With a 34-13 win over the Ottawa Redblacks Friday night the Montreal Alouettes demonstrated exactly why they are the best in the East.

The Alouettes (7-1) were solid from start to finish, while Ottawa dropped to 0-7 for its worst-ever start to a season.

Davis Alexander had an impressive outing going 22-for-30 for 420 yards and three touchdowns.

Jake Maier had a decent outing finishing 34-for 41 for 311 yards and one interception but it’s tough to compete when you’re unable to convert in the red zone. Ottawa was 1-for-5 while Montreal went 4-for-4.

The Redblacks trailed right off the opening drive and never managed to close the gap.

The Alouettes scored on their first two possessions, Alexander connected with Cole Spieker on a six-yard pass and on their second drive needed just four plays to get down field before Travis Theis ran in a three-yard touchdown.

Ottawa managed to get in the red zone on its opening drive but settled for a 13-yard field goal.

The Redblacks caught a break late in the first quarter while driving downfield when a Grade 2 roughing-the-passer penalty against Najee Murray moved the ball to the Montreal one-yard line. Ottawa was stopped on its first attempt, but Daniel Adeboboye punched it in on the opening play of the second quarter to cut the Alouettes’ lead to 14-10.

 

The Alouettes extended their lead early in the second quarter. Alexander hit Spieker deep in the Ottawa end zone for an 11-yard touchdown pass making it 21-10. Alexander appeared poised to pick up his third touchdown of the night but a Montreal holding penalty negated the play and the Alouettes settled for a 35-yard field goal.

Ottawa made it back to the red zone late in the second quarter but was once again forced to settle for a 14-yard field goal and trailed 24-13 at the half.

Looking to find a way to get back in the game, Ottawa gambled on third and three early in the second half and it paid off when Justin Hardy was able to get the Redblacks to Montreal’s two-yard line. But Maier was then sacked and lost three yards, couldn’t connect on the second down and Ottawa gambled again on third and five, but wasn’t so lucky with Maier getting picked off by Joshua Archibald.

Montreal made it 31-13 when Tyler Snead pulled in a pass and ran in a 19-yard touchdown late in the third quarter and Jose Maltos Diaz rounded out the scoring with a 42-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT

Alouettes: Host the Edmonton Elks on Saturday, Aug. 8.

Redblacks: Visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday, Aug. 7.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Work is now underway to implement a new overarching plan to improve safety and well-being in Calgary, as some on city council raise concerns over the potential costs.

The plan, entitled Safer Together, aims to address safety in public spaces, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty and social isolation.

It outlines five priorities including communities where everyone belongs, enhanced safety where people live, work and play, building supports for well-being, meeting housing needs and fostering financial security.

Although city council approved the framework in May, an update on how it would be implemented and the plan’s potential costs were presented to councillors this week.

“The pursuit of community safety and individual safety is a multi-dimensional pursuit,” Katie Black, the City of Calgary’s general manager of community services, told council. “No one initiative is going to deliver the outcomes that you and we all are looking for.”

The action plan presented to council includes 15 initiatives city officials hope to move forward with over the next four years, including design and maintenance improvements for infrastructure in public spaces, a strengthening of the availability and coordination of supports for individuals experiencing homelessness, and a boost to access and promotion of free and low-cost supports and services.

According to city administration, Safer Together draws from existing initiatives like the Safety Hubs, which coordinate resources from the Calgary Police Service, bylaw and transit peace officers, as well as social sector teams.

“You don’t just send police in to bust up an encampment because they’ll be right back there a week later; you need to have wraparound supports to make sure everyone in those situations are getting the supports they need,” Ward 4 Coun. DJ Kelly told reporters Wednesday.

“I’m really glad the city is looking at this in a holistic way to make sure we can actually make some movement against this rather than simply the revolving door that we’ve had previously.”

The plan’s implementation comes with a cost over the next four years, in which city council will need to decide between three options during November’s budget deliberations.

The first option is a full investment which would total $38 million per year, administration said, allowing for greater enforcement capacity, easier access to programs and earlier support.

