Mixed Deck — All CANADIAN Topics Flashcards

Which party becomes the Official Opposition?

Answer: The party with the second most MPs.

In Canada's parliamentary system, the Official Opposition is typically the political party that holds the second-largest number of seats in the House of Commons. Its role is to scrutinize the government's actions, propose alternatives, and hold the ruling party accountable. This ensures a robust debate and provides a crucial check on government power.

What is the name of the covered bridge in New Brunswick that is recognized as the longest covered bridge in the world?

Answer: Hartland Covered Bridge

The Hartland Covered Bridge, spanning 390.8 metres over the Saint John River, was built in 1901 and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's longest covered bridge.

The term 'Two Solitudes,' historically used to describe Canadian society, referred to which cultural dynamic — and which author popularized it?

Answer: The cultural and linguistic divide between English and French Canadians; popularized by Hugh MacLennan in his 1945 novel of the same name

'Two Solitudes' is a phrase from Hugh MacLennan's 1945 novel that became shorthand for the deep cultural and linguistic separation between English and French Canada. MacLennan drew from Rainer Maria Rilke's poetry to describe communities living alongside each other without genuine connection. The term remains part of Canadian political discourse when discussing French-English relations and national unity debates.

Under Canada's general constitutional amending formula (the '7/50 formula'), what is required to change most provisions of the Constitution Act, 1982?

Answer: Resolutions of the Senate, House of Commons, and at least seven provinces representing at least 50% of Canada's population

The '7/50 formula' under Part V of the Constitution Act, 1982 requires resolutions from the federal Senate and House of Commons plus legislative assemblies of at least 7 of the 10 provinces that together hold at least 50% of the national population. Unanimous consent is only required for specific matters such as changing the office of the Queen, the Governor General, or equal provincial Senate representation.

What year did Newfoundland and Labrador join Canada?

Answer: 1949

Newfoundland and Labrador officially joined the Canadian Confederation on March 31, 1949, becoming Canada's tenth province. This followed a series of referendums where the people of Newfoundland voted to unite with Canada. Their entry marked a significant expansion of the Canadian federation, completing its modern geographical configuration.

About how many people live in the province of Quebec?

Answer: Nearly eight million

Quebec is Canada's second most populous province, with its population nearing eight million people. As of recent estimates, its population is approximately 8.5 million. This large population contributes significantly to Canada's economy and cultural landscape, particularly with its distinct French-speaking majority.

What body of water forms part of Ontario's far northern coastline?

Answer: Hudson Bay

Ontario's northern coast borders Hudson Bay and James Bay.

What province has its own time zone?

Answer: Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador operates on its own unique time zone, known as Newfoundland Standard Time (NST). NST is half an hour ahead of Atlantic Standard Time, making it distinct from the other Atlantic provinces. This unique time zone reflects its easternmost geographical position in North America.

Today Canada's economy ranks as:

Answer: One of the ten largest in the world

Canada consistently ranks among the top ten largest economies in the world by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Its economic strength is attributed to its vast natural resources, a highly developed service sector, and robust international trade. This ranking reflects Canada's significant global economic influence and stability.

If you are not satisfied with the actions of the police in Canada, what can you do?

Answer: Contact the local police, then a police review board

You can express concern to the local police force and, if not satisfied, contact the provincial or independent police review body.

What is the nickname of Prince Edward Island?

Answer: Garden of the Gulf

Prince Edward Island is affectionately known as the 'Garden of the Gulf' due to its lush agricultural landscapes, fertile red soil, and picturesque scenery. This nickname reflects its natural beauty and its strong agricultural heritage, particularly its potato farming. The island's vibrant greenery and coastal charm contribute to this endearing title.

Give an example of where English and French have equal status in Canada.

Answer: In the Parliament of Canada.

Under Canada's Official Languages Act, English and French have equal status in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada. This means all parliamentary debates, laws, and government services must be available in both official languages, ensuring linguistic equality at the federal level.

What is the term for French-speaking Canadians descended from the original Acadian settlers of Atlantic Canada?

Answer: Acadians

Acadians are the descendants of French settlers who arrived in Atlantic Canada (particularly Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI) in the 17th century. Their culture and history are distinct from those of Quebec's French-Canadians.

What is a popular annual festival celebrated on Prince Edward Island?

Answer: PEI International Shellfish Festival

The PEI International Shellfish Festival celebrates the island's seafood each year.

The Statute of Westminster, passed in 1931, gave Canada what significant new power?

Answer: Full legislative independence from Britain

The Statute of Westminster in 1931 granted Canada and other Dominions full legislative independence, meaning British Parliament could no longer override Canadian laws.

What does the term responsible government mean?

Answer: The Crown must have the support of majority of the elected representatives to govern

Responsible government means that the executive branch (the government or Cabinet) must maintain the confidence of the legislative assembly (the elected representatives). If the government loses a confidence vote, it must resign or call an election. This principle ensures that the government is accountable to the elected representatives of the people, rather than solely to the monarch or their appointed governor.

Yellowknife became the capital of the Northwest Territories in 1967. What was the capital of the Northwest Territories before that year?

Answer: Fort Smith

Fort Smith served as the administrative capital of the Northwest Territories before Yellowknife assumed that role in 1967. Fort Smith is located on the Alberta border near Wood Buffalo National Park. Prior to Fort Smith, Ottawa administered the territory directly through the federal government.

Under Quebec's Civil Code, which doctrine governs the liability of a person who causes harm to another through their fault, distinguishing Quebec's private law from the tort law used in common-law provinces?

Answer: Extra-contractual liability (responsabilité civile extracontractuelle) under Article 1457

Quebec's private law is rooted in the Civil Law tradition derived from French law. Article 1457 of the Civil Code of Québec establishes extra-contractual liability: every person has a duty not to cause injury to another through their fault, and must repair any injury caused. This is distinct from the common-law tort framework used in other provinces, which traces through English case law like Donoghue v Stevenson.

Which province is the only officially bilingual province in Canada?

Answer: New Brunswick

New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province.

Canada's National Tartan was designed by David Weiser in 1964, but in which year did Parliament officially adopt it as the national tartan through legislation?

Answer: 2011

Although Weiser created the tartan in 1964 to mark Canada's upcoming centennial, and it was registered with the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland, it did not receive formal parliamentary recognition as Canada's national tartan until 2011. The tartan's colours symbolize key Canadian emblems: maple leaves (red), snow (white), forests (green), lakes and rivers (blue), and royal connections (gold).