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

1. What meteor showers took place in October 2020?

Answer: d

Additional notes: The Orionids are a medium strength shower with activity from Oct 2-Nov. 7, 2020. The Southern Taurids are a long lasting shower rich in fireballs. Their period of activity for 2020 is September 10-November 20.  The Northern Taurids are similar to the Southern Taurids and are active October 20-December 10, 2020.

2. The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election resulted in many records that will be marked in history. What are they?

Answer: d

Additional notes: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were elected by a margin of about 5 million votes, the highest number ever. President Trump received 70 million votes, the highest number ever. Kamala Harris is the first woman and first multi-racial person to hold the office of Vice President. This is the 8th time in history when an incumbent did not win a second term.

3. Which book won the Giller Prize?

Answer: d

Additional notes: Souvankham Thammavongsa won for this short story collection.

4. Who won the Polaris Music Award?

Answer: c

Additional notes: Backxwash was awarded the 2020 Prize for her latest LP God has nothing to do with this leave him out of it.

5. What is a non-confidence vote in the House of Commons?

Answer: d

Additional notes: Prime Minister Trudeau survived a confidence vote in October by securing the backing of the NDP to avoid a snap election.

6. Which First Nations group has demanded the federal government stop plans to seize lobster traps?

Answer: a

Additional notes: The assembly is made up of Chiefs from each first nation group in Nova Scotia and is the highest level of decision-making in the negotiation process.

7. What is the word of the year according to Collins Dictionary?

Answer: b

Additional notes: Lockdown was declared word of the year because of its increased usage and the shared experience of billions of people.

8. What is/are the goals of the Government of Ontario’s Great Lakes strategy?

Answer: d

Additional notes: In addition to the three listed in a, b and c, the three additional goals are: Improve wetlands, beaches and coastal areas; protect habitats and species; and enhance understanding and adaptation.

9. Which Canadian retailer is closing all its stores after more than 60 years in business?

Answer: b

Additional notes: Le Chateau intends to remain open while it liquidates its 123 stores but the eventual closures will result in the loss of 1,400 jobs.

10. How many years since the last full moon occurred on Halloween?

Answer: c

Additional notes: 76 years, in addition to a full moon on Halloween 2020 it was also a Blue Moon, the second full moon in October.

11. The savings rate in Canada has increased during the pandemic. What is the current rate of savings?

Answer: d

Additional notes: The personal savings rate measures the amount of money households save in a year as a percentage of their income. The national savings rate has remained consistent at 7.71% since 1961, until 2020 when it increased during the pandemic.

12. How many immigrants is Canada planning to welcome in the next three years?

Answer: b

Additional notes: The goal is to welcome 1.2 million newcomers in the next three years.  If the goal is met, this will be a historic number of newcomers.  However, with many borders closed, an economic downturn and limited capacity to process applications, it may be difficult to reach the goal.

13. What TV game show host passed away November 8, 2020?

Answer: a

Additional notes: Alex Trebek was born in Sudbury, Ontario, and graduated from the University of Ottawa. He hosted Jeopardy for 36 years.  He was 80 years old.

Click here to view the questions.