Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Outreach/Christian Citizenship (Canada)

1. Describe the national, state or provincial, AY, Pathfinder, and Christian flags.

Canada: The Canadian Flag a red flag. It has a white square in the middle with a red maple leaf. Red and white are the official colours of Canada. They were chosen by King George V, the red to represent Saint George's Cross, and the white to represent the French royal emblem. These colours indicate the British and French settlement of Canada. The Maple Leaf indicates the nature and environment of Canada. There are ten species of maple trees native to Canada, and at least one of them grows in each province.

Pathfinder Flag: The Pathfinder flag is made from one of several materials, cotton bunting, rayon, or nylon. The flag is divided through the center both vertically and horizontally making four equal parts. The background colors are royal blue and white alternately sewed together with the upper left hand comer being royal blue. The Pathfinder emblem is centered in the heart of the background. The colors are descriptive of the purposes and ideals of Pathfindering. White means purity, blue means loyalty, red reminds us of the shed blood of Christ (sacrifice), and gold means excellence. The symbols also have meanings. The shield is the protection of God, the sword is his word, the Bible, and the triangle represents completeness. Completeness of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and completeness of the three parts of education (Mental, Physical, and Spiritual).

AY Flag: The background is red and white, red symbolizing the blood of Christ and white representing purity. In the center, there is a logo that has AY which means Adventist Youth and it has three angels meaning the 3 angels message.

Christian Flag: The "Christian Flag" is a white flag with a blue canton and a red cross in it. It was designed by Charles Overton in 1897 to represent Protestants of all denominations. The cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ.The colors on the flag, not surprisingly, match those on the American flag. White represents purity and peace, blue indicates fidelity, and red stands for Christ's blood sacrifice.

Current provincial flags

Flag of Alberta
Flag of British Columbia
Flag of Manitoba
Flag of New Brunswick
Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador
Flag of Nova Scotia
Flag of Ontario
Flag of Prince Edward Island
Flag of Quebec
Flag of Saskatchewan

Current territorial flags

Flag of Northwest Territories
Flag of Nunavut
Flag of Yukon

2. Know how to display the national flag with two other flags under the following situations: a. Camp out/camporee b. Fair c. Pathfinder Day program d. Parade

a. Camp out/camporee.

If your camp has three flag poles to fly flags from, the National flag should be at the centre. When facing the flags, the second-ranking flag should be on the left, and the third on the right. A common way to fly the flags at camporee is with the Canadian flag in the centre, the Provincial flag to the left, and the Pathfinder flag on the right. (Left and right from the point of view when facing the flag display)

When there are only two flag poles, the position of honour is furthest to the left, and the National flag should be flown there. This also applies if there are four or more flags flown.

The order of precedence for flags is:
1. The National Flag of Canada *
2. The flags of other sovereign nations in alphabetical order
3. The flags of the provinces of Canada
4. The flags of municipalities/cities
5. Banners of organizations

Her Majesty's Personal Canadian Flag, the standards of members of the Royal Family as well as the standard of the Governor General and the standard of the Lieutenant Governor (in his/her province of jurisdiction and when assuming the duties of the representative of The Queen) take precedence over the National Flag of Canada on the buildings where these dignitaries are in residence or where they are attending a function.

b. c. Fair / Pathfinder day program

When in an auditorium or place of worship, the flag should be placed to the left of the audience (right of the speaker) if placed on the stage or platform. If placed on the floor in front of the platform (called "in the body"), it should be to the right of the audience.
It can also be displayed against the wall behind the speaker. When hanging the flag against a wall, make sure it is right side up (leaf up - stem down). If hanging the flag vertically, the leaf should be to the left, and the stem to the right from the point of view of the audience.

d. When carried in a procession, (On Parade), The following guidelines should be followed.

Single File - the National Flag of Canada should always lead.
In a rank - it is best to have the Canadian flag on each end of the rank. If only one flag is available, it should be placed in the centre of a rank (if the rank has an odd number of people), or on the right hand end (if the rank has an even number of people).
Pole or Pike - the pole used to carry the flags should be 7 or 8 feet in length. (2.1 to 2.4m)

See the following link for more details and illustrations.
Canadian Government rules for flying the flag.

