Glossary

The descendants of the original inhabitants of Canada, made up of three distinct groups: First Nations, Inuit and Metis. Their Aboriginal and treaty rights are recognized in the Constitution.

The descendants of French colonists who began settling in the Maritime provinces in 1604. Between 1755 and 1763 more than two-thirds were deported in an ordeal known as the Great Upheaval, yet Acadian culture survives and flourishes today.

A person who speaks English as a first language. English speakers and French speakers have lived together in Canada for more than 300 years.

The region on Canada's east coast made up of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Their economies are tied closely to the sea and natural resources.

Canada's central bank, created in 1934 to manage the money supply and bring stability to the financial system.

A First World War battle on April 9, 1917, in which the Canadian Corps captured Vimy Ridge at a cost of about 10,000 killed or wounded. It is seen as a defining moment in Canada's history, marked each year on Vimy Day.

An emblem of Canada adopted centuries ago as a symbol of the Hudson's Bay Company and the fur trade. This industrious animal appears on the five-cent coin and on several coats of arms.

The use of both of Canada's official languages, English and French. New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province.

A proposal for a new law. A bill must pass three readings and committee study in the House of Commons, follow a similar process in the Senate, and then receive royal assent before it becomes law.

The law passed by the British Parliament in 1867 that created the Dominion of Canada and divided responsibilities between the federal and provincial governments. It is now known as the Constitution Act, 1867.

The group made up of the Prime Minister and the ministers of the Crown, who run the federal departments, prepare the budget and propose most new laws. Ministers are usually chosen from members of the House of Commons.

The national holiday on July 1 marking the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. Until 1982 it was called Dominion Day.

The boundary along the southern edge of Canada, traditionally known as the world's longest undefended border. Millions of people and large volumes of goods cross it safely each year.

A robotic arm designed and built in Canada and used in space exploration. Since 1989 the Canadian Space Agency and Canadian astronauts have taken part in space missions, often using the Canadarm.

Canada's military, made up of the navy, army and air force. There is no compulsory military service, but serving is considered a noble way to contribute to the country.

The part of the Constitution, added in 1982, that sets out the basic rights and freedoms of everyone in Canada. It begins by recognizing the supremacy of God and the rule of law.

Full membership in the Canadian community, carrying both rights, such as voting, and responsibilities, such as obeying the law. New citizens gain these once they meet all legal requirements and take the Oath of Citizenship.

Canada's national flag, raised for the first time in 1965, with a red maple leaf on a red-white-red pattern. Red and white have been the national colours since 1921.

A person who runs for office in an election. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or older may run as candidates in a federal election, and there can be many candidates in one electoral district.

The region made up of Quebec and Ontario, home to more than half of Canada's people and much of its manufacturing and industry.

The event at which applicants who pass the test and meet all requirements take the Oath of Citizenship, sign the oath form and receive their Canadian Citizenship Certificate.

The duties that come with citizenship, including obeying the law, voting in elections, serving on a jury when called, helping others in the community, and protecting Canada's heritage and environment.

A system of law based on a written code, derived from the civil code of France. In Canada it is one of the sources of the legal tradition, used for private law matters in Quebec.

Canada's official coat of arms, adopted after the First World War, bears the national motto A mari usque ad mare, Latin for from sea to sea. The arms include symbols of England, France, Scotland and Ireland and red maple leaves.

A system of law built up over time from judges' decisions and custom, inherited from England. It is one of the sources of Canadian law and applies across the country outside Quebec's private law.

A free association of states, most of them former parts of the British Empire, of which Canada is a leading member. The Sovereign serves as Head of the Commonwealth, linking Canada to many other nations.

The union that created the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867, joining Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It established two levels of government, federal and provincial.

The support of a majority of MPs that a government must keep in order to stay in power. If the government loses a confidence vote, such as one on the budget, it is defeated and an election is usually called.

The supreme set of rules by which Canada is governed. It includes written documents such as the Constitution Act, 1867 and the Constitution Act, 1982, along with unwritten traditions inherited from Britain.

A system in which a king or queen is the head of state but reigns according to the Constitution and the rule of law, rather than holding personal political power. Canada is the only constitutional monarchy in North America.

The Allied invasion of Normandy in northern France on June 6, 1944. About one in ten Allied soldiers that day was Canadian, and 15,000 Canadian troops stormed and captured Juno Beach.

The title given to Canada at Confederation in 1867, suggested by Sir Leonard Tilley and inspired by a biblical phrase about dominion from sea to sea. July 1 was long called Dominion Day, now Canada Day.

