1. Who are the Aboriginal peoples in Canada?
These are the original human occupants in and immigrants to Canada. It is believed their ancestors migrated to what is now known as the Americas (including Canada) across the Bering Straights from Siberia as far back as approximately 10,000 years.
2. What are the three main groups of Aboriginal peoples?
As currently defined, they are the INUIT, the FIRST NATIONS, and the METIS.
3. In which parts of Canada did the Aboriginal peoples first live?
Technically, the far west. However, once established east of the Rockies and other mountainous areas, the various entities (especially within the First Nations group) came to inhabit virtually all of what we call Canada today.
4. What did the Aboriginal peoples living in your region depend on for survival?
Here in southern Ontario, Aboriginal survival was achieved primarily by living off the land. Hunting and some farming as well as gathering were the fundamental techniques used.
5. From whom are the Metis descended?
This population group represents the offspring of First Nations� and European parentage. It is unclear why they are considered singularly Aboriginal (see question 2) when they are, by definition, equally European. This appears to be an issue yet to be resolved in Canada.
6. In what industry did the Metis first work with European settlers?
Fur was the major economic association between the settlers and the Metis.
7. Which group of Aboriginal peoples make up more than half the population in the Northwest Territories?
The Inuit. Indeed, from the beginning thousands of years age, the Inuit exhibited a remarkable ability to acclimatize to an exceptionally cold and hostile environment � an ability they retain to this day.
8. Why are the Aboriginal peoples of Canada working to be self governed?
The study guide put it delicately: ��to keep their unique cultures and languages alive...[by]�trying to regain control over decisions that affect their lives.� It might be suggested that �regain� is the operative word here given a rational look at history.
9. From where did the first European settlers in Canada come?
They came from France and were called Acadian. This immigration followed earlier exploration by French explorer Jacques Cartier.
10. Why did early explorers come to Atlantic Canada?
The easy answer is for fishing and commodities trade with Aboriginal peoples. A more definitive answer, which applies to all early European explorers to the Americas, was to exploit natural resources specifically for the sole benefit of their originating countries or empires.
11. Who were the Acadian people?
As indicated in Question 9, the first European permanent settlers in Canada.
12. What three industries helped early settlers build communities in the Atlantic region?
The enormous abundance of fertile land, fish and timber permitted the early settlers to flourish with agriculture and wood-based manufacture. The specific industries which evolved in the early years were agriculture, fishing as well as shipbuilding.
13. Who were the United Empire Loyalists?
These were British subjects who lived in the British Colonies south of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario during and immediately subsequent to the American Revolution in the late 1770�s. They opposed the formation of an independent country not part of the British Empire.
They fled north to the nearest British territory during and immediately after the hostilities, often leaving all possessions behind. Many believed it was temporary sanctuary and that Britain would eventually reclaim its former colonies. Their dream was permanently ended some thirty years later when the North American continent�s borders were definitively proscribed between Britain and the United States at the conclusion of the War of 1812.
14. When did the United Empire Loyalists come to Canada?
See answer 13.
15. When did settlers from France first establish communities on the St. Lawrence River?
As in the Atlantic region, French settlers also settled on and near the St. Lawrence River in the early 1600�s. (Not that they stopped there. French colonization extended substantially west and south including much of what is now known as the American midwest.)
16. In which type of industry did most early European settlers work?
While I cannot find specific reference to this question, it is certain that all early European settler industry was based upon natural resource exploitation. It would appear that �most� would apply to the fur trade although that would evolve into other resources such as fish, timber, etc.
17. Which trade spread across Canada making it important to the economy for over 300 years?
Fur trading.
18. What form of transportation did Aboriginal peoples and fur traders use to create trading networks in North America?
Natural waterways (rivers, streams, lakes, etc) and their natural derivative, ice.
19. For how long did the Hudson Bay Company control the northern lands?
Approximately 200 years.
20. What important trade did the Hudson Bay Company control?
Factually, all of it. Specifically, fur trading. Hudson�s Bay Company was not only a complete monopoly but also exercised almost all the functions of government including waging war.
21. When did thousands of miners first come to the Yukon?
In the late 19th century (1800�s) there was a massive gold rush into the Yukon.
