1. Who is our current prime minister?
Answer: Justin Trudeau
Trudeau, as leader of the Liberal Party, has been serving as Prime Minister since 2015. The Prime Minister leads the federal government in Canada.
2. Who is our current premier?
Answer: David Eby (for British Columbia)
Premiers are the heads of government for each province. David Eby is currently serving as Premier of British Columbia, representing the BC New Democratic Party.
3. Who is our current Governor General?
Answer: Mary Simon
Mary Simon, appointed in 2021, is Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General. The Governor General represents the monarch in Canada and performs ceremonial duties.
4. Name given to members of cabinet.
Answer: Cabinet
The Cabinet is a group of ministers chosen by the Prime Minister, responsible for different government departments and advising on major decisions.
5. Ultimate source of governmental authority in Canada.
Answer: Monarch
Canada is a constitutional monarchy, with the British monarch recognized as the head of state. However, their role is largely symbolic and ceremonial.
6. All MPs from both government and opposition.
Answer: House of Commons
The House of Commons is the elected body where Members of Parliament (MPs) from all parties debate and pass legislation.
7. To discontinue a session of parliament.
Answer: Prorogue
When parliament is prorogued, its current session is ended temporarily, halting all legislative business until it reconvenes.
8. Body responsible for various government departments.
Answer: Cabinet
Each member of the Cabinet, usually MPs, heads a department (e.g., Health, Finance) and oversees policies and administration.
9. The leader of the governing party.
Answer: Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons and is the head of government.
10. "Gerrymandering" refers to:
Answer: The rearranging of ridings
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular party or group.
11. "In a democratic society, those with the power to govern are necessarily responsive to those with the right to vote." It can be inferred from this statement that:
Answer: The power of the vote can influence the course of political events
Voting is the primary way citizens influence government actions and hold officials accountable.
12. "Seven out of ten provinces representing 50% of Canada's population." What does this formula represent?
Answer: Amending formula for the constitution
This formula, part of the 1982 Constitution Act, requires this level of provincial consent to make significant changes to Canada’s Constitution.
13. At what stage is a new bill thoroughly debated in the House of Commons?
Answer: Second Reading
The Second Reading is where the principle and purpose of a bill are debated, allowing MPs to discuss its merits and drawbacks.
14. Before a "bill" is passed in the House of Commons, it must proceed through:
Answer: Three readings
Each reading stage serves a specific purpose: introduction (First), debate (Second), and final consideration and vote (Third).
15. Cabinet members always convey the impression of:
Answer: Being in complete agreement with all Cabinet decisions
Cabinet solidarity means that Cabinet ministers publicly support all decisions, even if they personally disagree.
16. Canada’s Constitution is based largely on that of:
Answer: Great Britain
Canada inherited the British model of parliamentary democracy and adapted it into its own system through the Constitution Act of 1867.
17. Canada’s governmental system is officially described as a:
Answer: Constitutional monarchy
Canada’s system combines a parliamentary democracy with a monarchy, making it a constitutional monarchy with a ceremonial monarch.
18. Elections for the House of Commons must occur on all of the following EXCEPT:
Answer: After the government suffers a defeat in the Senate
Losing a vote in the Senate does not trigger an election; only a loss on major legislation in the House can lead to this.
19. How is the Governor General selected?
Answer: Appointed by the British monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister
The Governor General is appointed formally by the monarch but is chosen by the Prime Minister, reflecting the independence of Canada.
20. If a finance bill is defeated in the House of Commons, it is likely that the government will:
Answer: Resign from office
A finance bill is a confidence matter; losing this vote usually means the government must resign or call an election.
21. In Canada, the Prime Minister may advise the Governor General on:
Answer: All answers (appointment of judges, appointments to the Senate, membership of the cabinet)
The Prime Minister provides advice on key appointments as part of their role as head of government.
22. In Canada, the federal government controls all of the following BUT:
Answer: Education
Education is primarily a provincial responsibility, whereas the federal government handles matters like defense, customs, and postal service.
23. In order for the present government to have a MAJORITY in the House of Commons, they would require:
Answer: 170 seats
The House of Commons has 338 seats, so a majority requires more than half (170 or more) seats.