A partial investment of $28 million annually is the second option, which city officials said would result in reduced outcomes, and would mean seven less peace officers in parks and public spaces, smaller investments in downtown and transit improvements, garbage cleanup in business zones, and community programs.

The third option of $23 million would put outcomes at risk, city administration said, and would mean no investment in downtown or transit safety improvements, and the city couldn’t hire 14 security guards for parks and public spaces.

The proposed budget request reflects 34 investments across 12 city departents for the four-year budget cycle, council heard.

Ward 2 Coun. Jennifer Wyness said she isn’t convinced the plan will work and argued the issue isn’t municipal jurisdiction.

“When we sit here and debate all day long, talking about how this is going to stop the crisis and this is going to help our community, it will only stop when the federal and provincial governments pull their heads out of their butt and actually work with us,” Wyness told council.

“The blank cheques don’t work, this plan won’t work.”

According to city administration, the goal is to have increased access to supports and services, improved safety and perceptions of safety, and stronger incident response by 2030.

“People in Calgary can expect better connections to supports, more coordinated safety services and stronger community wellbeing as the plan is implemented over time,” a city spokesperson said in a statement.

“Building on work already underway across Calgary, Safer Together aims to create a city where people feel safe, connected, supported and that they belong.”

City council will receive its first progress update on the implementation of the plan next spring, but will hear results of engagement with the Calgary Police Commission on the framework in early 2027.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Watch the full broadcast of Global National with Dawna Friesen for Friday, July 31, 2026.

View more Global National videos here

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

On Dec. 17, 2025, an explosion rocked the arena at the small southern Alberta town of Taber.

A spark ignited a propane leak in the Zamboni room, destroying walls and launching the exterior Zamboni door across the parking lot.

“Dec. 17 was a difficult day for all around our community and the area,” said Andrew Prokop, Taber mayor.

Nobody was injured, but the explosion caused significant damage to the building, which is the only ice rink in the community and also houses the curling centre.

“Originally, we were quoted a $10.8 million repair cost. Most of that would have been covered by insurance, but $4.3 million was not covered,” said town CAO Derrin Thibault.

He says it was a long road to get to a point where they could finally welcome back skaters, which they did on Friday.

“It feels like 40-50 pounds off my back. This was an aggressive target to meet and we were able to meet it.”

It was all smiles in the arena when the ribbon was cut, cake was served and skaters tested the ice — all made possible by the town winning Kraft Hockeyville 2026.

“We’re thrilled we were able to win that and the $300,000 all total that will go a long ways to the repair and bills required for the rebuild,” said Prokop.

Despite having already spent a substantial amount of money to get to this point, the work is far from done.

“We haven’t made any final decisions on the small ice (rink) but we will definitely be getting the curling rink ice up and running, ideally as close to the season opener as possible,” said Prokop.

Overall, the experience from explosion to Hockeyville to first skates back on the ice have shown the entirety of southern Alberta will band together when needed.

“Credit to minor hockey — they didn’t lose any games. They managed to fit their games in elsewhere, very grateful to the municipalities that had ice available to us.”

As part of the celebrations on Friday, Taber also inducted two new members onto its wall of honour. Gerry Beckie and Joe Orban.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

A WestJet flight from Saskatoon arrived at Kelowna International Airport Friday morning, but some passengers are wondering whether their return trips could be affected by a looming flight attendants’ strike.

“I hope it doesn’t go on for too long,” said WestJet passenger Daniel Davies.

About 4,400 WestJet flight attendants are in a legal strike position as of 11:01 p.m. Saturday, raising concerns about possible travel disruptions over the long weekend.

Passengers arriving in Kelowna for vacations said they are keeping a close eye on the labour dispute.

“I’m concerned that I’m not going to get back home, obviously, but I’m going to re-route or take another airline,” said WestJet passenger Peter Veitch. “It is going to be difficult.”

Others are already re-booking flights to ensure they get to their destination.

“We’re flying WestJet today but on the second (of August) we were due to fly out back to Toronto  and we thought we’re not taking a chance with the strike, so we took Porter, ” said Lynda, who lives in Toronto.  “We canceled and went with Porter.”