3. Demonstrate how to fold and salute your national flag. Mention when and how it should be displayed.

Folding

There is no official way to fold the Canadian flag, but there are two methods commonly used when the flag is lowered.

1: Prepare the flag for breaking.

Fold the flag two times lengthwise.
Fold it now 3/4 way from end to end. (fly end over hoist end)
Roll from the fold and tie with light cotton string, so the string can be broken to let the flag fly once hoisted.

2: Fold so that a portion of the colours and the maple leaf are visible.

Fold the flag two times lengthwise.
Fold it now from end to end. (fly end over hoist end)
Fold it a second time from end to end. (this time fly end goes under hoist end so part of the leaf remains visible)

The following sites have descriptions and diagrams.

Flag Protocol

There is no law in Canada that tells you about flag etiquette, but there are established traditions. These practices have been in use by the government and citizens of Canada for many years.

The National Flag of Canada should always be treated and displayed with dignity. It should be given precedence over all other national flags when flown in Canada. (Except certain times for Royal Family flags, or the representatives)
The flag should always be flown on its own mast. It is not proper to fly flags below each other on one flag pole. It is allowed to fly the Canadian flag at night, as well as day.
You should never:

use the flag as a cover for a table or seat. Or for hiding items behind, or as a separating barrier.
use the flag cover for a statue or plaque unveiling. (while not technically incorrect, this use is discouraged).
pin or sew something onto the Canadian flag.
sign or make markings on the flag.

When the flag is tattered and worn, it should be destroyed by burning it privately in a dignified way.

When the National Flag of Canada is raised or lowered, or when it is carried past in a parade or review, all present should face the flag, men should remove their hats, and all should remain silent. Those in uniform should salute.

4. Explain the meaning of and reason for the National Anthem, and recite the words from memory.

"O Canada" is the national anthem of Canada. The melody was composed by Calixa Lavallée in 1880, who was commissioned by the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, the Honourable Théodore Robitaille. He was asked to compose a melody to a poem written by Judge Adolphe-Basile Routhier.

The lyric "The True North strong and free" is based on a line from a poem by Alfred Tennyson. He describes Canada as "That True North whereof we lately heard". In his poem, "true" means "loyal" or "faithful".

"O Canada" was not officially proclaimed to be the national anthem of Canada until 1980. On July 1 (Canada Day) 1980 the Governor General, His Excellency the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, proclaimed the Act respecting the National Anthem of Canada.

Canada has two official languages, English and French. "O Canada" has official lyrics in each language.

O Canada - English: O Canada!; Our home and native land!; True patriot love in all thy sons command.; With glowing hearts we see thee rise,; The True North strong and free!; From far and wide, O Canada,; We stand on guard for thee.; God keep our land glorious and free!; O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.; O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada - French: Ô Canada!; Terre de nos aïeux,; Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!; Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,; Il sait porter la croix!; Ton histoire est une épopée; Des plus brillants exploits.; Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,; Protégera nos foyers et nos droits; Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

5. Give the rights and responsibilities of a citizen of your country.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a bill of rights, and part of the Constitution of Canada. It forms the first part of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Charter guarantees certain political and civil rights of people in Canada.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

List of freedoms:

freedom of conscience
freedom of religion
freedom of thought
freedom of belief
freedom of expression
freedom of the press
freedom of peaceful assembly
freedom of association.

List of rights:

Democratic rights: the right to vote and participate in government.
Mobility rights: the right to come and go from or within Canada, and to live wherever a person chooses.
Legal rights: rights of people in dealing with the justice system and law enforcement.
Equality rights: equal treatment before and under the law, and equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination.
Language rights: generally, the right to use either the English or French language in communications with Canada's federal government and certain provincial governments.
Minority language education rights: some rights to be educated in English or French even in minority situations.

Citizens are responsible for:

Serving on jury when reaching the age of majority, and if selected.
Obeying Canada's laws.
Respecting the rights and freedoms of others.
Helping others in the community.
Caring for and protecting the Canadian heritage and environment.
Eliminating discrimination and injustice.