The principle that the government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to under the law. It is a cornerstone of Canada's justice system.

A report by the English reformer Lord Durham following the rebellions of 1837 to 1838. It recommended merging Upper and Lower Canada and granting responsible government, though its call to assimilate French Canadians was strongly rejected.

The neutral, non-partisan agency of Parliament that runs federal elections and referendums. It maintains the National Register of Electors and produces the voters' lists.

A geographical area, also called a riding or constituency, that elects one member of Parliament to the House of Commons. Canada is divided into hundreds of these districts.

A core Canadian value: in Canada men and women are equal under the law. Practices such as spousal abuse, honour killings and forced marriage are crimes that are severely punished.

A federal program of transfer payments that helps less wealthy provinces provide public services comparable to those in wealthier provinces, supporting fairness across the country.

The part of government that carries out and enforces laws, made up of the Sovereign (represented by the Governor General), the Prime Minister and Cabinet. It is one of the three branches alongside the legislative and judicial branches.

Five Canadian women who campaigned for the legal recognition of women as persons under the law. Their efforts led to the 1929 Persons Case, a landmark for women's equality in Canada.

The representatives of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada who worked together from 1864 to 1867 to establish a new country. They included Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Etienne Cartier.

The vote in which Canadians choose their members of Parliament for the House of Commons. Under law, federal elections are held on the third Monday in October every four years, though the Prime Minister may ask for an earlier election.

A country with more than one level of government. Canada has federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, with responsibilities first divided between federal and provincial governments in 1867.

Canada's system of dividing powers between the federal government and the provinces. It lets provinces tailor policies to their own people and try out new ideas, while the federal government handles matters of national concern.

Aboriginal peoples who are neither Inuit nor Metis. The term came into use in the 1970s. About half of First Nations people live on reserve land in hundreds of communities, and the other half live off-reserve, mainly in cities.

The 1914 to 1918 war in which more than 600,000 Canadians served, most as volunteers. About 60,000 were killed. The war strengthened both national and imperial pride, especially in English Canada.

Canada's voting method in which the candidate who receives the most votes in an electoral district wins the seat, even without a majority of all votes cast.

The lily flower that became a symbol of French royalty and of New France. Revived at Confederation, it forms the basis of Quebec's provincial flag, adopted in 1948.

A person who speaks French as a first language. Most Francophones live in Quebec, with about one million in Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba and smaller numbers elsewhere.

Trade with reduced barriers between countries. Canada enacted free trade with the United States in 1988, and Mexico joined in 1994 under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The basic freedoms protected by the Charter, including freedom of conscience and religion; of thought, belief, opinion and expression including the press; of peaceful assembly; and of association.

The person who represents the Sovereign in Canada at the federal level, appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for five years. The Governor General grants royal assent to bills on behalf of the Sovereign. The current Governor General is Louise Arbour.

A group of Canadian painters founded in 1920, famous for a style that captured the country's rugged wilderness landscapes. They are among Canada's best-known visual artists.

The right to challenge unlawful detention by the state, meaning a person cannot be held without a legal reason. It comes to Canada from English common law.

The elected chamber of Parliament, made up of members of Parliament (MPs) chosen by voters. It is the main law-making body and holds the government accountable.

Canada's most popular spectator sport and national winter sport, developed in Canada in the 1800s. The National Hockey League competes for the Stanley Cup, donated by Governor General Lord Stanley in 1892.

A hormone used to treat diabetes, discovered by Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best in Toronto. This Canadian discovery has saved millions of lives worldwide.

An Aboriginal people whose name means the people in the Inuktitut language. They live in small, scattered communities across the Arctic and adapted to one of the harshest environments on earth.

The part of government made up of the courts, which interpret and apply the law and settle disputes independently of the other branches. It includes the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court and provincial courts.

The section of the Normandy coast that Canadian troops stormed and captured from the German Army on D-Day, June 6, 1944. It was a great national achievement.

A group of citizens called to decide a case in court. Serving on a jury when called is both a legal duty and a privilege, because the justice system depends on impartial juries made up of citizens.

The part of government that makes laws, consisting of the Senate and the House of Commons together with the Sovereign. Together with the executive and judicial branches it helps secure Canadians' rights and freedoms.

The person who represents the Sovereign in each of the ten provinces, appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister, normally for five years. The role mirrors that of the Governor General at the provincial level.

