Canadian Citizenship Responsibilities of Canadian Citizenship — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a legal responsibility unique to Canadian citizens (not required of all residents)?
- Obeying Canada's laws
- Serving on a jury when summoned (Correct answer)
- Paying federal income taxes
- Respecting the rights of others
Correct answer: Serving on a jury when summoned
Jury duty is a civic responsibility that applies specifically to Canadian citizens. While all residents must obey laws and pay taxes, only citizens can be called to serve on a jury.
Question 2: According to Discover Canada, which of the following best describes a responsibility shared by ALL people living in Canada?
- Voting in federal elections
- Running for elected office
- Obeying the law (Correct answer)
- Applying for a Canadian passport
Correct answer: Obeying the law
Obeying the law is a responsibility that applies to everyone living in Canada — citizens and non-citizens alike. Voting and running for office are rights/responsibilities specific to citizens.
Question 3: Which of the following is listed in Discover Canada as a responsibility of Canadian citizenship related to the community?
- Donating at least 10% of income to charity
- Volunteering and helping others in the community (Correct answer)
- Attending a citizenship renewal ceremony every 10 years
- Speaking both official languages in public
Correct answer: Volunteering and helping others in the community
Discover Canada lists volunteering and helping others — including welcoming newcomers — as a community responsibility of citizens. This reflects the value Canada places on civic participation beyond just legal obligations.
Question 4: Canadian citizens have a responsibility to protect which of the following?
- Only government-owned property
- Canada's natural environment and cultural heritage (Correct answer)
- The interests of the political party they voted for
- Only federally designated National Parks
Correct answer: Canada's natural environment and cultural heritage
Discover Canada explicitly states that Canadians have a responsibility to protect Canada's natural, cultural, and architectural heritage for future generations.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT listed as a responsibility of Canadian citizenship?
- Voting in elections
- Serving on a jury
- Owning property in at least one province (Correct answer)
- Eliminating discrimination and helping build an equitable society
Correct answer: Owning property in at least one province
Property ownership is a right, not a responsibility, in Canada. Voting, jury duty, and working to eliminate discrimination are all responsibilities outlined in Discover Canada.
Question 6: Why does Discover Canada emphasize that voting is both a right AND a responsibility?
- Because failure to vote results in a government fine
- Because democracy depends on citizens actively participating to keep government accountable (Correct answer)
- Because non-voters lose their citizenship after two elections
- Because voting determines how much tax a citizen pays
Correct answer: Because democracy depends on citizens actively participating to keep government accountable
Discover Canada frames voting as a responsibility because democratic government functions only when citizens engage. Voter apathy weakens democratic accountability, which is why the guide stresses active participation.
Canadian Citizenship Responsibilities of Canadian Citizenship
Which of the following is a legal responsibility unique to Canadian citizens (not required of all residents)?