22. What did the government do to make immigration to western Canada much easier?
Under the passion of and fair amount of scandal surrounding Sir John A. Macdonald, a transcontinental railway was built. Although public support for it weakened as it ran into difficulties in the Rockies, the railway regained support for its role in quickly moving troops to squash the Metis rebellion.
23. Which group of people were important in the building the Canadian Pacific Railway.
A major part (about 9,000) of the labour force were persons of Chinese descent. Regrettably, the sheer number of Chinese resulted in punitive measures being taken against them by frightened governments, especially British Columbia which enacted an onerous head tax to discourage immigration.
24. When was the Canadian Pacific Railway finished?
The CP railway was completed in the late 1800�s; more precisely, on November 7, 1885 when the traditional last spike was driven home at Eagle Pass in British Columbia. It is an incredible irony that Louis Riel, the leader of the insurgent Metis against whom the railway played such a significant role, was executed for treason only eight days later on November 15, 1885.
25. What did the federal government do to encourage people to settle in the Prairie provinces during the early 1900�s?
In a set of initiatives, created by Sir Clifford Sifton who was the Federal Minister of the Interior, encouraged agricultural development of the western Prairies, which in the early 1900�s (1905) were divided into what is now Saskatchewan and Alberta. Federal lands were sold to immigrants at exceptionally low prices, and in an effort to help create markets for agricultural products, special arrangements were negotiated with the CP Railway.
Immigrants were heavily solicited from both Britain and the United States. Secondary (and successful) solicitation was done from eastern European countries creating a fair amount of controversial reaction amongst the so-called �nativist� population.
26. What does Confederation mean?
Confederation was the framework by which Canadian provinces would join together under a loosely federalized structure as authorized by the British North American Act in 1867. Originally, the BNA authorized only three provinces to do so: the Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. But as the first � and contentious � meetings to implement the Act took place, agreement could only be reached with the breakup of the Province of Canada into two parts: Upper and Lower Canada which evolved into what is now Ontario and Quebec, respectively.
Since each province was permitted to retain a large degree of autonomous power (including culture, language, religion, etc.) save for mutual defense, emergency, or other interests deemed paramount to the British Empire, the Confederation was properly credited with protecting the vital interests of each. This had enormous ramifications for Quebec.
Six other provinces followed, each with their own unique qualities ending with Newfoundland finally joining Confederation in 1949 by a narrow margin (reversing an overwhelming rejection at the time Confederation came into being).
27. What is the Canadian Constitution?
The Constitution is the legal document under which is determined the legal authorities of the Federal and Provincial governments and their rights and responsibilities with/to/for each other. It also contains the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which apply to every Canadian citizen.
Since 1982, the Constitution is solely of Canadian construction and authority; emancipated from any participation by the British parliament as was Confederation under the British North American Act. It has been formally ratified by 9 of the 10 provinces (Quebec excepted) although all provinces and territories generally live up to its terms.
28. In what year did Canada become a country?
In 1867, when Confederation was agreed to.
29. What document made Confederation legal?
The British North American Act
30. Which document first defined the responsibilities of federal and provincial governments?
The British North American Act in 1867.
31. When did the British North American Act come into effect?
In 1867.
32. Why is the British North American Act important in Canadian history?
In addition to the answers in questions 26 and 27, the BNA permitted the construction of a UNITED entity, local to North America, in juxtaposition to the United States which had dramatically solidified its own unity in a civil war. Britain was increasingly unable, and to an extent unwilling, to administer or defend its interests in North America from Europe.
33. Which four provinces joined together in Confederation?
Alphabetically; Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec.
34. List each province and territory and tell when each one joined Confederation.
Ontario 1867
New Brunswick 1867
Nova Scotia 1867
Quebec 1867
Northwest Territories 1870
Manitoba 1870
British Columbia 1871
P.E.I. 1873
Yukon Territory 1898
Saskatchewan 1905
Alberta 1905
Newfoundland 1949
35. Which was the last province to join Canada?
Newfoundland in 1949.
36. When is Canada Day and what does it celebrate?
July 1st. It celebrates the establishment of Confederation in 1867.
