2018 POLITICS: THE QUIZ
How well do you remember the highs and lows? Take our test and find out
How closely do you follow Alberta’s political scene? Whether it was developments on pipelines, trade disputes, byelections or protests, there was certainly a lot to keep track of in 2018. Here are some multiple-choice questions on the legislature’s highs and lows from the past year. Give yourself one point for each correct answer.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why did NDP backbencher Robyn Luff initially refuse to sit in the chamber during the fall session?
a. The Speaker’s office rejected her request for comfier seats.
b. She complained a noxious “sewer-rat” smell was wafting over from the opposition benches.
c. She was protesting “bullying ” tactics from her own party.
d. She was upset at not getting a position in cabinet.
2. Why did the UCP caucus refuse to debate or vote on Bill 9, legislation that made it illegal for protesters to come within 50 metres of abortion clinics? a. The caucus didn’t want to waste time on “divisive social issues.” b. There was worry UCP MLAs with anti-abortion views could get the party in trouble during a debate. c. There was worry that debating the bill could expose more socially conservative sentiments from party members. d. The caucus didn’t want to fall into a trap deliberately laid by the NDP.
3. Freedom Conservative Party Leader Derek Fildebrandt used a particular ice cream flavour to describe the UCP in July. What was the flavour?
a. Chunky Monkey
b. Vanilla
c. Rocky Road
d. Bubble gum
4. Outgoing independent MLA Richard Starke is considering writing a book once he leaves politics. What is the title he’s already picked out?
a. Jason Kenney Just Isn’t That Into You
b. New Democrats are From Mars, Progressive Conservatives are from Lloydminster
c. But That’s Just Stupid
d. Cat Spaying for Dummies
5. What object was UCP MLA Devin Dreeshen referring to when he said: “I think I might have actually given it away, to be honest … I don’t sleep with it.”
a. A prized childhood teddy bear
b. A signed Connor McDavid jersey
c. A “most improved player” trophy awarded by the legislature bowling league
d. A Make America Great Again ball cap 6. What did B.C.’s government do in early 2018 to prompt Premier Rachel Notley to accuse that province of creating “a mockery of our legal system?”
a. Capped the number of Alberta seniors allowed to retire in the Okanagan
b. Passed legislation spotting the Vancouver Canucks a two-goal lead each time the Flames and Oilers come to play
c. Moved to restrict increases in bitumen shipments from Alberta until more pipeline spill studies were conducted
d. Filed an application with the federal court to annex Banff and Jasper national parks
7. If elected premier next year, what does Jason Kenney propose to do with a swath of undeveloped Crown land in northwest Alberta?
a. Sell it off for agricultural use
b. Designate it as Stephen Harper Provincial Park
c. Build a giant Toryland amusement park featuring Capitalist Catapult, The House of Liberal Horrors and a roller-coaster that mimics the ups and downs of the oil sector
d. Develop a nuclear power plant to reduce Alberta’s dependence on fossil fuels
8. Under new legislation passed this fall, Alberta medical professionals who sexually abuse their patients will face a ban of what length from their profession?
a. Five years
b. Lifetime ban
c. One year
d. A ban equal to any jail sentence imposed by the court
9. What is Shaping Alberta’s Future? a. A political action committee that has been running ads attacking the NDP
b. A report detailing how the province should modernize its economy
c. A new party calling for the legislature to be moved to Balzac
d. A Facebook group of modern artists who are expressing their political views through sculpture, pottery and yoga
10. Why did the UCP start a petition to protest the awarding of an honorary University of Alberta degree to David Suzuki?
a. They disagreed with the university honouring someone who has demonized the province’s oil industry
b. They used the petition as a tool to improve party data and build up a list of potential donors and members
c. They felt it was unfair to give Suzuki a degree before giving one to Justin Bieber
d. Honorary degrees are a waste of money that would be better spent paying down Alberta’s debt
11. A Medicine Hat bakery hoped to send a message by delivering something to UCP MLA Drew Barnes in May. What was it?
a. Mincemeat pie
b. Hot cross buns
c. Half-baked loaves of sourdough
d. Rainbow sprinkled doughnuts
12. What has Rachel Notley proposed to buy 7,000 of next year?
a. Shares in the Trans Mountain pipeline
b. Grams of cannabis
c. Rail cars to transport Alberta oil
d. Bottles of B.C. wine