Here are the answers to our quiz on key news topics, plus some additional background information.
1. What legendary Canadian singer-songwriter died last month?
Answer: c
Additional notes: He died at at age 82, having just released his 14th studio album in October. There were tributes to Cohen and his music all over the world and especially in his home city of Montreal.
2. Which country elected a new president in a contested run off vote?
Answer: a
Additional notes: Rumen Radev from Bulgaria has garnered support from Bulgarians disheartened with EU membership and is Russia-friendly.
3. What city is the ‘child poverty capital’ of Canada?
Answer: d
Additional notes: 26.8% of children under the age of 17 live below the poverty line as outlined by the low income measure after tax. Quebec City has the lowest percentage at 9.6%.
4. What NHL coach was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Answer: a
Additional notes: Pat Quinn is among the top 10 NHL coaches with over 680 wins and was inducted into Hall of Fame posthumously.
5. Which city hosted the 104th Grey Cup game?
Answer: c
Additional notes: Calgary and Ottawa competed for the cup this year with Ottawa winning in overtime.
6. What is the Oxford word of the year for 2016?
Answer: b
Additional notes: Post-truth refers to instances where people rely less on facts and more on appeals to emotion and personal beliefs. The Brexit vote and the U.S. election are examples of this.
7. What energy source is the federal government eliminating?
Answer: a
Additional notes: The government has announced the phase-out of coal by 2030. Replacing coal with cleaner technologies will significantly contribute to the health of Canadians and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
8. Who has Trump nominated as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations?
Answer: c
Additional notes: Nikki Haley is governor of South Carolina. Ms. Haley sharply criticized Trump during his election campaign; however, Trump recently praised her for a track record of bringing people together. Jeff Sessions is the nominee for Attorney General. All cabinet nominees must be approved by the Senate.
9. What is the average wait time for a medical procedure in Canada according to the Fraser Institute?
Answer: b
Additional notes: The Fraser Institute found the average wait time to be 20 weeks, up from 18.3 in 2015. This is the highest it has been in 20 years.
10. What Canadian location did National Geographic name as one of the best destinations in the world to visit next year?
Answer: b
Additional notes: The National Geographic Traveller Magazine has put a photo on the cover of its Best of The World issue.
11. Which world leader died on November 25, 2016?
Answer: b
Additional notes: Castro was the longest-serving leader with the exception of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth. He was 90.
Click here to view questions.