37. Who was the first Prime Minister of Canada?
Sir John A. Macdonald.
38. Why is the Constitution Act of 1982 important in Canadian history?
See answer 27. The Constitution Act replaced the British North American Act as the legal authority for Canada�s existance.
39. What is the part of the Constitution which legally protects the basic rights and freedoms of all Canadians?
It is the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
40. When did the Charter of Rights and Freedoms become part of the Canadian Constitution?
The Charter is an integral part of the Constitution simultaneously enacted with the Constitution Act of 1982.
41. Name two fundamental freedoms protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Freedom to work and live anywhere in Canada
Freedom to peacefully assemble
42. Name three legal rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The right to a fair trial
The right to protection against improper discrimination
The right to vote
43. List four rights Canadian citizens have.
As above in #41 and #42
44. Who has the right to apply for a Canadian passport?
A Canadian citizen.
45. Who has the right to enter and leave Canada at will?
A Canadian citizen and, in most cases, a landed immigrant.
46. Who has the right to be considered first for a job in the Federal government?
A Canadian citizen.
47. What does equality under the law mean?
That in all legal matters each citizen is considered precisely equal under the law. This not only includes legal rights (i.e. trial) but legal responsibilities (i.e. law abiding).
48. What does "'mobility rights' mean?
That any citizen has the right to live in, work and otherwise enjoy full citizenship benefits in any Canadian jurisdiction.
49. Name six responsibilities of citizenship.
Voting and otherwise participating in the election process
Obeying the laws
Being non-discriminatory
Positively contributing to the general welfare
Protecting resources and the environment
Respecting every Canadian right exercised by others
50. Give an example of how you can care for Canada's natural heritage.
One should participate in insisting that all natural resource utilization should be limited to sustainable use only. This is, after all, a finite planet on which we live.
51. What will you promise when you take the Oath of Citizenship?
Fundamentally: To genuinely abide by the laws of Canada in spirit as well as letter. This includes responsible citizenship as well as honouring traditional national relationships such as the British Monarchy.
52. Explain how a citizenship right can also be seen as a citizenship responsibility, for example, the right to vote.
It is axiomatic that every �right� has an equally powerful �responsibility.� It�s quite important to vote but it�s equally important to have participated in helping select the persons and/or issues for which one votes. Waiting only for election day to cast a ballot is only half a job.
53. Give an example of how you can show responsibility by participating in your community.
The list is endless. Everything from the Blue box programmes to neighbourhood watches to time and money contributions for various worthwhile endevours, etc. My favourite in the past few years is helping those folks who frightened of computers, the internet, and similar fabulous tools of this age to discover the sheer joy of expanding their knowledge and interests.
54. Which legal document recognizes the cultural diversity of Canadians?
The Canadian Multicultural Act.
55. What are the two official languages of Canada?
French and English
56. Which legal documents protect the official language rights of Canadians?
Originally, it was the British North American Act which devolved into the Constitution Act in 1982. I believe language rights are incorporated in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
57. Give an example of where English and French have equal status in Canada.
Primarily at the federal level. From the beginning in 1867 (BNA), the Canadian parliament was obliged to accept French and English on demand. While codified in federal law that all federal functions must be able to be bilingual � including trials and other government/citizen interaction � there are many places where this capability is not routinely available except upon specific request.
58. Where do most French speaking Canadians live?
Unless this is a trick question, the obvious answer should be Quebec. There is a sizable French speaking population in New Brunswick (the only province officially bilingual) as well as Ontario. However, there are many French speaking Canadians throughout the entire country.
59. Which province has the most bilingual Canadians?
Quebec has the highest number of bilingual Canadians.
60. Which province is the only officially bilingual province?
This is fascinating � and surprising to me. As indicated in #58, it�s New Brunswick.
61. What does the Canadian flag look like?
It�s rectangular, with two wide red vertical stripes at each end. Between the stripes, in a field of white, is a posterized maple leaf, stem down. There is no top or bottom border.
62. What song is Canada's national anthem?
It�s called �O Canada.�
63. Write the first two lines of Canada's national anthem.
�O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command...�
64. From where does the name 'Canada' come?
In truth, I thought that was a matter of some debate. Nevertheless, according to the Study Guide, it was a First Nations� term for �village� which was then used by Jacques Cartier to identify the entire country.