6. Have an interview with a local, regional, or national official of your country, and learn about his/her duties.

It is generally easier to get a local official to agree to an interview, though it is often more exciting to interview a more prominent person. The interview can be accomplished during a club meeting, and multiple Pathfinders can ask questions. Invite your guest well ahead of time, and make sure everyone in the club is on time. A visit by an official would be a very good reason to have everyone in the club wear their class A uniforms. If desired, you can make up several questions ahead of time, writing them on index cards, and distributing them to the members of your club. But do not be so rigid as to not allow them to ask spontaneous questions. Having questions prepared ahead of time on index cards are a good way to get things rolling. Here are some suggested questions:

Could you describe a typical day at work?
What is the most difficult part of your job?
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
To whom do you report?
How did you get your position? Were you elected, appointed, or hired?
How should a young person prepare for a life of public service?

7. Write a one-page essay or give a two-minute oral report about a famous person in your country. Mention what he has done to gain his recognition.

This would be an excellent opportunity to present a worship during the opening exercises of a regular club meeting. Encourage your Pathfinder to choose a person they are personally interested in. If they cannot think of anyone themselves, have a list of suggested persons at hand and encourage them to choose from the list. Famous people might be historical figures, politicians, actors, sports stars, or anyone else. It would be preferable to choose a person who has been a positive influence on the country.

Although the requirement asks that you "mention what he has done to gain his recognition," this should not be interpreted as excluding women. Men are not the only famous people in a country.

Here are some names that may be considered.

8. Do one of the following

a. Make a list of ten famous quotations from leaders of your country.

Some Canadian quotes can be found on the WikiQuote article.

Canada Quotes

These lists of Canadian political leaders will help you find quotes.

b. Make a list of ten famous historic places in your country.

In Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, maintains a list of historic sites.

c. Make a list of ten famous historic events in your country.

A time line of Canadian events are found in the site below.

The 100 Great Events in Canadian History

9. Describe what you can do as a citizen to help your church and country.

The best way to help either your church or your country is by getting involved. Edmund Burke, an English philosopher summed this up when he said "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

In your church, this means that you will show up for services on a regular basis. It also means you will support it with your tithes and offering, show up for business meetings, and not wait to be asked before you volunteer your services. If you see something that needs done, do it. If you do not have the skill to do it, or you think that you need permission first, talk to your pastor, an elder, deacon, or deaconess. Find your ministry!

For your country, it is much the same. Show up for public meetings, stay informed about the issues of the day, vote if you are eligible, and pay your taxes fairly and promptly.

10. Go through the steps of an individual acquiring citizenship in the country and learn how this is done.

A person becomes a Citizen of Canada in one of four ways.

1. Is born in Canada.

2. Is born outside Canada, to Canadian parents.

3. Applies to become a Citizen of Canada. Applicants must meet a number of requirements.

must be a permanent resident (a person with permission to live and work in Canada with no end date)
must be 18 (under 18 must apply with their parents who are applying)
must have lived in Canada for 3 out of 4 years
must know about Canada (there is a test)
must know about the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship
must be of good character
must not be a war criminal
must be able to speak English or French well enough to communicate.

The final step to applying for a Canadian Citizenship is to attend a citizenship ceremony to recite and sign The Oath of Citizenship.

You can read the Oath of citizenship yourself.

4. Be adopted by Canadian parents. Since 2006 children adopted by Canadian citizens can apply for immediate citizenship.
For more details read the following pages.

The Government of Canada maintains a web site called Going to Canada with even more information.

11. Know how to explain the process of government in your country.

12. Explain the meaning of this statement Jesus made in Matthew 22:21: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's.

This verse teaches that governmental authority is to be respected, as long as it does not conflict with the moral obligations of being a Christian. Government serves a holy purpose; preserving social order, promoting the well-being of its citizens, and protecting their safety. If you believe that this does not apply today because you see the government as corrupt, you are urged to research the Roman government of the first century A.D. when these words were spoken by Jesus. Was Herod corrupt? Was Pilate just?