Canadian Values — What the Citizenship Test Expects You to Know

# Canadian Values — What the Citizenship Test Expects You to Know

Canadian values are the cultural and ethical principles Discover Canada lists as defining Canadian society. The citizenship test draws directly from this list, and you should be able to recognise each one. This guide explains what they mean and where they come from.

Discover Canada lists these values as defining Canadian society:

1. Equality of opportunity

Every Canadian should have the chance to succeed regardless of background. This shows up in publicly funded education, public health care, and laws against discrimination in employment and housing.

2. Freedom of speech and religion

Canadians can say what they think and worship how they choose, within reasonable limits. Both are protected as fundamental freedoms in Section 2 of the Charter.

3. The rule of law

No person, no government, no King is above the law. All government action must be authorised by law. Laws apply equally to everyone. The rule of law is one of the most commonly tested values.

4. Respect for human dignity

Every person is to be treated with respect. This underpins anti-discrimination law, the Charter equality section, and Canadian humanitarian commitments.

5. Respect for cultural differences

Canada was the first country in the world to adopt official multiculturalism (Multiculturalism Act, 1988). Canadians are expected to respect different cultures, religions, and languages.

6. The equality of men and women

Discover Canada explicitly says barbaric cultural practices — such as forced marriage, honour-based violence, and female genital cutting — are not accepted in Canada. Gender equality is a value Canadian law actively defends.

7. Peace, order, and good government

This phrase comes from the Constitution Act, 1867 (Section 91) — it is the federal government's overarching mandate. It contrasts with the U.S. focus on "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" and reflects a more communal, orderly view of society.

8. Commitment to democracy

Free elections, peaceful transfers of power, multiple parties, and an active civil society. Democracy is both a structure and a value.

Canadian values are rooted in:

• British constitutional tradition — rule of law, parliamentary democracy, common-law rights
• French legal tradition — used in Quebec and influencing federal law
• Indigenous traditions — increasingly recognised in modern Canadian law
• Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) — codified many of the values into enforceable rights
• Multiculturalism Act (1988) — formalised respect for cultural difference as government policy

Canadian values are tested in several ways:

• "Which of the following is a Canadian value?" (multiple choice)
• "What does the rule of law mean?"
• "Is multiculturalism a value Canadians share?"
• "Why is equality of men and women important in Canada?"

Understanding the values helps you answer not just direct questions but also broader ones about Canadian society.

Some examples of values in action:

• A Sikh man wears a turban while serving as RCMP officer (freedom of religion)
• A judge rules against the federal government in court (rule of law)
• A new immigrant becomes a Member of Parliament (equality of opportunity)
• A Catholic and a Muslim share a workplace prayer room (respect for cultural difference)
• A peaceful protest takes place on Parliament Hill (freedom of expression and peaceful assembly)

Canadian values are closely tied to the [responsibilities of citizenship](/blog/responsibilities-canadian-citizen-list). For example, the value of "rule of law" connects to the responsibility to obey the law. The value of "commitment to democracy" connects to the responsibility to vote.

Values questions are common and easy to lock in with practice. Try our [free Canadian citizenship practice test](/practice-test) to drill them. For the bigger picture of citizen rights and duties, see [Rights and Responsibilities of Canadian Citizens](/blog/rights-responsibilities-canadian-citizen).