65. Which animal is an official symbol of Canada?
The beaver.
66. What is the tower in the centre of the Parliament buildings called'?
It was originally called the �Victoria Tower� both before and after the fire in 1916. However, it�s name was changed to the �Peace Tower� in 1933, a name it still retains.
67. What unique art form was developed by First Nations people on the West Coast?
This art form, found throughout much of northwestern North America, is called the Totem Pole. It often had some religious significance and was commonly used by First Nations� people for familial historical purposes.
68. Why is the North sometimes called the Land of the Midnight Sun?
Due to the inclination of the earth�s axis in relative to its orbital plane, much of the area north of the Arctic Circle becomes aligned in such a manner as to be perpetually exposed to the sun. The apex of this exposure occurs on June 21st (the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere). The reverse of this occurs precisely six months later when the sun is blocked from view.
69. An Act of Parliament is required to make a new territory in Canada's North. What will be the name of the new territory?
It will be called Nunavut.
70. What is the population of Canada?
It is approaching thirty million people.
71. What three oceans border Canada?
Alphabetically, the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans.
72. How many provinces and territories are there in Canada?
There are ten provinces and currently two territories.
73. What is the capital city of Canada?
The nation�s capitol is located in Ottawa.
74. Name all the provinces and territories and their capital cities.
Newfoundland St. John�s
Nova Scotia Halifax
New Brunswick Fredericton
P.E.I. Charlottetown
Quebec Quebec City
Ontario Toronto
Manitoba Winnipeg
Saskatchewan Regina
Alberta Edmonton
British Columbia Victoria
Yukon Territory Whitehorse
Northwest Territories Yellowknife
75. Name the five regions of Canada.
Atlantic Region
Central Region
Prairies Region
Pacific Region
North Region
76. What are the provinces of Central Canada?
The provinces of Quebec and Ontario.
77. Which are the provinces of the Atlantic region?
They are Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
78. Which are the Prairie provinces?
They start just on the other side of Sioux Lookout, Ontario and include Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Beautiful country.
79. What are the territories of northern Canada?
Currently, two. The Yukon and the Northwest territories.
80. Name one province which is on the Atlantic coast of Canada.
On � or in? Newfoundland, of course.
81. Name a province on the Pacific coast of Canada.
British Columbia
82. Which region covers more than one-third of Canada?
The North.
83. Where do more than half of the people in Canada live?
The Central region.
84. One third of all Canadians live in which province?
In Ontario
85. What is the Canadian Shield?
The Canadian Shield is a remarkable continental geological rock formation, severely etched by long departed glaciers. It is probably the most stable area in the entire North American continental land mass. Rich with many minerals, it also collects a great deal of water which can be harnessed quite efficiently for hydro-electric power.
Compared to the rest of the continent, the topsoil is quite thin and does not lend itself to major agriculture although rivers such as the Ottawa and St. Lawrence have created rich valleys suitable for cultivation.
86. Where is the Canadian Shield?
It�s bounded by the St. Lawrence river and northern limits of the Great Lakes on the south and the Arctic Ocean on the north. Its east-west area is generally that of the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
87. Where are the Canadian Rockies?
The Canadian Rockies comprise the western border of Alberta and the eastern border of British Columbia extending in a generally northwestern pattern to the Arctic Ocean.
88. Where are the Great Lakes?
All except Lake Michigan comprise most of the southern border of the Central region, especially the province of Ontario. Lake Michigan does not border on Canada.
89. What are the names of the Great Lakes?
Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Lake Michigan.
90. Where is the St. Lawrence Seaway?
The St. Lawrence Seaway is part of the St. Lawrence River which connects the eastern flow of water from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. The �Seaway� portion was built in the 1950�s to permit large ships access between the Atlantic and the Great Lakes.
91. Name two mountain ranges in Canada.
The Rocky Mountains, Coast Mountains are two ranges in the west. The Laurentian and Appalachian Mountains are two ranges in the east.
92. Which territory shares a border with another country?
This would be the Yukon territory. It shares a border with Alaska (which often acts as still another country).
