So you want to become a Canadian citizen, eh?

So the Conservative government unveiled a new citizenship study guide earlier this month. The study guide is a invaluable document to immigrants to Canada who wish to become Canadian citizens. The information in the guide helps them to prepare for their 20-question citizenship test which they can take after they've lived in Canada for three years. If they pass the test and meet certain language requirements, they can then become Timbit-loving citizens like the rest of us. (Don't worry, if you were born in Canada you're most likely a Canadian citizen by default. And besides, if you're a university student, a 20-question multiple choice exam would be much too easy trekking for you ...three hour finals with four essay questions are much more rewarding!)
The new guide places additional emphasis on Canada's connection to the Crown (hence the cartoon) and our military history. In my opinion, it's mostly quite alright. But in the arts and culture section three filmmakers are named as extraordinary Canucks, but no musicians, actors, or authors. That means no Joni Mitchell, Jim Carrey, Maggie Atwood, or CELINE DION - SACRE BLEU!
I'm also hot and cold on the added emphasis on the military and the Crown. Certainly the battles of our veterans ought to be recognized, but I don't think we want to portray ourselves as a military nation. And is the Crown connection in there to ensure new Canadians don't join the crescendo of calls for abandonment?
My main interview source for this story was Ramesh Sivaenanam, a student who grew up in Sri Lanka and India. His excitement at living in Canada and eventually becoming a citizen was genuine and refreshing. Very often we take for granted living in the Great White North, but we ought not. Being able to vote and think freely are not realities for everyone.
I think the argument proposed by Jessica Brown in the article that every Canadian should have to take the test is legitimate. I'm not sure mine or Doug McKenzie's passing or failing should determine our citizenship, but if a hoser fails, there should be some punishment. Take away his beer...that would set him straight.
The updated guide is here. Peruse it at your leisure and take the practice test too. If you fail go to the library and sign out all the Will Ferguson books you can. Thank me later.