Discover Canada

1. Citizenship brings rights and responsibilities rooted in law and history.

Canadian citizens have rights and responsibilities.

Foundation of rights. Canadian rights and freedoms are secured by law, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) and traditions like Magna Carta (1215) and English common law. These include fundamental freedoms such as conscience, religion, thought, expression, assembly, and association, as well as mobility rights and Aboriginal rights. Equality of women and men is a core principle, with barbaric cultural practices severely punished.

Citizen duties. Rights come with important responsibilities. These include obeying the law, taking care of oneself and family, serving on a jury when called, voting in elections, helping others through volunteering, and protecting Canada's heritage and environment. Defending Canada is also a way citizens can contribute, through military service or emergency services.

Rule of law. A founding principle is that no person or group is above the law. Laws are made by elected representatives, courts settle disputes, and police enforce laws. The justice system guarantees due process and the presumption of innocence.

2. Canada's identity is built on Aboriginal, French, and British foundations and diversity.

To understand what it means to be Canadian, it is important to know about our three founding peoples—Aboriginal, French and British.

Founding peoples. Aboriginal peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, were established here for thousands of years before European arrival, with diverse cultures and languages. French and British settlers brought their languages, Christian civilizations, and institutions, defining the reality of day-to-day life and establishing English and French as official languages.

Waves of immigration. Canada is a land of immigrants, with millions arriving over the past 200 years, contributing to its diversity. While the majority were born in Canada, newcomers from various ethnic and religious groups live and work peacefully, preserving their distinct cultures within the Canadian fabric. Since the 1970s, most immigrants have come from Asian countries.

Multicultural society. Diversity is a fundamental characteristic, enriching Canadians' lives, particularly in cities. Canada embraces pluralism, respecting various religious traditions and upholding religious freedom. Gay and lesbian Canadians enjoy full legal protection and equal treatment.

3. History shaped Canada through conflict, accommodation, and the fight for independence.

By 1814, the American attempt to conquer Canada had failed.

Early settlements. French explorers established the first European settlement north of Florida in 1604, leading to New France. The Hudson's Bay Company was granted trading rights in 1670, competing with French traders. Conflict between France and Britain for control of North America culminated in the British victory at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759.

Accommodation and loyalty. Following the British conquest, the Quebec Act of 1774 accommodated French civil law and religious freedom for Catholics, preserving the Canadiens' way of life. During the American Revolution, Loyalists fled north, settling in Nova Scotia and Quebec, reinforcing ties to the Crown and contributing to the development of Upper Canada.

Defending Canada. The War of 1812 saw British soldiers, Canadian volunteers, and First Nations allies successfully defend Canada against American invasion, securing its independence from the United States. Later, the North West Mounted Police were established in 1873 to pacify the West and assist in negotiations with Aboriginal peoples.

4. Democracy evolved through responsible government and expanding voting rights.

The first British North American colony to attain full responsible government was Nova Scotia in 1847–48.

Steps to self-governance. Democratic institutions developed gradually, starting with the first representative assembly in Nova Scotia in 1758. The Constitutional Act of 1791 divided Quebec into Upper and Lower Canada, granting legislative assemblies. Reformers in the 1830s pushed for responsible government, where ministers must have the support of elected representatives.

Confederation. From 1864 to 1867, Fathers of Confederation worked to establish a new country, the Dominion of Canada, officially born on July 1, 1867, with Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. This created a federal state with federal and provincial governments, allowing provinces control over areas like education and health. The vision was "dominion from sea to sea."

Expanding the franchise. At Confederation, voting was limited. The women's suffrage movement fought for the right to vote, achieved federally in 1918 for most women and provincially over time (Quebec in 1940). Asian Canadians gained the vote in 1948, and Aboriginal peoples in 1960. Today, every citizen aged 18 or over may vote.

5. Modern Canada is marked by economic growth, social programs, and multiculturalism.

Postwar Canada enjoyed record prosperity and material progress.

Economic boom. Following the Second World War, Canada experienced significant economic growth, becoming one of the ten largest economies globally and joining the G8. Key developments included the discovery of oil in Alberta (1947) and participation in international trade agreements like GATT (now WTO) and NAFTA.

Social safety net. Prosperity allowed for the development of social assistance programs.

• Unemployment insurance (1940)
• Old Age Security (1927)
• Canada and Quebec Pension Plans (1965)
• Canada Health Act (ensuring universal healthcare standards)

Changing society. Social values evolved, leading to a more open society. Educational opportunities expanded, more women entered the workforce, and rights were extended to previously marginalized groups. Canada welcomed refugees from various conflicts, including Hungary (1956) and Vietnam (1975).

6. Canada's government is a federal, parliamentary, constitutional monarchy.

There are three key facts about Canada’s system of government: our country is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.

System structure. Canada's government operates on three levels: federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal. It is also divided into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial, which work together while maintaining checks and balances.

Federalism and responsibilities. The Constitution Act, 1867, defines federal and provincial responsibilities.

