# Modern Canada: practice questions

> 8 free practice questions on Modern Canada, based on Discover Canada, each with its answer and an explanation. No signup.

- Canonical URL: https://canadatest.ca/practice-questions/modern-canada
- Last verified: 2026-10-22
- Based on: Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship (IRCC), https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/discover-canada/read-online.html
- Independent; not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

Test what you know about modern Canada: social programs, voting rights, Canada's role in the world, the Constitution and Charter, Quebec and national unity, and Canadian achievements. These practice questions are based on Discover Canada, the official study guide for the Canadian citizenship test.

## The 8 questions

### 1. When did Canada's modern energy industry begin?

A. With the discovery of oil in Alberta in 1947
B. With the completion of the CPR in 1885
C. With Confederation in 1867
D. With the founding of Hudson's Bay Company in 1670

Answer: A. With the discovery of oil in Alberta in 1947

The 1947 discovery of oil in Alberta launched Canada's modern energy industry.

### 2. What is the modern name for unemployment insurance in Canada?

A. Old Age Security
B. Employment Insurance
C. Canada Pension Plan
D. Social Assistance

Answer: B. Employment Insurance

Unemployment insurance was introduced in 1940 and is now called Employment Insurance (EI).

### 3. Who invented the sport of basketball?

A. Wayne Gretzky
B. James Naismith
C. Terry Fox
D. Michael Ondaatje

Answer: B. James Naismith

Basketball was invented by Canadian James Naismith.

### 4. What were the Quebec sovereignty referendums of 1980 and 1995?

A. Votes on joining the United States
B. Votes on whether Quebec should separate from Canada
C. Votes on French language rights
D. Votes on Confederation

Answer: B. Votes on whether Quebec should separate from Canada

Both 1980 and 1995 referendums asked Quebecers whether the province should pursue sovereignty. Both were defeated.

### 5. When was unemployment insurance introduced in Canada?

A. 1927
B. 1940
C. 1965
D. 1982

Answer: B. 1940

Unemployment insurance (now called Employment Insurance) was introduced in 1940.

### 6. When did Japanese Canadians gain the right to vote?

A. 1918
B. 1948
C. 1960
D. 1982

Answer: B. 1948

Japanese Canadians gained the right to vote in 1948. Aboriginal peoples gained the right to vote in 1960.

### 7. Which of the following is a famous Canadian writer?

A. William Shakespeare
B. Margaret Laurence
C. Ernest Hemingway
D. Charles Dickens

Answer: B. Margaret Laurence

Margaret Laurence is a celebrated Canadian writer. Michael Ondaatje is another famous Canadian author.

### 8. What is multiculturalism in Canada?

A. A policy that requires everyone to speak three languages
B. A defining feature of Canadian identity that celebrates diverse traditions
C. A law that bans foreign cultural practices
D. A temporary government program that ended in the 1990s

Answer: B. A defining feature of Canadian identity that celebrates diverse traditions

Multiculturalism is a defining feature of Canadian identity. Canada celebrates the diverse traditions and cultures of its people.

## More practice

- [A free summary of this chapter](https://canadatest.ca/blog/discover-canada-chapter-by-chapter-summary#chapter-5-modern-canada) in the Discover Canada chapter-by-chapter summary
- [All 30 questions on this chapter](https://canadatest.ca/pricing) come with a 7-Day or 90-Day Pass
- Previous: [Canada's History practice questions](https://canadatest.ca/practice-questions/canadas-history)
- Next: [How Canadians Govern Themselves practice questions](https://canadatest.ca/practice-questions/how-canadians-govern-themselves)
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Informational only; not legal or immigration advice. Official source for citizenship rules and fees: IRCC https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html