in three levels (Companion, Officer, Member) to Canadians who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities or Canada.
Canadian-Citizenship Practice Test - Canadian Symbols 3
What is the name of the three-ocean vessel that sails as Canada's national sailing vessel?