Which statement describes the Supreme Court of Canada as described in the material?

• A. It must hear every appeal that is filed.
• B. It re-hears all evidence on appeal.
• C. It only handles provincial matters.
• D. It is the highest appeals court in Canada and handles constitutional questions referred by the federal government.

Answer: (D)

The Supreme Court of Canada functions as the final court of appeal in the country and can rule on constitutional questions referred by the federal government. This makes it the highest appeals court with nationwide authority to interpret the Constitution. It’s not required to hear every appeal—its jurisdiction is discretionary, so only cases of significant legal or national importance reach the Court. It doesn’t re-hear evidence; appellate review focuses on the lower court records and legal arguments rather than introducing new evidence. It isn’t limited to provincial matters; its constitutional role and appellate reach extend across Canada, including matters referred for a constitutional ruling by the federal government.