24. In selecting his cabinet, a Prime Minister must:
Answer: Bear in mind regional interests in Canada
Canadian Cabinets traditionally include representatives from different regions to reflect the country’s diversity.
25. Minority governments are sometimes beneficial because:
Answer: The opposition parties can hold the balance of power
In a minority government, opposition parties can influence decisions by holding the deciding votes on legislation.
26. Representation in the House of Commons is based on:
Answer: Population
Each electoral district or "riding" is based on population, ensuring proportional representation across the country.
27. Senators are:
Answer: Appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister
Senators are not elected; they’re appointed to represent regional interests and provide sober second thought on legislation.
28. The "Speech from the Throne" is read by:
Answer: The Governor General
This speech, given at the beginning of a parliamentary session, outlines the government’s agenda and priorities.
29. The functions of the Governor General are in effect largely:
Answer: Ceremonial
While the Governor General has formal powers, they mainly perform ceremonial duties and represent the monarch in Canada.
30. The judiciary (court system) may be best defined as that branch of government which:
Answer: Is made up of a system of courts whose appointed officials interpret and enforce all aspects of Canadian law at both the federal and provincial level
The judiciary ensures laws are applied and interpreted fairly across Canada.
31. The Prime Minister is:
Answer: The leader of the majority party in the House of Commons
The Prime Minister is typically the leader of the party with the most seats in the House and is chosen from among MPs.
32. The Prime Minister selects a ______ from the members of his party in the legislature.
Answer: Cabinet
The Cabinet is chosen from the ruling party’s MPs and is tasked with handling various government portfolios.
33. The role of the Speaker is mainly to:
Answer: Decide on matters of procedure
The Speaker maintains order in the House of Commons and ensures parliamentary rules are followed during debates.
34. To be appointed to the Senate, a person must:
Answer: Own property in the province they will represent, be at least 30 years old, and be a Canadian citizen
These eligibility requirements ensure Senators have ties to the regions they represent.
35. To vote in a Canadian Federal election, you must be:
Answer: A Canadian citizen, over 18 years old and not disqualified by law
Voting eligibility ensures only adult Canadian citizens participate in federal elections.
36. What body of government in Canada passes the laws of Canada?
Answer: The legislative level
The legislative branch, including the House of Commons and Senate, is responsible for passing federal laws.
37. What body of government in Canada interprets the laws of Canada?
Answer: The judicial level
The judiciary interprets laws to ensure they are applied consistently and fairly in Canada.
38. What is a "bill"? (as the term is used in making legislation)
Answer: Potential legislation put forward for debate
A bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law that must go through readings before becoming law.
39. What is the highest court in Canada to which British Columbians can have their case referred?
Answer: Supreme Court of Canada
The Supreme Court is Canada’s highest judicial authority and can hear appeals from any provincial court.
40. What is the title for the leader of the party who received the SECOND greatest number of seats in a federal election?
Answer: Leader of the Official Opposition
The Leader of the Official Opposition heads the second-largest party and holds the government accountable.
41. What level of government passes by-laws?
Answer: Municipal
Municipal governments create by-laws to address local issues like zoning and noise control.
42. What three words represent the concept of "Triple E" Senate Reform?
Answer: Elected, Equal, Enhanced
The Triple E Senate Reform proposes changes for a more democratic, effective, and equal Senate.
43. Which group sits closest to the Prime Minister?
Answer: The Cabinet
The Prime Minister’s Cabinet sits closest, as they work closely to decide on policies and governmental actions.
44. Which of the following branches of the Federal Government has no counterpart in the ten provincial governments?
Answer: Senate
The Senate is unique to the federal level and has no equivalent in provincial governments.
45. Which of the following is a definition of the term "responsible government"?
Answer: A system in which the government is selected by and can be removed by a majority of votes in the Commons
Responsible government means the executive is accountable to the elected legislature and must retain its confidence.
46. Which of the following is an important difference between a provincial government and the federal government?
Answer: The powers of government
Federal and provincial governments have distinct powers as laid out by the Constitution Act.
47. Which of the following was NOT mentioned in the B.N.A. Act?
Answer: The role of the Prime Minister
The BNA Act set Canada’s initial government framework but did not formally recognize the Prime Minister’s role.
