Flag, colours and maple leaf
The red-and-white maple leaf flag was first raised in 1965. Red and white were declared Canada’s official colours in 1921. The maple leaf was used by French Canadians as early as the 1700s and became a broader national emblem during the nineteenth century.
Words, music and public institutions
O Canada was first sung in Quebec City in 1880 and was proclaimed the national anthem in 1980. The royal anthem is God Save the King. Canada’s motto, A Mari Usque Ad Mare, means “from sea to sea.”
Remembrance, animals, ships and sport
The red poppy is worn around Remembrance Day, November 11, to honour those who served and died. John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields. Vimy Day is April 9. The Victoria Cross is the highest military honour.
Key facts to remember
- The Crown symbolizes the state and the constitutional institutions of government, legislatures, courts, police services and the armed forces.
- The red-and-white maple leaf flag was first raised in 1965. The maple leaf has been used as a Canadian emblem since the nineteenth century.
- O Canada is the national anthem. The national motto, A Mari Usque Ad Mare, means “from sea to sea.”
- The beaver recalls the fur trade and appears on the five-cent coin. The fleur-de-lys has deep French-Canadian roots.
- The Remembrance Day poppy honours Canadians who served or died in war. November 11 recalls the armistice ending the First World War.
- The Victoria Cross is Canada’s highest military honour. Hockey is the national winter sport and lacrosse the national summer sport.
Check yourself
- What do the maple leaf, Crown, beaver and poppy represent?
- The maple leaf is a long-used national emblem; the Crown represents the state; the beaver recalls the fur trade; the poppy represents remembrance.
- What does Canada’s national motto mean?
- A Mari Usque Ad Mare means “from sea to sea.”
- Which sports are officially associated with winter and summer?
- Hockey is the national winter sport and lacrosse the national summer sport.
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 does the Canadian Crown symbolize?
- Only the federal Cabinet
- The state and government, including law and public service
- A political party
- Municipal government alone
Answer: The state and government, including law and public service. The Crown personifies the Canadian state and is part of Parliament, government and the courts.
When was the current red-and-white maple leaf flag first raised?
- 1867
- 1921
- 1965
- 1982
Answer: 1965. The current National Flag of Canada was first raised in 1965.
What does Canada’s motto A Mari Usque Ad Mare mean?
- Strong and free
- From sea to sea
- Peace, order and government
- The people of the North
Answer: From sea to sea. The Latin motto means “from sea to sea.”
When was “O Canada” proclaimed the national anthem?
- 1880
- 1917
- 1965
- 1980
Answer: 1980. It was first sung in 1880 and proclaimed the national anthem in 1980.
Which animal appears on Canada’s five-cent coin?
- Polar bear
- Beaver
- Caribou
- Moose
Answer: Beaver. The beaver, important to the fur trade, appears on the five-cent coin.
What are Canada’s national summer and winter sports?
- Soccer and skiing
- Lacrosse and hockey
- Baseball and curling
- Basketball and skating
Answer: Lacrosse and hockey. Lacrosse is the national summer sport and hockey the national winter sport.
What does the Remembrance Day poppy honour?
- Confederation delegates
- Canadians who served or died in war
- Only former prime ministers
- The first European explorers
Answer: Canadians who served or died in war. The poppy remembers the sacrifice of Canadians who served or died in wars.
What is Canada’s highest honour for military valour?
- Order of Canada
- Victoria Cross
- Governor General’s Medal
- Royal Canadian Medal
Answer: Victoria Cross. The Victoria Cross is the highest honour available to Canadians for military valour.