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Ottawa, October 22, 2012 — Grade 10 students brought Citizenship Week 2012 to a close this morning by beating two CBC journalists in an interactive game show quiz that pitted their knowledge of Canadian citizenship and history against the knowledge of two well-known Parliamentary Press Gallery members.
The event, hosted by the Historica-Dominion Institute, challenged CBC Inside Politics journalists Kady O’Malley and Laura Payton to match wits with students from Immaculata High School at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney played the role of Alex Trebek, grilling journalists and students with a series of questions based on Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Canadian Citizenship, the study guide for those preparing to meet the knowledge requirement to obtain Canadian citizenship. Discover Canada highlights important events of Canadian history, such as the War of 1812, and explains key Canadian symbols and institutions and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The questions during the Challenge also featured clips from the Historica-Dominion Institute’s renowned Heritage Minute series, including the new Minute released last week.
“Discover Canada is an excellent source for both newcomers and established Canadians to find out more about our history and the pioneers that helped to build this great country,” said Minister Kenney. “It is heart-warming to see the young people at this event so engaged and eager to learn about our country’s history.”
“The Canadian Citizenship Challenge is a fun and interactive way to help strengthen students’ understanding of the rights and responsibilities essential to active citizenship,” said Anthony Wilson-Smith, President of the Historica-Dominion Institute. “I am thrilled to be taking part in this unique event, celebrating the Challenge and showcasing the importance of youth civic engagement.”
During his opening remarks, Minister Kenney also announced the launch of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s School Twinning Pilot Project, an initiative to engage teachers and challenge students in joint multiculturalism and civic participation school projects. The objective is to foster in students a better appreciation and understanding of their role as citizens of our diverse country.
Interested schools will apply to be virtually “twinned” with another Canadian institution to develop and implement a civic engagement project on specific themes. Participating schools will be eligible to receive a reimbursement of up to $500 in expenses and to host a guest speaker provided by the Historica-Dominion Institute’s Passages to Canada Speakers’ Bureau.
The Historica-Dominion Institute is the largest charitable organization dedicated to Canadian history, identity and citizenship. Its mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada. Visit www.historica-dominion.ca.
Questions from the Historica-Dominion Institute Citizenship Challenge “Are You Smarter Than a 10th Grader”
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Photo of Minister Kenney available at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/photos/high-res/index.asp.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexis Pavlich
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Davida Aronovitch
Communications Manager
Historica-Dominion Institute
416-506-1553
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
