Canada’s New Citizenship Study Guide

Last week, the Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism introduced a new study guide for recent immigrants seeking to apply for citizenship. This study guide, titled “Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship”, is designed to provide prospective citizens with all you need to know about Canada.

In addition to highlighting the history of Canada, the institutions which form Canadian government, and the contribution of ethnic and cultural communities in shaping Canada’s identity, the Guide also focuses on Canada’s cultural symbols, from the beaver to ice hockey.

With the first fully comprehensive study guide since 1995, Discover Canada is expected to assist many prospective Canadians as they prepare for the citizenship exmaniation. All prospective citizens are required to complete a written test or interview to demonstrate that they possess an adequate knowledge of the country, as well as the rights and responsibilities that come with holding Canadian citizenship.

CIC has advised that Citizenship applicants who are scheduled for a test or an interview before the end of February 2010 should read the old study guide, A Look at Canada, which will continue to be available on the CIC website. Those who take the test, or who have an interview in March 2010 or later, should study Discover Canada.

The new Guide can be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discover/index.asp.