48. Which pair of ideologies BEST describes Canadian government practices throughout the 20th century?
Answer: Liberalism and conservatism
Throughout the 20th century, Canada’s government policies primarily oscillated between liberal and conservative ideologies.
49. Who is the monarch's representative in Canada?
Answer: Governor General
The Governor General represents the monarch in Canada and performs various ceremonial duties on their behalf.
50. A party that has more seats than any other political party, but less than half of the seats in the legislature, forms a:
Answer: Minority government
When no party has a majority of seats, the largest party often forms a minority government, relying on support from others to pass legislation.
M3
Question 1
Match the person with the explanation.
Answers:
Nellie McClung - a suffragist
Explanation: Nellie McClung was a prominent Canadian suffragist who fought for women’s voting rights.
Malahat - a rum runner ship
Explanation: The Malahat was known as the "Queen of the Rum Runners," smuggling alcohol during Prohibition.
Julian Byng - Canada's Governor General in the 1920s
Explanation: Julian Byng served as the Governor General of Canada and was involved in the King-Byng Affair.
Cairine Wilson - Canada's first female senator
Explanation: Cairine Wilson became Canada’s first female senator in 1930.
Irene Parlby - female appointed to federal cabinet
Explanation: Irene Parlby was one of the first women appointed to the federal cabinet in Canada.
Bootlegger - illegally sold and transported liquor
Explanation: Bootleggers illegally sold alcohol, often during the Prohibition era.
Flapper - a woman who bobbed her hair and shortened her hemlines
Explanation: Flappers were young women in the 1920s who embraced new fashions and lifestyles.
Arthur Meighen - prime minister for a very short time
Explanation: Arthur Meighen served as Canada's Prime Minister briefly on two occasions.
William Lyon Mackenzie King - Prime Minister who often sought compromise
Explanation: King is known for his pragmatic approach and often sought middle ground in politics.
Franchise - civil right to vote
Explanation: Franchise refers to the right to vote in public elections.
Statute - actual written law
Explanation: A statute is a formal written law enacted by a legislative body.
Chanak - a place in Turkey
Explanation: Chanak refers to a Turkish location involved in the Chanak Crisis.
Collective Security - agreement among nations to support and protect each other
Explanation: Collective security is the cooperation among countries to maintain peace.
League of Nations - an international organization promoting and desiring world peace
Explanation: The League of Nations was created to promote peace after WWI.
Commonwealth - independent nations once belonging to the British Empire
Explanation: The Commonwealth consists of former British colonies with shared goals.
King-Byng Wing Ding - a "complicated constitutional maneuver"
Explanation: This phrase refers to the King-Byng Affair, a political dispute about constitutional powers.
Halibut Treaty - a Canadian treaty with the United States without British involvement
Explanation: The Halibut Treaty marked Canada’s independence in international agreements.
Question 3
Canada's first step towards autonomy would be receiving a seat at the Paris Peace Conference as well as her WWI victories, such as Vimy Ridge.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gaining representation at the Paris Peace Conference and proving military capability in battles like Vimy Ridge marked Canada’s move toward independence.
Question 4
The Balfour Declaration (Report) led to the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1926 Balfour Report was foundational in establishing the British Commonwealth, recognizing the autonomy of former colonies.
Question 5
When the Turks threatened British troops stationed in Chanak, King quickly responded to Britain's call for help by sending Canadian troops.
Answer: False
Explanation: Prime Minister King chose not to automatically commit Canadian troops to Britain’s defense in the Chanak Crisis, emphasizing Canada's independence in foreign policy.
Question 6
In Canadian history, this particular decade ushered in new inventions and changed society.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1920s brought technological advancements, like the telephone, which greatly impacted Canadian society and culture.
Question 7
Senator Romeo Dallaire represented Canada as the first one on the League of Nation's decision-making committee.
Answer: False
Explanation: Romeo Dallaire did not represent Canada in the League of Nations, as it was dissolved before his time.
Question 8
A telegram identified the Malahat to be the rum runner ship in the Victoria area.
Answer: True
Explanation: The discovery of a telegram helped confirm the identity of the Malahat as a significant rum-running ship during Prohibition.
Question 9
Meighen and King approached politics in quite a different manner as King always sought the middle road, but Meighen believed in principles over compromise and did not care who he offended.