93. Which province is known as the Land of 100,000 Lakes?
Manitoba.
94. Which provinces are joined to New Brunswick by land?
Nova Scotia.
Quebec
95. To what ocean is Newfoundland closest?
The Atlantic.
96. Which mountain range forms a border between Alberta and British Columbia?
The Rockies.
97. Which two provinces are closest to Prince Edward Island?
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
98. Which province in Canada is the smallest in land size?
The home of it all � Prince Edward Island.
99. Where are the Parliament Buildings located?
Overlooking the Ottawa River from high atop Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.
100. Which country lies on Canada's southern border?
United States of America
101. What are the three main types of industry in Canada?
Ok. Certainly manufacturing � such as steel, autos, particularly in the Golden Horseshoe around Hamilton. And agriculture, too � the Prairies, Niagara peninsula, Quebec, southwestern Ontario and the like. Those are two givens.
The third, in my mind, would either be natural resources or a derivative therefrom (i.e. timber, petroleum, hydro, etc.) OR, services � such as financial, media, and so-called high tech. Probably �natural resources.� Checking...
Actually, I can�t find the definitive answer in your book...so, how about accepting all four since they�re all quite important.
102. In what sorts of jobs do most Canadians work?
These days, it will have to be service industries.
103. What country is Canada's largest trading partner?
The USA.
104. Why are the Great Lakes important to Canada?
Aside from the being the world�s largest cachement of fresh water, they provide worldwide access to shipping almost halfway across the continent.
105. Why is the St. Lawrence Seaway important to Canada?
It properly connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
106. Why is the Canadian Shield important to Canada's economy?
The Canadian Shield is rich with minerals important to the world�s needs.
107. List four important minerals found in the Canadian Shield.
Zinc
Nickel
Copper
Silver
Gold
108. Which province is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world?
I would say Saskatchewan.
109. Which region is known as the industrial and manufacturing heartland of Canada?
The Central region.
110. Which region of Canada is known for both its fertile agricultural land and valuable energy resources?
The Prairie region. Much of the energy resources component is in Alberta.
111. Which two provinces produce more than three quarters of Canadian manufactured goods?
The provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
112. Which province is the biggest producer of metals in Canada?
The province of Ontario. As in Sudbury.
113. Which province is Canada's main producer of pulp and paper.
Quebec
114. Which province has the largest dairy farming industry in Canada?
That�s Quebec.
115. Which province has the most valuable forest industry in Canada?
British Columbia
116. Which province is Canada's major producer of oil and gas?
Alberta � often called the �Oil Patch.�
117. Which province is Canada's leading wheat producer?
I believe this is Saskatchewan.
118. Which province is Canada's largest producer of hydroelectricity?
I�ll go with Quebec on this one � but then, Churchill Falls is actually in Labrador and Niagara Falls in Ontario is no slouch. But I believe Hydro Quebec is the largest. Checking...Good!
119. Which two fuels provide about one half of all the energy used in Canada?
These are oil and gas. (Question: Wouldn�t water count as a �fuel� in the production of electricity? And, would that change the equation?)
120. Which products from Southern Ontario are one of Canada's key exports?
Combining Honda, General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford, it would have to be automobiles.
121. What are three minerals still being mined in both territories today?
Zinc, gold, and lead.
122. Which city provides important shipping and air links between Canada and other countries across the Pacific Ocean?
Vancouver, British Columbia.
123. What products are produced in the Niagara Peninsula?
This is a agricultural area with many orchards, farms and the like. A major product is also world-class wine making.
124. More than half of Canada's aeronautics and space industry are located
in which province?
The province of Quebec.
125. For what is the Okanagan Valley famous?
Fruit tree orchards.
126. What fish is a valuable industry on the West Coast?
The salmon
127. Who is Canada's Head of State?
The Queen or King of Britain. Currently, it is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who was crowned on June 2, 1953. Next in line for the Throne is Charles, Prince of Wales.
128. Who is the Queen's representative in Canada?
The Governor General.
129. What is the name of the Governor General?
His name is Romeo A. Leblanc. He assumed this position in 1995.
