Notable Women from Manitoba Trivia Quiz

Answer: Margaret Laurence

Margaret Wemyss Laurence was born on July 18, 1926, in Neepawa, Manitoba, a small prairie town that would later inspire much of her fiction. After studying English at United College in Winnipeg (now the University of Winnipeg), she worked as a journalist before marrying civil engineer Jack Laurence and living in Africa for several years. Her time in Ghana deeply influenced her early writing, including her first published works of fiction. Upon returning to Canada, Laurence began writing the novels that would establish her as one of the country's most important literary voices.

Laurence is best known for "The Stone Angel" (1964), "A Jest of God" (1966), and the other works of her "Manawaka" series, which explored themes of identity, feminism, aging, and life in small-town Canada. Her writing brought international recognition to Canadian literature and helped open doors for later generations of writers, particularly women. In addition to her literary achievements, Laurence was a strong advocate for free expression and mental health awareness. She received numerous honours during her lifetime, including the Order of Canada, and her legacy remains central to Canadian education and culture.

Answer: Lila Bell Acheson Wallace

Lila Bell Acheson was born on December 25, 1889, in Virden, Manitoba. After moving to the United States as a young adult, she studied literature and began working in magazine publishing. In 1922, she co‑founded "Reader's Digest" with her husband, DeWitt Wallace, helping shape both its editorial vision and its early success. The magazine's concise articles and accessible writing style quickly gained a wide international readership.

Wallace played a major behind-the-scenes role in building "Reader's Digest" into one of the most widely read magazines in the world. Beyond publishing, she became a significant philanthropist, especially in the arts. She supported major cultural institutions, including the Lincoln Center in New York City, and helped fund hospitals, libraries, and educational programs.

Answer: Allison Danger

Cathy Allison Corino - AKA Allison Danger - was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and developed an interest in professional wrestling at a young age. She began her training in Canada before quickly establishing herself on the independent wrestling circuit in the early 2000s. Wrestling primarily under the ring name Allison Danger, she competed for several major promotions, including Ring of Honor (ROH), where she became known for her technical skill, toughness, and leadership in the ring.

Beyond her in-ring career, Danger made an even greater impact as a trainer and mentor. She played a key role in training and developing future stars such as Beth Phoenix and helped expand opportunities for women in professional wrestling at a time when the sport offered limited roles for female athletes. After retiring from active competition, she continued working behind the scenes as a trainer, coach, and talent evaluator.

Answer: Clara Hughes

Clara Hughes was born on September 27, 1972, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She began her athletic career as a competitive cyclist, representing Canada at the 1996 Summer Olympics. After switching to speed skating, she achieved international success on the winter stage, winning multiple medals across four Olympic Games. Hughes became the first athlete ever to win multiple medals at both the Summer and Winter Olympics.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Hughes has become one of Canada's most prominent mental health advocates. Drawing on her own experiences, she has spoken openly about mental illness and the importance of removing stigma around mental health care. Through initiatives such as Bell Let's Talk and Clara's Big Ride, she has reached communities across the country. Her combination of athletic excellence and social advocacy has earned her many honours, including induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.

Answer: Chantal Kreviazuk

Chantal Kreviazuk was born on May 18, 1974, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Raised in a musical household, she trained as a classical pianist before shifting toward songwriting and contemporary music. She first gained national attention after appearing on a Canadian talent competition, which helped launch her recording career in the mid-1990s. Her debut album showcased her distinctive voice and emotional songwriting.

Kreviazuk went on to achieve international success with multiple hit songs and albums, earning Juno Awards and performing around the world. In addition to her solo work, she has written music for other major artists and film soundtracks. Outside of music, she has been active in humanitarian work, supporting initiatives related to global health and women's rights.

Answer: Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin was born on July 24, 1982, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, before moving with her family to New Zealand as a child. She made an extraordinary film debut at the age of eleven, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Piano" (1993). This early achievement immediately placed her among the most promising young actors of her generation.

Paquin successfully transitioned into adult roles, starring in major film series such as the "X‑Men" franchise (beginning in 2006) and leading the television series "True Blood" (2008-14). Over her career, she has been recognized for her range and professionalism across film, television, and theatre. Proud of her Canadian roots, Paquin remains one of Manitoba's most internationally recognized performers.

Answer: Frances Gertrude McGill

Frances Gertrude McGill was born in 1882 in Manitoba and trained as a medical doctor at a time when few women entered the profession. She later specialized in forensic pathology, becoming one of Canada's first experts in scientific crime investigation. McGill worked closely with law enforcement, applying medical science to solve suspicious deaths and criminal cases.

Often referred to as the inspiration for the fictional character Dr. Kay Scarpetta, McGill played a crucial role in modernizing Canadian forensic medicine. Her work improved investigative standards and helped establish forensic pathology as a respected scientific discipline. At a time when women faced significant barriers in medicine, McGill's career was groundbreaking and highly influential.

Answer: Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones was born on July 7, 1974, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and began curling at a young age. She rose quickly through junior and provincial competitions, eventually becoming one of the most successful skips in Canadian curling history. Known for her strategic skill and consistency, Jones led her teams to numerous Scotties Tournament of Hearts victories and world championships.

Her crowning achievement came at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where she skipped Team Canada to an undefeated gold‑medal performance. Beyond competition, Jones has helped grow the sport through mentorship, media work, and leadership roles within curling organizations. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female curlers of all time.

Answer: Nia Vardalos

Nia Vardalos was born on September 24, 1962, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, before later moving to the United States to pursue acting. After years of working in theatre and comedy, she wrote and starred in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002), a low‑budget independent film that became an international box office success. The film earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Vardalos continued her career as an actor and writer in film, television, and theatre, often drawing on personal and cultural experiences in her work. She has also been active in charitable causes, particularly those related to adoption and children's welfare.

Answer: Diana Swain

Diana Swain was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and began her journalism career in radio before joining CBC (television) News. Over the years, she became one of Canada's most respected political and investigative reporters, covering major national stories and elections. Known for her clear reporting style and thoughtful interviews, Swain earned widespread trust from audiences.

She later served as host of "The National" and as CBC's chief political correspondent, helping shape how Canadians received and understood the news. Her work has been recognized with multiple journalism awards, reflecting her commitment to accuracy, fairness, and public service.