A Metis leader who led resistance movements to defend Metis rights as Canada expanded westward. He is seen by many as a hero and the father of Manitoba, and was executed for high treason in 1885.

The Great Charter of Freedoms signed in England in 1215. It is the source of an 800-year-old tradition of ordered liberty that Canada has inherited.

A government formed when the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons, giving it reliable support to pass its legislation.

Canada's best-known symbol, at the centre of the national flag. Maple leaves were adopted by French Canadians in the 1700s and have appeared on Canadian uniforms and insignia since the 1850s.

Canada's publicly funded health care system. The Canada Health Act ensures common elements and a basic standard of coverage, while health care is delivered by the provinces and territories.

An elected representative who sits in the House of Commons for one electoral district. The candidate who wins the most votes in a district becomes its MP and represents both local constituents and all Canadians.

A distinct people of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry, most of whom live in the Prairie provinces. They come from both French- and English-speaking backgrounds and speak their own language, Michif.

A government formed when the party in power holds less than half of the seats in the House of Commons and must rely on support from other parties to govern.

A Charter right allowing Canadians to live and work anywhere in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport.

A fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity. Canadians celebrate one another's presence and work to respect pluralism and live in harmony.

Local government that passes by-laws affecting a single community and handles services such as roads, water, garbage, snow removal, recreation and local policing. It usually has a council led by a mayor or reeve.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance of Western democracies that Canada helped form during the Cold War to defend against the threat from the Soviet bloc.

The French colony in North America, founded by explorers such as Samuel de Champlain, who built a fortress at what is now Quebec City in 1608. Its economy was driven largely by the fur trade in beaver pelts.

The North American Aerospace Defence Command, a joint defence arrangement between Canada and the United States created during the Cold War to protect North American airspace.

The three territories in Canada's North: Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. They have small populations and contain a large share of Canada's lands, waters and natural resources.

Canada's national anthem, proclaimed in 1980 and first sung in Quebec City in 1880. French and English Canadians sing different words to the anthem.

The solemn promise new citizens make at their citizenship ceremony, pledging faithful allegiance to the Sovereign, to observe the laws of Canada including the Constitution, and to fulfil the duties of a citizen.

English and French, Canada's two official languages and important symbols of identity. The federal government is required by law to provide services across Canada in both languages.

A law passed in 1969 that establishes the equality of French and English in Parliament and the federal government, supports official-language minority communities, and promotes the equality of both languages in Canadian society.

The opposition party with the most seats in the House of Commons, also called Her or His Majesty's Loyal Opposition. Its role is to peacefully challenge and try to improve government proposals.

A central honour in Canada's own honours system, started in 1967 on the centennial of Confederation, to recognize outstanding citizens for their contributions to the country.

Canada's capital city, located on the Ottawa River and chosen as the capital by Queen Victoria in 1857. It is home to Parliament and the federal government.

Canada's federal lawmaking body, made up of three parts: the Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons. No bill can become law until it is passed by both chambers and receives royal assent.

A system in which people elect representatives to make laws, approve spending and hold the government accountable. In Canada, voters elect members to the House of Commons and to provincial and territorial legislatures.

The 1982 amendment that brought Canada's Constitution fully under Canadian control and added the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The change was made without the agreement of Quebec.

A guiding phrase for Canada's institutions, drawn from the British North America Act of 1867. It expresses the country's commitment to stability, lawful order and effective government.

International missions, often under the United Nations, in which Canada has helped keep or restore peace in places such as Egypt, Cyprus and Haiti. It is part of Canada's long record of contributing to global security.

A person who has been granted the right to live in Canada but is not yet a citizen. Permanent residents who meet the legal requirements may apply to become Canadian citizens.

A 1929 legal decision that recognized women as persons eligible to be appointed to the Senate. It was a major milestone in advancing the equality of women and men in Canada.

The region made up of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, known for rich farmland and energy resources such as oil and gas.

The head of government in a province or territory, whose role is similar to that of the federal Prime Minister. The Premier leads the party with the most seats in the provincial or territorial legislature.

The principle in criminal matters that everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty. It is a foundation of the Canadian justice system.

The head of government, who directs the day-to-day governing of Canada, chooses Cabinet ministers, and is usually the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons. The current Prime Minister is Mark Carney of the Liberal Party.

Canada's main political divisions: ten provinces and three territories, each with its own capital city. Provinces have their own elected legislatures, while territories have smaller populations and somewhat different powers.

