How does a bill become law in Canada and what is a constitutional monarchy?
Ask your friends these questions on Canada Day and see what kind of answers you get.
Chances are you'll get an embarrassed laugh but for immigrants who want to become Canadian citizenship it's no laughing matter.
They must be able to answer these and dozens of other questions on geography, culture, politics and Canadian history in order to qualify for Canadian citizenship.
It's a daunting task but thanks to the Coquitlam Public Library and a partnership with the Immigrant Services Society, immigrants facing the citizenship test now have tutors to help them learn about their adopted country.
Library patrons and administrators have simplified and explained the Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship guide and are teaching it to would-be Canadians from all over the world.
"It's absolutely a joy to teach," said Silvana Harwood, CPL deputy director, who is working with ISS and volunteers John Perry, Greg Mitchell, Doug Rolling and J.J. McCulough to teach the course. Course participants have come from Eastern Europe, Asia, South America and the middle East and Harwood said she's learned as much as she's taught over the past several weeks.
Full participation
Julia Wang who recently completed the course is grateful for the effort that was put into explaining some of the more complicated concepts, such as how the Canadian government works.
Wang, a graphic designer, immigrated to Canada from Guangzhou, China with her husband and daughter, a student at Emily Carr, and quickly got involved in Tri-City life. She volunteers with her church, and the Tri-Cities Chinese Newspaper, but wanted to take the next step.
Becoming a Canadian is important, she said, because it will allow her to participate more fully in Canadian life. "I hope to be a blessing to my family, my church and my community," Wang said.
During the course, Wang learned about the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, the founding peoples of Canada and important historical milestones, such as the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the war of 1812, and the two world wars.
The culture of hockey
But the students also took time out to talk about other topics central to Canadian life, such as hockey and food.
Harwood said people from former Soviet Republic countries know a lot about hockey, but the winter sport was a mystery to others. Another popular topic, she said, is the weather.
As for why a library should get involved in teaching the citizenship guide, Harwood said what other institution is better suited for such a job. "It's a place of knowledge and compassion; it's a place for sharing. It's the perfect place for this kind of course."
The next session begins July 19. Participants are required to have an English Skill level of ELSA Level 3 or higher. To register, contact the ISS of BC Tri-Cities office 778-284-7026.