130. What do you call the Queen's representative in the provinces and territories?
He or she is the Lieutenant-Governor.
131. What is Canada's system of government called?
The Parliamentary system.
132. What are the three parts of Parliament.
The composition of Parliament is a) Head of State (the Queen), b) the Senate, and c) the House of Commons.
133. What are the three levels of government in Canada called?
The three levels of government are: Federal, Provincial, and local (i.e. Municipal). Of interest is the fact that both the Federal and Provincial governments are based on the Parliamentary model and the local/municipal entities are generally based upon fixed-term, directly elected officials. Rarely, if ever, are elections for each level held simultaneously.
134. Explain how the three levels of government are different.
From a conceptual and ideal standpoint, each level of government deals with those responsibilities for which it is best suited:
The FEDERAL government is designed to handle those matters which universally affect all citizens, provinces and territories. These would include matters of national security, policy, citizen�s rights, and certain inter-provincial relationships to name a few.
The PROVINCIAL government is designed to handle those matters such as education, healthcare, policing, major highways and many other such functions which lend themselves to a regional solution within the context of the larger values of the entire country.
Likewise, the local/municipal governments are designed to provide functions and services more efficiently done in a closer, more local area. To the extent most citizens interact directly with elected officials and day to day government activities it is likely to be at this level.
To be sure, there can be � and is � substantial overlap among the levels from time to time. And, many reasonable people frequently disagree as to which level of government should properly provide a given service or claim jurisdiction. It�s fair to say that clearly defined roles for each level is, and will probably always be, a work in progress.
135. Name two levels of government and explain how they are different.
See question #134
136. Name two responsibilities of each level of government.
Federal: National defense, Citizens� rights.
Provincial: Healthcare, education.
Local: Fire protection, most policing.
137. What do you call a law before it is passed?
It is called a �bill.�
138. How does a bill become a law?
At both the Federal and Provincial levels, bills are almost always introduced in the equivalent of the House of Commons (i.e. National Assembly, Provincial Parliament, et al). Bills may be introduced by any member but they are generally submitted by the Government.
Typically (if not universally), a bill is given three readings on three different occasions to permit all members of the legislature to fully evaluate its merits. Question Periods are used for open debate between supporters and opponents. A vote is taken after each reading. When, after the third reading, the bill is approved by the requisite majority of the legislature it is cleared to become law pending certain approvals or ratification.
At the federal level, the bill is sent to the Senate for its ratification. Generally, this is pro-forma but from time to time, the Senate will return the bill to Commons with concerns it believes should be adjusted. Often these concerns are based on Constitutional issues.
When the issues are resolved, the bill can only become law upon action by the Governor General (at the federal level) or the Lieutenant-Governor at the provincial level. This action is called �Proclamation.�
When the bill is Proclaimed, it becomes law.
139. What is the final step before a bill becomes a law?
Oh...I just did that. The answer is Proclamation.
140. What do the initials MP stand for in Canadian politics?
MP means �Member of Parliament� in the House of Commons � not the Senate.
141. How are Members of Parliament chosen?
MPs are elected directly by voters in the electoral district they represent.
Often these districts are called �ridings.� This term is uniquely Canadian when applied to an electoral district or constituency. (It was probably taken from similar usage in the county of Yorkshire in Britain many years ago when used do describe administrative districts.) I would like to think it represents a reasonable area which could be covered by a person on horseback in the performance of proper duties � such as a �circuit-rider� preacher of years gone by.
142. Who do Members of Parliament represent?
MPs certainly and specifically represent the riding from which they were elected. Yet, the role of an MP must necessarily extend into representing the best interests of the entire nation. Often this national interest is amalgamated into a common set of values and goals as articulated by the party to which the MP belongs.
143. What does a Member of Parliament do?
It is the duty of every MP to bring to the table the wishes and questions of the people in the district from which s/he was elected. It is also the duty of each MP to cast an informed vote on bills under consideration. Many MPs also serve on special committees which probe the worthiness of bills and other government initiatives. Some MPs become members of Cabinet which direct the operations of various government ministries and departments. And, of course, one MP is the Prime Minister of the entire nation.
