Citizenship Test Glossary

The original inhabitants of Canada, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

Canada’s policy of having two official languages: English and French.

The 1867 law (now called the Constitution Act, 1867) that created the Dominion of Canada.

The group of ministers chosen by the Prime Minister to lead government departments.

Part of the Constitution that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to everyone in Canada.

The process by which three British colonies united to form Canada on July 1, 1867.

The supreme law of Canada, including the Constitution Act (1867 and 1982) and the Charter.

The symbol of government authority, represented by the King or Queen (currently King Charles III).

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

The title used for Canada from 1867 to 1982, referring to a self-governing territory within the British Empire.

A geographical area represented by one Member of Parliament in the House of Commons.

Federal transfers to poorer provinces to ensure comparable public services across Canada.

A system of government with shared power between a central (federal) government and provincial/territorial governments.

One of three groups of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. First Nations people live in communities across Canada.

Canada’s electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a riding wins the seat.

The King’s representative in Canada who performs ceremonial duties at the federal level.

The right not to be detained without being charged with a crime and brought before a judge.

The elected chamber of Parliament where Members of Parliament (MPs) debate and vote on laws.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — the federal department responsible for immigration and citizenship.

Aboriginal people who live primarily in the Arctic regions of Canada (Nunavut, NWT, northern Quebec, Labrador).

The Crown’s representative in each province, who performs ceremonial duties.

An elected representative in the House of Commons who represents an electoral district.

People of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry who developed their own distinct culture.

The King or Queen who is Canada’s Head of State (currently King Charles III).

Canada’s policy of encouraging citizens to maintain their cultural heritage while participating in Canadian society.

The solemn promise to be loyal to Canada and its sovereign, taken at the citizenship ceremony.

The 1969 law that established English and French as Canada’s two official languages.

Canada’s federal legislative body, consisting of the King, the Senate, and the House of Commons.

A person who has been granted the right to live and work in Canada but is not yet a citizen.

The head of a provincial or territorial government.

The head of the federal government, chosen as the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons.

Historically, the group of advisors to the Crown; today, the federal Cabinet functions as the active Privy Council.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police — Canada’s national police force.

A system where the government must maintain the confidence (support) of the elected legislature.

The principle that everyone, including the government, must obey the law.

The appointed upper chamber of Parliament that reviews and can amend or delay legislation.

The highest court in Canada, which makes final decisions on legal questions.

An agreement between the Crown and Aboriginal peoples regarding land, rights, and resources.

A famous World War I battle (1917) where Canadian forces captured a German-held ridge in France.

A system where the government provides social programs such as health care, employment insurance, and pensions.