Northwest Territories Flashcards

Who has the right to run as a candidate in federal elections?

Answer: Any Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old.

To be eligible to run as a candidate in a federal election in Canada, an individual must meet specific criteria. They must be a Canadian citizen and be at least 18 years of age on the day they are nominated. This ensures that candidates are adult citizens with a vested interest in the country's governance.

After a federal election, which party forms the new government?

Answer: The party with the most elected representatives is invited by the Governor General to become the party in power.

In Canada's parliamentary system, after a federal election, the Governor General, as the representative of the Sovereign, plays a formal role. They invite the leader of the political party that has won the most seats in the House of Commons to form the new government. This party then becomes the 'party in power' and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.

What is the "head tax"?

Answer: Race-based entry fee charged for Chinese entering Canada.

The 'head tax' was a discriminatory fee imposed by the Canadian government on Chinese immigrants entering Canada between 1885 and 1923. It was explicitly designed to discourage Chinese immigration and was a significant barrier for many Chinese individuals and families seeking to build a life in Canada. The Canadian government formally apologized for it in 2006.

What does the word "Inuit" mean?

Answer: "The people" in the Inuktitut language.

The term 'Inuit' means 'the people' in the Inuktitut language, which is spoken by Inuit people. It is the preferred term for the Indigenous people of the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, replacing the outdated and often offensive term 'Eskimo.' This term reflects their self-identification and cultural heritage.

What percentage of Aboriginal people are First Nations?

Answer: 65%.

First Nations people constitute the largest group within Canada's Aboriginal population. According to statistics, approximately 65% of all Aboriginal people in Canada identify as First Nations. The other major recognized Aboriginal groups are Métis and Inuit, each with distinct cultures and histories.

What is the highest military honour a Canadian can receive?

Answer: Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration for valour 'in the presence of the enemy' awarded to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, including Canada. It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice. It represents the ultimate recognition of military heroism.

Who was Sir Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine?

Answer: A champion of democracy and French language rights and the first leader of a responsible government in the Canadas.

Sir Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine was a prominent political figure in pre-Confederation Canada, known as a champion of democracy and French language rights. He was instrumental in establishing responsible government, where the executive council is accountable to the elected assembly. He formed the first truly responsible government in the Province of Canada with Robert Baldwin.

Fatima is a new immigrant in Canada. What law allows her to take up job at par with a man?

Answer: Equality of women and men

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees equality rights, stating that every individual is equal before and under the law, and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination. This explicitly includes discrimination based on sex, ensuring that women like Fatima have the right to equal opportunities and treatment in employment and other areas. This fundamental right ensures fairness and equity for all genders.

What is a majority government?

Answer: When the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons.

A majority government occurs when the political party in power holds at least half (more than 50%) of the seats in the House of Commons. This allows the government to pass legislation and implement its agenda with relative ease, as it has sufficient votes to win confidence motions. If a party holds less than half, it forms a minority government.

How is a Cabinet Minister chosen?

Answer: By the Prime Minister

In Canada's parliamentary system, the Prime Minister has the sole authority to choose and appoint members of the Cabinet. These individuals are typically elected Members of Parliament from the Prime Minister's own party and are assigned portfolios to lead various government departments. The Cabinet assists the Prime Minister in governing the country and implementing policies.

Why is trade with other countries important to Canada?

Answer: It enhances our economy and raises our standard of living.

International trade allows Canada to sell its goods and services to a larger global market, which boosts economic growth and creates jobs. It also provides Canadians with access to a wider variety of goods, often at lower prices, thereby improving the overall quality of life and standard of living. This exchange is crucial for a resource-rich country like Canada to thrive.

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.

Which political party is in power in the Northwest Territories?

Answer: Governed by consensus

The Northwest Territories operates under a consensus government system, rather than a party-based one. Members of the Legislative Assembly are elected as independents, and they collectively choose a Premier and cabinet from among themselves. This system emphasizes collaboration and decision-making based on agreement among all elected representatives.

Who are the indigenous peoples of the Northwest Territories?

Answer: Dene, Inuit, and Métis

The Northwest Territories is home to diverse Indigenous populations, including the Dene, Inuit, and Métis peoples. These groups have distinct cultures, languages, and histories, and their traditional territories cover vast areas of the region. Their contributions are fundamental to the cultural fabric and history of the Northwest Territories.

What is the major economic activity in the Northwest Territories?

Answer: Mining

Mining is the dominant economic activity in the Northwest Territories, particularly for diamonds, gold, and other minerals. The region is known for its rich natural resources, and the extraction and processing of these resources drive a significant portion of its economy. This industry provides numerous jobs and contributes substantially to the territorial GDP.

What is the biggest community in the Northwest Territories?

Answer: Yellowknife

Yellowknife is the capital and largest community in the Northwest Territories. It serves as the administrative, commercial, and transportation hub for the region. Its population significantly surpasses that of other communities, making it the primary urban center and a key economic driver.