Answer: True
Explanation: King and Meighen’s political styles differed significantly, with King seeking compromise and Meighen holding firm to his principles.
Question 10
Both prime ministers Borden and King enthusiastically supported the League of Nations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Although Borden supported Canada’s participation in the League of Nations, King was more cautious and selective about Canada’s involvement in international matters.
Question 11
With the passing of the Statute of Westminster which enabled Canada to create and pass her own laws, Canada gained full autonomy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Statute of Westminster in 1931 granted significant autonomy, but Canada did not achieve full independence until the partition of the Constitution in 1982.
Question 12
In the 1920s, women earned half of men's wages.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the 1920s, women generally earned about half the wages that men did, reflecting ongoing gender wage disparities.
The Roaring Twenties in Canada was economically prosperous, socially changing, and culturally flourishing after World War I. The rise of jazz, increased urbanization, and the dawn of the women's rights movements characterized it, just as did new technologies, such as automobiles and radios.
M4
Unresolved Issues from WWI
The Treaty of Versailles (1919) officially ended WWI but imposed harsh penalties on Germany, including enormous reparations, severe military restrictions, and loss of territory. This created widespread resentment and a desire for revenge within Germany. The economic strain worsened the hardships in German society, creating fertile ground for radical ideologies.
Rise of Fascism and Militarism
Fascist regimes took control in Germany, Italy, and Japan, emphasizing aggressive nationalism, authoritarianism, and the need for expansion. These governments glorified military strength and territorial conquest. Hitler’s Nazi regime in Germany promised to overturn the Treaty of Versailles, and Mussolini’s Italy sought to restore the ancient Roman Empire, while Japan expanded into Asia for resources.
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Failure of the League of Nations
Established after WWI to maintain peace, the League of Nations was supposed to deter aggression through diplomacy. However, it lacked real enforcement power, as seen in its failure to prevent Japanese, Italian, and German expansion. Key nations like the U.S. didn’t join, weakening its influence, and it had no military force to back its decisions.
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Economic Strain from the Great Depression
The Great Depression in the 1930s devastated economies worldwide, leading to unemployment and poverty, especially in Europe. This economic instability pushed people towards radical political leaders who promised solutions. In Germany, Hitler gained support by blaming the economic situation on various groups and vowing to restore Germany’s former glory.
Expansionism and Aggression
Japan, Italy, and Germany began expanding their territories, believing they had a right to control other nations. Japan seized Manchuria in 1931, and Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, both without serious international opposition. Germany, under Hitler, occupied the Rhineland (1936), Austria (1938), and Czechoslovakia (1938), with little resistance from Britain or France.
Appeasement Policies of Britain and France
Britain and France, hoping to avoid another world war, adopted a policy of appeasement towards Hitler’s early aggression, allowing him to take Czechoslovakia in the Munich Agreement (1938). This emboldened Hitler, as he interpreted it as a green light for further expansion.
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WWII Begins – September 1, 1939
Germany invades Poland, using “Blitzkrieg” or “lightning war” tactics that rely on rapid movement and overwhelming force. This invasion prompts Britain and France to declare war on Germany, officially starting WWII.
Canada Declares War on Germany – September 10, 1939
Canada declares war independently of Britain, marking a historic first in its assertion of sovereignty. This decision reflects Canada’s commitment to supporting the Allies and contributing to the global fight against fascism.
Battle of the Atlantic – 1939-1945
The longest continuous military campaign in WWII, focused on the control of crucial supply routes across the Atlantic Ocean. German U-boats attacked Allied convoys transporting troops and materials, while the Allies used convoy systems and advanced sonar to defend against submarine attacks.
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Dunkirk Evacuation (Operation Dynamo) – May-June 1940
After Germany invades France, Allied troops become trapped at Dunkirk. Over 300,000 soldiers are evacuated across the English Channel by a makeshift fleet of military and civilian vessels. This event demonstrates the resilience and resourcefulness of the Allies despite a military setback.
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Battle of Britain – 1940
Germany launches an air campaign against Britain, hoping to force a surrender. The Royal Air Force (RAF), using new radar technology, successfully defends Britain, marking Hitler’s first major defeat and proving that air power could change the tide of war.
