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Magna Carta (1215) and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, entrenched in the Constitution in 1982.

For example: mobility rights (live and work anywhere in Canada, enter and leave freely); Aboriginal peoples' rights; official language and minority language education rights; and the right to vote. Multiculturalism is also protected.

Freedom of conscience and religion; freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including speech and the press; freedom of peaceful assembly; and freedom of association.

Men and women are equal under the law. Canada does not tolerate spousal abuse, "honour killings", female genital mutilation, forced marriage or other gender-based violence, and these crimes are severely punished.

Getting a job, taking care of your family, and working hard in keeping with your abilities. Work contributes to personal dignity and self-respect, and to Canada's prosperity.

Aboriginal peoples, the French and the British.

A distinct people of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry, from French- and English-speaking backgrounds. Most live in the Prairie provinces, and they speak their own dialect, Michif.

"The people", in the Inuktitut language.

Ministers of the Crown must have the support of a majority of the elected representatives to govern. If the government loses a confidence vote in the assembly, it must resign.

A champion of democracy and French language rights who, in 1849, became the first head of a responsible government in Canada.

Unity: it linked the country from sea to sea and fulfilled a national dream. The last spike was driven on November 7, 1885.

The joining of the provinces to form a new country. On July 1, 1867, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick formed the Dominion of Canada.

Insulin treats diabetes and has saved about 16 million lives worldwide.

Canada's head of state is a hereditary Sovereign (King or Queen) who reigns in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law. The Sovereign is part of Parliament and is represented in Canada by the Governor General.

Executive, legislative and judicial.

The Sovereign (today the King) is head of state, a non-partisan symbol of Canadian sovereignty. The Prime Minister is head of government and actually directs the governing of the country.

The Victoria Cross, awarded for the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.

Go to the polling station on your voter information card with the card and proof of identity and address. Behind the screen, mark an "X" in the circle next to your chosen candidate, fold the ballot, and give it to the poll official, who tears off the number so you can put it in the ballot box.

Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years old on voting day and are on the voters' list. You can be added to the list at any time, including on election day.

No. Canadian law secures the secret ballot. No one, including family, your employer or your union, can insist that you tell them.

Ordinarily, the party with the most seats in the House of Commons. Its leader is invited by the Governor General to form the government and becomes Prime Minister.

It depends on where you live: look up your electoral district (riding) and your MP on the Elections Canada or House of Commons website.

Federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal (local).

The courts settle disputes. Laws are made by elected representatives and enforced by the police.

Yes. Almost all police forces have a process for raising concerns and seeking action.

For example: the maple leaf, the national flag, the beaver, the Crown, the Arms of Canada, the Parliament Buildings, or hockey.

Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

It depends where you live. The capitals are: St. John's, Charlottetown, Halifax, Fredericton, Québec City, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Victoria, Iqaluit, Yellowknife and Whitehorse.