Two members of the education department at the Royal Tyrrell Museum are poised to show the nation their Canadian knowledge on Test the Nation this Sunday night on CBC.
Megan McLaughlin and Kevin Flesher are to appear on the popular seasonal special on CBC called Test the Nation. Previously the show tested IQ, language use, trivia and even sports knowledge. This year the show is called Canada Eh? and it tested knowledge of Canada.
Flesher and McLaughlin were on a team that represented tour guides. Although they are sworn to secrecy, McLaughlin did venture one tidbit of information.
“The tour guides, I would say, had the most spirit and enthusiasm,” said McLaughlin, adding they would put together playful impromptu cheers that playfully skewered the competition.
The show is to be aired this Sunday, September 7, although they filmed the episode in March of this year.
“It’s funny because you think that it is live, but it was recorded months ago,” said Flesher. “And you get a chance to play at home, and answer the questions over the internet.”
The show pits six teams from across the country in a trivia competition; each led by a Canadian celebrity. This year the team of tour guides were up against a team made up of American Canadians, members of the Canadian Forces, new Canadians, Reach for the Top competitors, and weathercasters. Some of the celebrities included Ed Robertson of the band The Barenaked Ladies, figure skater Emanuel Sandhu, actor/comedian Tommy Chong, singer Jully Black, 80's french pop star and television host Mitsou and actress Kari Matchett.
There were about 30 members on each team. Team members included members from Vulcan, and even a girl who plays Anne of Green Gables in PEI.
According to Flesher, the network approached the museum. The two filled in paper interviews, and found out shortly after they were chosen; they were both flown out for the taping last spring. McLaughlin laughs, saying the two studied up on their trivia on the way.
“The last Canadian history I took was in high school,” McLaughlin said. “The questions were not too bad, they were multiple choice.” Both enjoyed the experience and the trip down east. McLaughlin was able to visit family.
“I really enjoyed Toronto, I liked it a lot more than I thought I would,” said Flesher. Seeing the production from behind the scenes impressed Flesher.
“It was pretty hard core, the number of people who were working on it. It gave me a few ideas for doing shows of my own,” said Flesher, who is involved in filmmaking as well as a band.
“I felt really pleased to be chosen, and I feel really honoured. I don’t think too many have a chance in their lives to be on the CBC, and on TV,” said McLaughlin, adding they were able to showcase the Royal Tyrrell Museum a little bit.”
Test the Nation, Canada Eh?, hosted by Wendy Mesley and Brent Bambury, airs Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m.