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Dieppe Raid – August 19, 1942
A Canadian-led raid on the French coast intended to test German defenses. Although it resulted in heavy casualties, it provided valuable lessons that informed the planning of the D-Day invasion. The raid highlighted the risks of direct assaults on fortified beaches.
D-Day (June 6, 1944)
Allied forces land in Normandy, France, in the largest amphibious invasion in history. Canada takes a leading role at Juno Beach, where Canadian soldiers secure a critical position. D-Day marks a turning point as the Allies begin freeing Western Europe from Nazi control.
Liberation of Belgium and the Netherlands – 1944-1945
Canadian forces play a major role in liberating Belgium and the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. Their efforts are remembered by Dutch citizens as Canadian soldiers brought food, medicine, and freedom after years of occupation.
Victory in Europe (VE Day) – May 8, 1945
Germany surrenders, ending WWII in Europe. VE Day is celebrated worldwide as a victory over tyranny, although fighting continues in the Pacific for a few more months
British Commonwealth Air Training Plan
Canada became the “Aerodrome of Democracy” by training over 130,000 Allied aircrew members. With its vast spaces and relative safety from attacks, Canada was ideal for training pilots and aircrews, significantly supporting the Allied air forces.
National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA)
Enacted to mobilize Canadian resources for war, the NRMA allowed conscription for home defense but not for overseas service initially. This act led to the “Conscription Crisis” as the demand for soldiers increased, creating divisions in Canadian society.
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Vancouver Shipyards Gear for War
Canadian shipyards and factories produce essential war materials, including ships, aircraft, and vehicles. This effort not only supported the war but also boosted the Canadian economy and workforce, pulling the country out of the Great Depression.
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Japanese Canadian Internment
After Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, over 20,000 Japanese Canadians were forcibly relocated to internment camps, losing their homes and businesses. This decision was fueled by prejudice and wartime paranoia, later acknowledged as a major violation of human rights.
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Economic Restructuring under C.D. Howe
C.D. Howe, Minister of Munitions and Supply, transformed Canada’s economy to meet the demands of war, directing production toward military goods. This shift led to industrial growth and positioned Canada as an economic power post-war.
Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941)
Japan’s surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor propels the U.S. into the war. This attack shifts the focus of the conflict to the Pacific, where Japan quickly captures territory throughout Asia and the Pacific islands.
Battle of Hong Kong (1941)
Canadian forces are deployed to defend Hong Kong against Japan. They capture the city, experiencing severe hardship in Japanese POW camps.
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Canadian POWs
Canadian soldiers captured in the Pacific endure harsh conditions in Japanese camps, facing forced labour, starvation, and abuse. Their experiences highlight the brutal nature of the Pacific War.
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Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 1945)
The U.S. drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945. The bombings mark the first and only use of nuclear weapons in war and raise ethical questions about the cost of ending the conflict.
Aleutian Campaign
Allied forces work to remove Japanese forces from the Aleutian Islands, marking one of the few instances of enemy forces on North American soil. Although strategically minor, it signals the scope of the Pacific conflict.
"Savior of Ceylon"
Canada contributes to the defense of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) from Japanese threats. This lesser-known involvement underscores the global reach of Canada’s military efforts.
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Auschwitz
Located in Poland, Auschwitz became infamous for its role in the Holocaust. It was one of the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camps, where millions of Jews and other targeted groups were systematically murdered.
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Meaning of Auschwitz
The word “Auschwitz” has come to symbolize the horrors of genocide, representing the organized and industrialized nature of Nazi extermination efforts.
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Groups Targeted
Jews, Romani people, disabled individuals, political prisoners, and LGBTQ+ people faced extermination under Nazi ideology, which sought to create a “pure” Aryan race.
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Killing Centers vs. Concentration Camps
Killing Centers (e.g., Treblinka) were designed solely for mass murder, using gas chambers and other methods.
Concentration Camps (e.g., Auschwitz) initially served as labor camps but often included killing facilities as part of the Holocaust’s broader “Final Solution.”
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Other Activities in Auschwitz
Beyond forced labor, prisoners were subjected to unethical medical experiments, indoctrination, and systematic abuse designed to dehumanize and terrorize them.