144. What is an 'electoral district'?
An electoral district is a geographic and population area to be represented by one MP. They are drawn up in such a way to attempt fairly equal representation per capita throughout the country. However, this is not always possible for a number of reasons: primarily because of population dispersion over a few wide geographic areas, provincial boundries, and a special P.E.I minimum representation guarantee.
145. How many electoral districts are there in Canada?
In the last federal election, there were 301; an increase of 6 from 295 in 1993.
146. In what electoral district do you live?
It�s currently called �Dufferin/Peel/Wellington/Grey�
147. What four requirements must you meet in order to vote in a federal election?
Be 18 years of age or older
Be a Canadian citizen
Be on the list of electors
And generally, not living outside Canada for more than five years.
148. What does enumeration mean?
It�s a method for Elections Canada to determine eligible citizens for voting purposes. It seems to serve as a census as well which is probably used to help determine the parameters of future ridings.
149. What do enumerators do?
I believe the rules are different in the past little while, but enumerators would canvass their areas to determine all residents who were eligible to vote. I believe much of their role has been taken over by cross referencing other official data � such as this application for Citizenship.
150. What is an Elector Information Card?
It serves the purpose of �registration� and authenticates one�s right to vote. Specifics about polling location, etc. are contained on it.
151. How do you get your name on the Electors' List?
I�m not sure at the moment other than what is contained on this Application.
152. What government agency do you call if your are not enumerated?
Elections Canada
153. What is a polling station?
This is the place where citizens cast their vote in an election.
154. What is a ballot?
A ballot is generally an official piece of paper containing all the candidates and other issues upon which the voter is to choose. It could also be a machine with appropriate levers but I�m not sure machine voting is done here in Canada.
155. What is written on an election ballot?
Again, the names of all legitimate candidates and/or other issues upon which the voter will choose.
156. What do you mark on a federal election ballot?
With an �X� in the circle to the right of one�s choice.
157. What does voting by secret ballot mean?
That a citizen�s choice is never officially revealed to anyone at anytime. The citizen is, of course, free to tell others should he/she choose to do so.
158. Who has the right to vote in federal elections?
Those persons who meet the criteria listed in #147.
159. Who has the right to run as a candidate in federal elections?
Any Canadian Citizen eighteen years of age or older.
160. Who do Canadians vote for in a federal election?
They vote for a person to represent them as an MP in the House of Commons.
I�m not certain about Constitutional referenda, such as the Meech Lake decision. It seems that it should be a federal election but it could easily have been a province to province event.
161. How is the government formed after an election?
The Governor General will ascertain the most likely MP or group of MPs capable of forming a government which has the support of a majority of MPs in the House of Commons and ask them to proceed.
This is almost always the leader of the party whose members won the most seats. If the party was elected with a majority, it�s pretty much a done deal. When the Governor General is satisfied that such a majority exists, he or she will swear in the new government to begin their mandate.
If there is no majority, the Governor General will attempt to have other sets of MPs or parties form a government, often requiring cross-party coalitions. When some kind of majority consensus has emerged, regardless of its makeup, the new government is sworn in no matter how tenuous its coalition.
162. How is the Prime Minister chosen?
The Prime Minister, an elected MP as any other, is chosen by a majority vote (50% +1) of the MPs in the House of Commons. He or she has always been the leader of a party, majority or otherwise, but technically, any MP can be the Prime Minister.
163. When does an election have to be held according to the constitution?
No longer than five years after forming a government.
164. What do political parties do?
Political parties exist for the purpose of attracting many citizens of similar political beliefs with a view toward governance, especially at the federal and provincial level. They select candidates sympathetic to their causes and work towards their elections at various levels of government.
165. What does 'party platform" mean?
The platform is an articulated, generally written set of statements, goals, beliefs, promises and other information presented to the voters in asking for their vote in an election. It is not, however, a legally binding contract proposal � or at least, so far. There has been an attempt recently in British Columbia to elevate a party platform into contract status.
