Canadian Symbols Flashcards

What is Canada's second most popular sport?

Answer: Canadian Football

While hockey is Canada's national winter sport and arguably its most iconic, Canadian Football holds the position as the second most popular sport in the country. It has a significant following, particularly through the Canadian Football League (CFL), and is deeply ingrained in Canadian sports culture. This reflects the diverse sporting interests within Canada.

Which is NOT true concerning the Official Languages Act of 1969?

Answer: Make English the official primary language and French the secondary language

The Official Languages Act of 1969 established English and French as the two official languages of Canada, granting them equal status in federal institutions. Its core purpose was to promote equality between French and English, ensuring services are available in both languages, not to designate one as primary and the other as secondary. This act is a cornerstone of Canadian bilingualism.

Which is NOT true concerning Canada's symbolic industrious rodent, the beaver:

Answer: It is on the new Canada flag

The beaver is a prominent Canadian symbol, appearing on the five-cent coin and various coats of arms, and was historically significant for the fur trade. However, the current Canadian flag, adopted in 1965, features a single red maple leaf, not a beaver. The maple leaf is the central and sole emblem on the national flag.

What animal is the official symbol of Canada?

Answer: Beaver

The beaver was officially adopted as an emblem of Canada in 1975, though it has been associated with the country for centuries due to its importance in the fur trade and its industrious nature. It represents Canada's natural heritage and historical development, making it a fitting national symbol. Its presence on the five-cent coin further solidifies its status.

What is Canada's national winter sport?

Answer: Hockey

Hockey is officially recognized as Canada's national winter sport and is deeply embedded in the country's identity and culture. It is widely played and followed across Canada, from amateur leagues to the professional National Hockey League (NHL). This designation reflects its profound cultural significance and popularity throughout the nation.

Which is NOT contained in Canada's Coat of Arms?

Answer: Symbols of First Nations

Canada's Coat of Arms primarily features symbols representing its European heritage, specifically England, France, Scotland, and Ireland, along with Canadian maple leaves. While First Nations are integral to Canada's history and identity, their specific symbols are not explicitly incorporated into the official Coat of Arms. The design reflects the country's colonial origins.

Who of these were not a Victoria Cross recipient?

Answer: Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson was a world-renowned Canadian jazz pianist and composer, celebrated for his musical contributions and considered one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration for valor in the British and Commonwealth armed forces, and Peterson, as a civilian musician, was not eligible for or a recipient of this award. The other individuals listed were indeed Victoria Cross recipients for their military bravery.

The Peace Tower of the Parliament Buildings was completed in 1927 in honor of?

Answer: The First World War

The Peace Tower, a prominent feature of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, was completed in 1927 and serves as a memorial to Canadians who died during the First World War. It houses the Memorial Chamber, which contains the Books of Remembrance listing the names of fallen servicemen and women. This makes it a significant national monument commemorating wartime sacrifices.

Which flag is Canada's official Royal flag?

Answer: The Union Jack

The Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom, is Canada's official Royal Flag and is flown on specific occasions to signify Canada's allegiance to the Crown. While Canada has its own national flag (the Maple Leaf flag), the Union Jack retains its symbolic role as the Royal Flag, representing the historical ties to the British monarchy. It is typically flown alongside the national flag on royal visits or specific commemorative days.

What does the Crown symbolize for Canadians?

Answer: The 400 year tradition of a Constitutional Monarchy

For Canadians, the Crown symbolizes the continuity and stability of Canada's system of government, representing a 400-year tradition of constitutional monarchy. It embodies the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, and the historical ties to the British Crown, serving as a non-partisan head of state. This tradition ensures a stable framework for governance.

What does Canada's national motto 'A Mari Usque Ad Mare' mean?

Answer: From sea to sea

Canada's national motto, 'A Mari Usque Ad Mare,' is Latin for 'From sea to sea.' This phrase reflects Canada's vast geography, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and symbolizes the unity and expanse of the nation. It was first adopted in 1906 and officially incorporated into the Coat of Arms in 1921.

What is the name of the Royal Anthem of Canada?

Answer: God Save the Queen (King)

'God Save the Queen (King)' is Canada's Royal Anthem, sung in the presence of the Sovereign or other members of the Royal Family. While 'O Canada' is the national anthem, 'God Save the Queen (King)' specifically honors the monarch as Canada's head of state. This distinction highlights Canada's constitutional monarchy.

What is contained within the Memorial Chamber within the Tower?

Answer: The Books of Remembrance, the names of all the fallen servicemen

The Memorial Chamber, located within the Peace Tower of the Parliament Buildings, is a sacred space dedicated to commemorating Canadians who died in military service. It houses the Books of Remembrance, which contain the names of all Canadian servicemen and women who have fallen in various conflicts. These books serve as a poignant and permanent record of sacrifice.

How many recipients have there been of the Victoria Cross (V.C.) since 1854?

Answer: 96

Since its inception in 1854, 96 Canadians have been awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor in the British and Commonwealth armed forces. This number includes those who served with Canadian forces or were Canadian-born and served with other Commonwealth forces, recognizing extraordinary bravery in combat.

What symbol was adopted by the Hudson Bay Company?

Answer: The Beaver

The beaver was adopted as a prominent symbol by the Hudson's Bay Company due to its central role in the fur trade, which was the company's primary business for centuries. The beaver pelt was a valuable commodity that drove much of Canada's early economy and exploration, making it an iconic representation of the company's history and Canada's natural resources.

Which is NOT true concerning the Fleur-de-lys symbol?

Answer: It was adopted by the British king in the year 496

The Fleur-de-lys is a traditional symbol of French royalty and was adopted by French kings, not a British king, and its association with French monarchy dates back centuries. It became a significant symbol in New France and was later incorporated into Canadian heraldry, including the Canadian Red Ensign, representing Canada's French heritage. The year 496 is not relevant to its adoption by a British monarch.