Math, schmath. Canada’s Smartest Person isn’t determined by algebra skills — and IQ score doesn’t count for much, either.
The coveted title, rather, is given to someone whose smarts fall into the musical, physical, social, logical, visual and linguistic categories. Debuting Sunday on CBC, Season 3 of Canada’s Smartest Person, hosted by funnywoman Jessi Cruickshank, will see several new contestants fight for one of seven spots in the show’s finale. Viewers can play along at home on the show’s app, or online.
We helped prepare the first batch of hopefuls for battle with some warm-up questions:
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Canada’s Smartest Person contestant Rup Magon. [CBC]
Musician, Montreal
Which of the six categories does your intelligence fall into?
Being a recording artist, I’d normally be inclined to say musical. However, I think my intelligence would come from a blend of musical, social, and visual.
What made you want to do this?
My mother was a teacher and now is a PhD in Education. We’ve often had heated discussions regarding the education system. I’ve always asked questions like: Who created it? Why was it created? Who chose the subjects? Does it actually limit our intelligence? So when I got to know more about the show, I was pleasantly surprised to see a mainstream initiative about the same thoughts I had.
Why will you win?
My parents took the time out of their schedules to make me try all kinds of sports, instruments and subjects, which gives my intelligence range. Above all, though, I travelled with them. True education comes with travelling. I wish to do the same with my girls.
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Canada’s Smartest Person contestant Jonathan Gagnon. [CBC]
Engineer, Vancouver
Which of the six categories does your intelligence fall into?
Social smarts. I’ve always been a people person.
What made you want to do this?
I coach a baseball team and our first baseman, Jeff Sudnicki, proposed that I should apply. I have lots of confidence when it comes to intelligence because I have always been one of the smarter people in the room, but two years ago I suffered a brain injury that left me cognitively handicapped. Over the last few years, I’ve been working hard to get back to my old self and qualifying for this competition has been a sign of great progress.
Why will you win?
I actually don’t think that I will win (odds are, right?). But if I do, I can credit growing up in a family that was not able to afford the things that the kids around me had. It gave me a chip on my shoulder and made me hungry for success.
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Canada’s Smartest Person contestant Steve Norn. [CBC]
Insurance broker, Yellowknife
Which of the six categories does your intelligence fall into?
My strongest area would be in logical intelligence. However, I can do the remaining five areas of intelligence quite well.
What made you want to do this?
My family encouraged me to do this. I want to show my girls that it’s OK to put themselves out there and seize opportunities and not be afraid of failure.
Why will you win?
I will win because I can do a variety of things quite well. I am not a polymath by any means, but I feel I am a bit better than a “jack-of-trades” when it comes to what CSP is looking for.
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Canada’s Smartest Person contestant Vincent Law. []
Cancer researcher & fashion blogger, Calgary
Which of the six categories does your intelligence fall into?
I would have to say logical, linguistic, visual and social are my strongest intelligence, because often I use logic and linguistic for my scientific research and visual for my fashion and creative line of work. Social intelligence is also my strength.
What made you want to do this?
A few years ago, I had a serious brain infection that nearly killed me. When I recovered from that ordeal, I made a bucket list of things that I wish I could do in my lifetime — One of them was to be on a TV competition show. I am grateful that CBC gave me this opportunity and that they believe that I may be one of the smartest people in Canada.
Why will you win?
We all have different strengths and weaknesses. I will win is because my strengths will be highlighted and I will take advantage of that and shine.
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Canada’s Smartest Person contestant Susan Forgues. [CBC]
Retired military helicopter pilot, Orleans, Ont.
Which of the six categories does your intelligence fall into?
My top three are visual, linguistic and logical. My background as a helicopter pilot gives me an advantage in the visual and logical challenges and my university degree in anthropology and my masters in cognitive studies speak to my strengths in linguistics.
What made you want to do this?
I’m always interested in new experiences and I think both my educational and professional background make me uniquely suited to compete to be Canada’s Smartest Person. I also have two granddaughters and I want them to know that it’s great for girls to be smart!
Why will you win?
I believe that those who are smart are innovative, curious, critical thinkers. I have strengths in all three of these areas and will challenge my fellow CSP participants in all areas of intelligence.
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Canada’s Smartest Person contestant Stephanie Harvey. [CBC]
Pro gamer, Quebec City
Which of the six categories does your intelligence fall into?
I would say that the only category I am not decent at is linguistic. Although I am bilingual, I consider myself pretty average in both languages. Most likely logical and physical will be my strongest.
What made you want to do this?
I like to jump on new projects and test the water, left and right. I want a chance at proving that I am a world-class gamer, but also that I have some talent in a bunch of other fields.
Why will you win?
I’ll win because I am a well-rounded human being, I have always been interested in many fields and can perform well under pressure.
Canada’s Smartest Person Season 3 debuts Sunday, CBC
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