166. Name all the federal political parties represented in the House of Commons and their leaders.
Federal Liberal Party (Majority) Jean Cretien
Reform Party (Official Opposition) Preston Manning
Bloc Quebecois Mr. Decepi (sp)
Progressive Conservative formerly Jean Charest �
Likely to be Hugh Segal or Joe Clark
NDP Alexis McDonough
167. Which federal political party is in power?
Federal Liberal Party
168. To which party does your Member of Parliament belong?
Federal Liberal Party
169. What does it mean for a political party to 'be in power"?
It means elected members of that party control the day to day workings of the government level to which they were elected.
170. What are the parties that are not in power called?
The opposition.
171. Which party becomes the Official Opposition?
The party, which has the second highest number of, elected members in the House of Commons.
172. What is the role of the opposition parties?
To challenge the policies and activities of the government, either by directly opposing them or offering improvements as they perceive them. It�s sort of a permanent Devil�s Advocate role
173. What party is the Official Opposition at the federal level?
The federal Reform Party.
174. What is a political candidate?
Any person who qualifies for and runs for public office to be voted on by citizens in the affected jurisdiction.
175. What do you call a candidate who does not belong to a political party?
An independent.
176. What is a Cabinet Minister?
A Cabinet Minister is an MP chosen by the Prime Minister (or Premier) to administer certain governmental jurisdictions generally called portfolios (i.e. Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, etc.).
177. How are Senators chosen?
Senators are selected by the Prime Minister and formally appointed by the Governor General.
178. How can a party in power be defeated in Parliament?
By losing what is known as a �vote of confidence.� Generally, this occurs when a government initiated bill is defeated in the House of Commons although not all bills carry a confidence component.
179. What is the name of the Prime Minister of Canada?
Jean Chretien
180. What is the name of your Member of Parliament?
Murray Caulder
181. How can you contact your Member of Parliament?
Officially, by writing to the House of Commons in Ottawa. Of course, I can call or drop by his place up at Mount Forest.
182. Who do provincial members of the legislative or national assemblies represent?
As in the case of MPs, the provincial riding or electoral district from which they were elected. So happens here in Ontario, both the federal and provincial ridings have been made coincidental.
183. What level of government passes "by-laws"?
Local/Municipal governments
184. When did settlers from Europe first come to your region?
In the 1600s
185. Who were the first settlers in the area where you live?
Mostly of British descent.
186. Why did the early Europeans come to your region in the 1600s, 1700s, 1800s or early 1900s?
A good part of it was initially exploration and trade.
187. What is the capital city of the province or territory in which you live?
Toronto
188. What are the major industries of your city, province, region today?
We�re in the country, township level with little industry, although up the road is the Aliston Honda facility. Ontario, of course, does a great amount in automobiles, steel down Hamilton way, high tech in Mississauga and then there�s the new amalgamated Toronto. Up north, there�s a fair amount of mineral extraction as well as the playground for those who love cottage country.
189. What is the most valuable manufacturing industry in your region today?
Probably automobiles
190. List three minerals found in your province or territory.
Zinc, gold, silver, nickel
191. List three natural resources important to your region's economy today.
Aggregate, fertile land, the Great Lakes
192. List the activities which are important to the tourism industry in your region.
Fishing, entertainment, snowmobiling
193. What has always been important to the economy in your region?
Agriculture and manufacturing.
194. Who is your city councillor, alderperson, reeve or regional councillor?
John Creelman. He�s the Reeve. Lives just down the road.
195. What is the name of your mayor?
Closest mayor is in Orangeville. Not mine, though. His name is Rob Adams. He�s also the Dufferin County Warden.
196. What is the name of your provincial representative (Member of Legislative Assembly, Member of Provincial Parliament, Member of National Assembly or Member of House of Assembly)?
He�s MPP David Tilston, a Barrister in Orangeville.
197. What is the name of the Premier of your province?
His name is Mike Harris who comes from North Bay, Ontario.
198. Which political party is in power in your province or territory?
The Tories. I think the official name is the Progressive Conservatives but they�re always called Tory in these parts.
199. What is the name of the leader of the opposition in your province?
He�s leader of the provincial Liberal party � I think it�s Mike McGuinty or close to that. He replaced Ms. Lyn McCloud after the Liberal�s surprising defeat in the last provincial election.
200. What is the name of your Lieutenant-Governor or Commissioner?
Ms. Weston.
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