Celebrating Canadian Citizenship Week: What Makes Canada's Citizenship Special

Every year, Canada celebrates Citizenship Week — a time to reflect on the rights, responsibilities, and privileges that come with being Canadian.

What Makes Canadian Citizenship Unique

Multiculturalism — Canada is the world's first country to adopt an official multiculturalism policy (1988)
Bilingualism — two official languages (English and French) recognized nationwide
Charter of Rights and Freedoms — fundamental rights protected since 1982
Universal healthcare — Medicare available to all citizens and permanent residents
Peacekeeping legacy — Canada's proud tradition of international peacekeeping since the Suez Crisis (1956)

Citizenship Test Topics from This Theme

These topics frequently appear on the citizenship test:

When was the Multiculturalism Act passed? → 1988
Who championed the Charter of Rights? → Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Who proposed UN peacekeeping? → Lester B. Pearson
What are Canada's two official languages? → English and French

Study these and more with our Who We Are and Rights & Responsibilities chapters.

Take a quiz now to test your knowledge!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Citizenship Week in Canada?+

Citizenship Week is an annual celebration held in October recognizing the value of Canadian citizenship and honoring new Canadians. Special citizenship oath ceremonies are held across the country during this week, and events celebrate Canada's multicultural heritage.

What does Canadian citizenship mean for new Canadians?+

Canadian citizenship grants the right to vote in federal and provincial elections, the right to hold a Canadian passport, the right to live and work anywhere in Canada without permit conditions, and equal legal protection under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

How diverse is Canada in terms of immigration?+

Canada is one of the world's most diverse countries. Over 20% of Canadians were born abroad, and Canada resettles more refugees per capita than almost any other country. Canada's diversity is recognized in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1988), which enshrines multiculturalism as federal policy.

What is the Canadian Multiculturalism Act?+

The Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1988) declared multiculturalism a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society and obligated the federal government to promote and preserve it. It is often referenced in Discover Canada in discussions of Canadian identity and values.

Is multiculturalism a question on the Canadian citizenship test?+

Yes. Multiculturalism and Canada's diversity appear in the Discover Canada guide and can be tested. Key facts include: Canada was the first country to adopt official multiculturalism as government policy, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act was passed in 1988, and Canada accepts hundreds of thousands of immigrants and refugees annually.