A law passed by the British Parliament to govern the French Roman Catholic majority. One of Canada's constitutional foundations, it allowed religious freedom for Catholics, let them hold public office, and restored French civil law while keeping British criminal law.

An era of rapid social and political change in Quebec in the 1960s. During this period many Quebecers sought greater autonomy, and some sought to separate from Canada.

Armed uprisings in Upper and Lower Canada by reformers who felt progress toward democracy was too slow. They lacked enough public support and were defeated, but they led to important reforms toward responsible government.

The ongoing effort to repair the relationship between Canada and Aboriginal peoples, including acknowledging past wrongs such as residential schools. Today Aboriginal peoples enjoy renewed pride and have made significant achievements in many fields.

The day, November 11, on which Canadians honour those who served and died in wars. People wear a red poppy and observe a moment of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Land set aside for the use of a First Nation. About half of First Nations people live on reserves, where band chiefs and councillors handle responsibilities such as housing, schools and other services.

Government-funded schools, run from the 1800s until the 1980s, where many Aboriginal children were placed to assimilate them into mainstream culture. The schools caused great hardship, and the Government of Canada formally apologized to former students in 2008.

The principle that ministers of the Crown must have the support of a majority of elected representatives to govern, and must resign if they lose a confidence vote. Nova Scotia was the first colony to win it, in 1847 to 1848.

The final approval needed for a bill to become law in Canada, granted by the Governor General on behalf of the Sovereign after the bill has passed both the House of Commons and the Senate.

Canada's national police force, also known as the Mounties. It enforces federal laws across the country and serves as the provincial police in all provinces and territories except Ontario and Quebec. It began as the North West Mounted Police in 1873.

A decree by King George III that first guaranteed Aboriginal territorial rights and set the basis for negotiating treaties with newcomers. It is part of the foundation of Aboriginal and treaty rights in Canada.

A founding principle that everyone, including governments and officials, is bound by the law and no person or group is above it. Individuals and governments are governed by laws, not by arbitrary actions.

The 1939 to 1945 war in which more than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served and 44,000 were killed. Canada joined its democratic allies to defeat tyranny and finished the war with the world's third-largest navy.

A protected right ensuring that no one can watch how you vote or force you to reveal your choice. Not even family members, an employer or a union representative may insist that you tell them how you voted.

The appointed chamber of Parliament. Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75. The Senate reviews and considers bills along with the House of Commons.

A Father of Confederation who became Canada's first Prime Minister in 1867. Born in Scotland, he was a Kingston lawyer and a leading figure in building the new country. His portrait appears on the $10 bill.

The first French-Canadian Prime Minister since Confederation, who encouraged immigration to the West. His portrait appears on the $5 bill.

The king or queen who serves as Canada's head of state and is a symbol of Canadian sovereignty and our shared allegiance. The current Sovereign is King Charles III.

A British law of 1931 that recognized Canada and other Dominions as autonomous and equal in status within the Commonwealth, free to make their own laws. It was a key step in Canada's growing independence.

The right to vote. At Confederation the vote was limited to property-owning adult white males; the women's suffrage movement, led by figures such as Dr. Emily Stowe, won voting rights for women, beginning federally in 1917 to 1918.

Canada's highest court, made up of nine judges appointed by the Governor General. It is the final court of appeal for all legal questions in the country.

The institution that represents the state in Canada, standing for the Sovereign and for government as a whole. The Crown has been a symbol of the state in Canada for about 400 years.

Formal agreements between the Crown and Aboriginal peoples, first made possible by the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Aboriginal and treaty rights are protected in the Constitution, though the treaties were not always fully respected.

More than 40,000 people loyal to the Crown who fled the American Revolution after 1776 to settle in Nova Scotia and Quebec. They came from many backgrounds, including about 3,000 black Loyalists.

An international organization that Canada joined to promote peace and cooperation. Canada served in the UN defence of South Korea in the Korean War and has taken part in many UN peacekeeping missions.

The highest honour available to Canadians, awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy. It has been awarded to 96 Canadians since 1854.

The list of people eligible to vote in an election, produced from the National Register of Electors. You must be on the voters' list to cast a ballot, but you can be added at any time, including on election day.

A war in which the United States invaded Canada and failed. British soldiers, First Nations led by Chief Tecumseh, and Canadian volunteers defended the country, ensuring Canada would remain independent of the United States.

The Pacific coast region made up of British Columbia, the only province on Canada's west coast. Its capital is Victoria, and it is known for forestry, fishing and trade across the Pacific.