A changing democracy and society
Voting rights expanded gradually and unevenly. Women gained the federal vote during and after the First World War, most Asian Canadians received it by 1948, and First Nations people could vote federally without losing status in 1960. The practice bank tests these milestones as part of a broader move toward equal citizenship.
Prosperity, public programs and international roles
After the Second World War, expanding trade, manufacturing and resource development helped raise living standards. Governments developed or expanded health coverage, employment insurance and public pensions. These programs are funded collectively and administered at different levels of government.
Ideas, arts, science and sport
The guide uses people and achievements to show modern identity: insulin research by Banting and Best, the Canadarm, communications discoveries, literature, visual art and athletic success. These are recognition questions, so connect a person or invention with the correct field.
Key facts to remember
- Postwar trade and resource development helped raise living standards and supported programs including health coverage, employment insurance and public pensions.
- Canada is a founding member of NATO, works closely with the United States through NORAD, and has participated in the United Nations and international peace and security missions.
- The Official Languages Act of 1969 strengthened English and French services in the federal government.
- Quebec’s Quiet Revolution changed the province rapidly. Sovereignty was rejected in provincial referendums in 1980 and 1995.
- Voting rights expanded over time; most Asian Canadians obtained the federal vote by 1948 and First Nations people could vote federally without giving up status by 1960.
- Canadian achievement spans literature, visual and performing arts, medicine, science, communications and sport.
Check yourself
- Which international organizations and defence partnerships does the guide emphasize?
- The UN, NATO and NORAD: international cooperation, collective defence and Canada–U.S. aerospace defence.
- What did the Official Languages Act establish?
- It strengthened the equal use of English and French in federal institutions.
- How did voting rights and Canadian society change during the twentieth century?
- The vote expanded to groups previously excluded, society urbanized and diversified, and public programs and language rights grew.
Practice questions
Eight questions shaped like the official test: one right answer out of four, with the reason it is right. The timed twenty-question exams are in the app.
What helped drive Canada’s postwar economic growth?
- Closed borders and less trade
- Expanded trade and resource development
- An end to manufacturing
- The abolition of immigration
Answer: Expanded trade and resource development. Trade, industry, resources and a growing population supported postwar prosperity.
Which international organization did Canada help found after the Second World War?
- The Roman Empire
- The United Nations
- The Hudson’s Bay Company
- The Acadian League
Answer: The United Nations. Canada helped found the United Nations and participated in NATO and peacekeeping.
Which Canadian is strongly associated with modern peacekeeping and won the Nobel Peace Prize?
- Lester B. Pearson
- Louis Riel
- John Cabot
- James Naismith
Answer: Lester B. Pearson. Lester B. Pearson helped resolve the Suez Crisis and received the Nobel Peace Prize.
When was the Official Languages Act first adopted?
- 1867
- 1917
- 1969
- 1982
Answer: 1969. The 1969 Act strengthened equal use of English and French in federal institutions.
How did Canadian immigration policy change during the 1960s and 1970s?
- It became more open and less discriminatory
- It ended all immigration
- It admitted only Europeans
- It required military service
Answer: It became more open and less discriminatory. Discriminatory barriers were removed and immigration became more diverse.
Which group is associated with Canadian landscape painting?
- The Fathers of Confederation
- The Group of Seven
- The United Empire Loyalists
- The Famous Five
Answer: The Group of Seven. The Group of Seven developed an influential style of Canadian landscape painting.
Who discovered insulin as a treatment for diabetes?
- Banting and Best
- Bell and Marconi
- Naismith and Fox
- Pearson and Suzuki
Answer: Banting and Best. Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered insulin, saving millions of lives.
Who invented basketball?
- Terry Fox
- James Naismith
- Wayne Gretzky
- Joseph-Armand Bombardier
Answer: James Naismith. Canadian James Naismith invented basketball in 1891.