Here are the answers to our December quiz on key news topics, plus some additional background information.

1. Amazon announced the location of its new Headquarters 2. Where will it be?

Answer: d

Additional notes: Toronto was the only Canadian finalist city. However, Amazon decided to split its location and will build two sites that will employ up to 50,000 people.

2. Who won the Giller Prize for literature?

Answer: a

Additional notes: The Giller Prize is awarded annually by Scotiabank.

3. The federal government introduced legislation to have which workers back on the job?

Answer: b

Additional notes: The postal workers had undertaken a six-week rotating strike when the federal government introduced back-to-work legislation. The workers were after better pay, job security, and rules to reduce workplace injuries.

4. The federal economic paper 2018 had benefits for business. What are the benefits?

Answer: d

Additional notes: The fall economic statement contained some much-needed relief for independent businesses.

5. Which auto company announce it is closing its award-winning Canadian plant as well as several plants in the United States?

Answer: c

Additional notes: GM announced it will end production at five North American facilities, which will lay off about 14,000 workers, including 2500 in Oshawa, Ontario

6. What is InSight lander?

Answer: b

Additional notes: The InSight lander landed on Mars after several months’ journey. Once landed, the spacecraft sent back a photo of its new digs.

7. Who is Stephen Hillenburg?

Answer: b

Additional notes: He died at age 57 from ALS. He used his love of drawing and his love of marine biology to spawn the absurd undersea world of SpongeBob SquarePants.

8. According to research conducted by the BabyCenter, what were the top names for new born boys and girls for 2018?

Answer: d

Additional notes: Jackson has topped the list for six years while Sophia has been on top for nine years.

9. Who is Caitlin Miron?

Answer: c

Additional notes: Caitlin is a PhD candidate at Queen’s University, where she has identified a compound that could be effective in targeting cancer cells and preventing their growth. She received the Mitacs award for outstanding innovation.

10. The new $10 bill features human rights activist Viola Desmond on the front. What appears on the other side?

Answer: b

Additional notes:  In addition to the outside of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, the back of the bill also contains an excerpt from the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and an eagle’s feather, representing the ongoing struggle for recognition of the rights of Canada’s indigenous people. This reflects the museum’s purpose: to enhance the public’s understanding of human rights, to promote respect for others and to encourage reflection and dialogue.

11. Canada’s unemployment hit an all-time low this month. What is it?

Answer: a

Additional notes: Canada added a record number of jobs in November, creating 94,100 full-time jobs, way above the anticipated rise of 11,000. It is the largest jump on record.

12. What is the purpose of the commemoration on December 6 each year?

Answer: a

Additional notes: Each year we remember the 14 women who were senselessly murdered on this day. It reminds us that there is more to do in the fight against gender violence.

13. Who is David Saint-Jacques?

Answer: b

Additional notes: In 2009 David was named  one of Canada’s newest astronauts and has been in training ever since. He finally got his chance to take part in a 6-month mission to the space station. He is the 9th Canadian astronaut in space, participating in the 17th Canadian space mission.

Click here to view the questions.