• been convicted of, or are you currently charged
with, on trial for, or party to a crime or offence,
or subject of any criminal proceedings in any
country?
Well, what's the crime you are charged with or convicted of (if u like to mention)? Will it appear in your police records?
• previously sought refugee status in Canada or
applied for a Canadian immigrant or permanent
resident visa or visitor or temporary resident
visa?
Have you actually done it before?
• been refused refugee status in, or an immigrant
or permanent resident visa or visitor or temporary
resident visa to, Canada or any other country
In my humble opinion, being truthful puts you in a much lower state of risk than not being truthful. If the answer for the above 3 questions is YES, then you should mark yes but give them a precise explanation for each point (the application has space and also you can attach extra sheets). Write it in a way to give them the idea that whatever happened was due to genuine reasons which are beyond your control.
On the other hand, if you declare NO for the above and eventually if the visa officers find out otherwise, then your application will be refused straightaway.