Online Canadian Citizenship Quiz - Prince Edward Island 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: PEI's red soil is famous — what gives it its distinctive colour?
- A high concentration of copper minerals in the bedrock
- High iron oxide (rust) content in the sandstone underlying the island's soil (Correct answer)
- A unique species of red bacteria naturally occurring in PEI sediment
- The mixing of red clay imported during the ice age from Labrador
Correct answer: High iron oxide (rust) content in the sandstone underlying the island's soil
PEI's iconic red soil gets its colour from iron oxide (the same compound as rust) found in the island's sandstone bedrock. The iron oxidizes when exposed to air and water, giving the soil and cliffs their distinctive red-orange colour.
Question 2: Which Indigenous peoples are the original inhabitants of PEI, and what is their name for the island?
- The Maliseet (Wolastoqiyik), who called the island "Menahqesk"
- The Mi'kmaq, who call the island "Abegweit" (cradled on the waves) (Correct answer)
- The Abenaki, who called the island "Pitu'paq" (deep water)
- The Passamaquoddy, who called the island "Skittagenawa" (red land)
Correct answer: The Mi'kmaq, who call the island "Abegweit" (cradled on the waves)
The Mi'kmaq are the original inhabitants of PEI. They called the island "Abegweit," meaning "cradled on the waves." Mi'kmaq people have lived on PEI for thousands of years and continue to be a significant presence in the province.
Question 3: PEI has a provincial legislature. What is it called?
- The Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island (Correct answer)
- The House of Assembly
- The National Assembly of PEI
- The Prince Edward Island Parliament
Correct answer: The Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island
PEI's provincial legislature is called the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. It is a unicameral (single-chamber) legislature based in Province House — the same building where the 1864 Charlottetown Conference was held.
Question 4: Province House in Charlottetown, PEI, holds what distinction in Canadian history?
- It is the oldest building in Canada, constructed in 1604 by Samuel de Champlain
- It is where the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 was held, earning it the title "Birthplace of Confederation"; it is a National Historic Site and one of the most significant buildings in Canadian political history (Correct answer)
- It was the original seat of the first federal Parliament before Ottawa was chosen as the capital
- It is the only provincial legislature building to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Correct answer: It is where the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 was held, earning it the title "Birthplace of Confederation"; it is a National Historic Site and one of the most significant buildings in Canadian political history
Province House in Charlottetown is one of Canada's most historically significant buildings. The Charlottetown Conference of 1864 was held in its Legislative Chamber, making it the "Birthplace of Confederation." It is a National Historic Site now managed by Parks Canada.
Question 5: What is the significance of the Acadian presence in PEI today?
- Acadians make up the majority (over 60%) of PEI's population
- About 15–20% of PEI's population identifies as Acadian, with a concentration in the Évangéline region; Acadian culture is celebrated through language, festivals, and distinct traditions (Correct answer)
- There are no Acadians left on PEI due to the complete success of the 1755 deportation
- Acadian PEI residents speak a distinct Creole language unrelated to French
Correct answer: About 15–20% of PEI's population identifies as Acadian, with a concentration in the Évangéline region; Acadian culture is celebrated through language, festivals, and distinct traditions
About 15–20% of PEI's population has Acadian roots, living primarily in the Évangéline region on the western end of the island. The community maintains the French language and celebrates Acadian culture, including the national Acadian holiday on August 15.
Question 6: PEI's economy relies heavily on tourism. What is its most popular tourist attraction besides Anne of Green Gables?
- The Charlottetown Citadel, a star-shaped fortress
- Prince Edward Island National Park, with its sandstone cliffs, beaches, and dune ecosystems along the north shore (Correct answer)
- The Confederation Bridge Museum
- The PEI Space Centre, the first Canadian observatory in the Maritimes
Correct answer: Prince Edward Island National Park, with its sandstone cliffs, beaches, and dune ecosystems along the north shore
Prince Edward Island National Park along the north shore attracts visitors with its red sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, warm water beaches, and the Green Gables Heritage Place. The park was established in 1937 and covers about 27 km of coastline.
Online Canadian Citizenship Quiz - Prince Edward Island 3
PEI's red soil is famous — what gives it its distinctive colour?