Canada's citizenship test: Most of us would flunk it, according to a new poll

How would most Canadians fare if they had to take Canada's citizenship test? According to a new poll, not terribly well.

The survey, conducted by Leger and The Canadian Press, asked 10 random questions from the Canadian citizenship test to Canadians across the country. The average score was 49 per cent. However, less than one quarter of those surveyed — 23 per cent — answered seven or more out of 10 questions correctly. The citizenship test, which includes 20 questions, requires a score of 75 per cent or more to pass.

Only 3 per cent answered all questions correctly.

People in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan scored on average 50 per cent. The Atlantic provinces had the lowest scores on average, at 44 per cent.

Those working towards a Canadian citizenship must, amongst other things, answer 20 questions on the citizenship test that pertain to the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen of the country. The questions cover subjects like law, history, geography, economy, government and symbols.

There were some questions that poll participants managed to answer better than others. The question “What are the three main groups of Aboriginal peoples in Canada?” was answered correctly by 79 per cent of respondents. However, only 24 per cent correctly answered “When did the House of Commons recognize that the Quebecois form a nation within a united Canada?”

The survey was conducted online among 1,512 Canadians 18 years of age or older who had the option of completing it in French or English.

How would you rate on the citizenship test? Answer some of the questions below to find out.

The answers can be found at the end of this article, so scroll slowly if you don't want to be spoiled.

1. What are the three main groups of Aboriginal peoples in Canada?

A. First Nations, Métis and Inuit

B. Acadians, Métis and First Nations

C. French, English and First Nations

D. Early settlers, Métis and Inuit

2. Who was John Buchan?

A. A popular Governor General of Canada

B. A famous Canadian general

C. A victorious Canadian army General

D. One of the Fathers of Confederation

3. When did the House of Commons recognize that the Quebecois form a nation within a united Canada?

A. 2006

B. 2001

C. 1986

D. 1972

4. Who is Marjorie Turner-Bailey?

A. An Olympian and descendant of black Loyalists

B. A famous Canadian settler

C. The first woman to become Prime Minister

D. The first Canadian female athlete

5. When did English settlement begin in Canada?

A. 1510

B. 1497

C. 1610

D. 1720

6. Who established the first European settlements?

A. The English

B. The Irish

C. The French

D. The Spanish

7. Which Act granted to the Canadians for the first time, legislative assemblies elected by the people?

A. The Freedom Act

B. The Constitutional Act

C. The Legislative Act

D. The Confederation Act

8. Name 3 fathers of Confederation:

A. Sir Étienne-Paschal Taché, Sir George-Étienne Cartier, and Sir John A. Macdonald

B. La Fontaine, Robert Baldwin, and Joseph How

C. Joseph Brant, Joseph Howe, and James Macdonald

D. Joseph Howe, Robert La Fontaine, and Sir Étienne-Paschal Taché

9. What is Canada's motto?

A. "Oh Canada, our home and native land"

B. "From sea to sea"

C. "From coast to coast"

D. "The land of the free and strong"

10. Whose portrait is on the Canadian $10 bill?

A. Sir George-Étienne Cartier

B. Sir Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine

C. Sir Étienne-Paschal Taché

D. Viola Desmond

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ANSWER KEY:

1A; 2A; 3A; 4A; 5C; 6C; 7B; 8A; 9B; 10D