• Federal: Defence, foreign policy, trade, currency, criminal law, citizenship.
• Provincial: Municipal government, education, health, natural resources, property rights, highways.
• Shared: Agriculture, immigration, environment, policing.

Parliamentary monarchy. Canada is a constitutional monarchy with the Sovereign (Queen or King) as Head of State, represented by the Governor General federally and Lieutenant Governors provincially. The Prime Minister is the Head of Government, leading the Cabinet and requiring the confidence of the elected House of Commons. Parliament consists of the Sovereign, Senate, and House of Commons; bills must pass both chambers and receive Royal Assent to become law.

7. Federal elections allow citizens to choose representatives via secret ballot.

One of the privileges of Canadian citizenship is the right to vote.

Representation. Canada is divided into 308 electoral districts (ridings), each electing one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons. Federal elections are held every four years, though the Prime Minister can ask the Governor General to call an earlier election.

Voting eligibility. To vote in a federal election or referendum, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on voting day, and on the voters' list. Elections Canada maintains a permanent database of eligible voters and mails voter information cards.

Voting process. Voting is done by secret ballot, ensuring privacy. Voters mark an "X" for their chosen candidate. After polls close, ballots are counted, and results are announced. The party with the most seats usually forms the government, led by the Prime Minister. Opposition parties scrutinize government actions.

8. The justice system ensures due process and the rule of law for all.

Canada’s legal system is based on a heritage that includes the rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles and due process.

Legal foundations. Canada's legal system draws from English common law, the civil code of France (in Quebec), and the unwritten constitution. The rule of law means everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law. Due process ensures all legal rights are respected.

Court structure. The Supreme Court of Canada is the highest court. Below it are federal courts and provincial courts, including appeal courts, trial courts, and specialized courts for lesser offences, family matters, traffic, and small claims.

Police role. Police forces (federal RCMP, provincial, municipal) are responsible for keeping people safe and enforcing the law. They are available to help in various situations, from accidents to crimes. Citizens have the right to question police conduct and seek action through established processes.

9. Symbols like the Maple Leaf and Crown express national identity and heritage.

Canada has many important symbols — objects, events, and people that have special meaning.

Key symbols. The Maple Leaf is Canada's best-known symbol, appearing on the national flag adopted in 1965. Red and white are the national colours. The Canadian Crown symbolizes the state and has been part of Canada for 400 years, representing Parliament, courts, and forces.

Other symbols. The Beaver is a historic symbol of the fur trade and industriousness. The Fleur-de-lys represents French royalty and is featured on Quebec's flag. The Coat of Arms, adopted after WWI, includes symbols of England, France, Scotland, and Ireland, with the motto "A mari usque ad mare" ("from sea to sea").

National identity. The Parliament Buildings in Ottawa embody French, English, and Aboriginal traditions. O Canada is the national anthem, proclaimed in 1980. The Victoria Cross is the highest honour for bravery. National public holidays mark important dates and shared heritage.

10. Canada's economy thrives on natural resources, manufacturing, and trade.

Canada has always been a trading nation and commerce remains the engine of economic growth.

Economic pillars. Canada's economy is diverse, comprising three main types of industries.

• Service industries: Provide most jobs (over 75%), including transportation, healthcare, education, finance, retail, tourism, and government.
• Natural resources: Forestry, fishing, agriculture, mining, and energy (oil, gas, hydro-electricity) are historically important and still significant exports.
• Manufacturing: Produce goods like paper, technology, automobiles, machinery, food, and clothing for domestic and international sale.

Trade relationships. Trade is vital to Canada's standard of living. The United States is Canada's largest trading partner, with extensive bilateral trade and integrated supply chains. NAFTA (now CUSMA) includes Mexico, forming a large North American market.

Prosperity. Canada enjoys one of the world's highest standards of living, supported by hard work and trade. The Peace Arch at the US border symbolizes close ties and common interests.

11. Canada is a vast country with diverse regions and a distinct capital.

Canada is the second largest country on earth—10 million square kilometres.

Geography. Canada spans three oceans: Pacific (west), Atlantic (east), and Arctic (north). It shares the world's longest undefended border with the United States to the south. The country includes diverse geographical areas, from mountains and plains to forests and tundra.

Capital city. Ottawa, located on the Ottawa River, was chosen as the capital in 1857 by Queen Victoria. It is Canada's fourth largest metropolitan area, and the National Capital Region preserves its heritage and environment.

Regions. Canada is divided into five distinct regions, each with unique characteristics:

• Atlantic Provinces: Coastal heritage, fishing, farming, forestry, mining, offshore energy.
• Central Canada: Industrial and manufacturing heartland, large populations near the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
• Prairie Provinces: Rich in energy resources, fertile farmland (grains, oilseeds), cattle ranches.
• West Coast: Majestic mountains, Pacific gateway (Port of Vancouver), forestry, mining, fishing, fruit orchards.
• Northern Territories: Vast landmass, small population, mining (gold, diamonds), oil and gas, Arctic wildlife, Inuit art.

Last updated: May 15, 2025