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

 

1. The CRTC has convened a five-member panel to create new rules for the TV industry. The most contentious issues with Canadians is:

Answer: a

Additional notes: Canadians want a pick-and-pay system where they can pick the channels they want and do not have to buy a bundle with channels they do not want. The industry argues that this might increase costs for consumers and would put some specialty channels in jeopardy because not enough people would be willing to pay for them.

2. NATO has asked all its member countries to increase its defence spending to:

Answer: c

Additional notes: Canada is among the NATO members that do not currently spend 2% of their GDP on defence. NATO has asked for this increase to help protect member countries.

3. On September 18th, 2014, which country held a vote of its citizens for independence from its parent country?

Answer: b

4. Which Canadian astronaut will likely go to space before 2020?

Answer: c

Additional notes: Jeremy Hansen is hoping to go to the space station in 2019. NASA has indicated that all flights are booked until the end of 2016. Currently Jeremy is participating in NEEMA (NASA Extreme Environment Missions Operations).

5. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and United Arab Emirates have joined a coalition with the United States, Canada and other western countries for what purpose?

Answer: c

Additional notes: The militant terrorist group calling itself Islamic State is the target of this U.S.-led coalition.

6. On September 22, 2014 the United Nations hosted a landmark summit with 120 global leaders to discuss:

Answer: a

Additional notes: The goal of the summit was to gain a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the average global temperature increase to 2% of pre-industrial temperatures.

7. The Centre for Disease control estimates that 1.4 million people could contract this virus by January, 2016. 

Answer: b

Additional notes: The Ebola virus is currently infecting nearly 6,000 people in West Africa by official count but others estimate that 2.5 times that number are currently infected. The disease is transferred through human body fluids and has a 90% death rate.

8. People around the world have been taking the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise money and awareness for what disease?

Answer: d

Additional notes: ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, has raised millions of dollars for research. The Ice Bucket Challenge has gone viral using social media, and continues to grow and raise awareness.

9. Name the two top Canadian tennis players who represented Canada in a number of international tournaments in 2014.

Answer: a

Additional notes: Eugenie Bouchard and Milos Raonic have captured the hearts of Canadians with their outstanding performances at international tennis tournaments this year.

10. What international sporting event is being hosted in Canada in 2015?

Answer: b

Additional notes: The Pan Am Games are taking place in Toronto, Ontario, July 10 -26 2015.

11. What new Canadian museum opened on September 20, 2014?

Answer: d

Additional notes: The Canadian Museum of Human Rights opened in Winnipeg.

Click here to view questions.