The potential impact at Kelowna International Airport could be significant, considering the numerous flights operated by WestJet.

“We have 80 flights a day and the majority of those flights are on WestJet,” said Phillip Elchitz, the airport’s acting CEO.

The airport says the majority of its roughly 80 daily arriving and departing flights are operated by WestJet.

Elchitz is urging passengers to check their flight status before coming to the terminal.

“We understand there’s a lot of anxiety there. We’re going to do everything that we can to help the passengers that do come to the airport but it’s so important that they check to see if their flights are going, ”  Elchitz said. “If it’s not going, don’t come to the airport.”

WestJet has also begun preparing for a possible disruption by grounding some aircraft to avoid stranding additional passengers and planes.

In a statement Friday, the airline stated, “… negotiations have not resulted in an agreement and as a labour disruption approaches, WestJet must begin the difficult process of parking 737 aircraft.”

Eligible passengers with flights booked between now and Aug. 4 can make a one-time change or cancellation.

It remains unclear what options will be available for travellers booked beyond that date if a strike proceeds.

While many passengers are uncertain about their travel plans, some are trying to remain positive.

“It’s kind of nice to be stuck here actually, yeah, but I do have to go back to work,” Veitch said.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

An Edmonton businesswoman felt she had no choice but to re-book her flights with WestJet — a move that will cost her thousands of dollars extra.

Anneli Hilton is a long-time competitor in dog agility events and runs a training and agility business called See Spot Run Doggie Daycare & Training Inc.

Hilton, along with her dogs, are taking part in the 2026 Agility Association of Canada (AAC) National Dog Agility Championships in Brome, QC on Aug. 6.

Worried about her Aug. 5 flight from Edmonton to Ottawa — under the looming threat of WestJet job action by flight attendants — she contacted the Calgary-based airline.

Hilton said WestJet told her she would not be offered a refund, only a credit or a flight change.

After six hours on the phone, Hilton re-booked her flights to leave four days earlier over the long weekend — but that further complicated her situation.

“Extended hotel stay, that’s another $1,000-$1,500. Car rental is double the price. And there was no cars available because it’s the long weekend,” Hilton said.

The schedule change has resulted in thousands of dollars out of Hilton’s pocket.

But air passenger rights advocate Gabor Lukacs says re-booking is the wrong move.

He encourages travellers to wait for their flights to be cancelled by an airline, putting the re-booking onus on the company.

“If the airline doesn’t meet its legal obligation, then you have the ability to do the same things as this lady did, but then you can send the bill to WestJet and hold WestJet accountable,” Lukacs said.

Hilton is hopeful she’ll make it to the national championship, but not without stress and anxiety.

“I don’t have lots of money,” said Hilton.

“I can’t just throw another $1,500 at a flight.”

Global News reached out to WestJet, but as of publishing had not received a response.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

A northern Saskatchewan First Nation says the cancellation of a planned animal spay and neuter clinic could have consequences for both animal welfare and public safety.

The Canine Action Project (CAP) says it was planning to host a temporary veterinary clinic in Sturgeon Lake First Nation, located about a 40-minute drive northwest of Prince Albert, Sask., in mid-August, where it expected to help up to 150 animals.

But the charity says its application for a temporary clinic licence was denied by the province’s veterinary medical association, forcing it to cancel the clinic.

“We were advised that because they were within 150 km or two hours of existing veterinary practices, our application to do the on-site clinic was denied,” said Meagan Schmitz, co-executive director of CAP.

Schmitz says she was surprised to learn that CAP would not be able to proceed, having conducted over 20 clinics since 2012 and most recently hosting one at Sturgeon Lake First Nation in 2022.

“We just did one in Big River a few weeks ago in June that was approved and was successful,” said Schmitz in an interview with Global News.

“There has never been, in the history of 15 years of us doing on-site clinics, a distance That was not communicated to us prior at all.”

Schmitz says CAP appealed the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association’s (SVMA) decision on July 24, but that appeal was also denied.

Global News has reached out to the SVMA for comment, but has not received a response.

In the appeal, Schmitz says CAP submitted support letters from three nearby veterinary clinics, along with a letter from the chief of Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

For Sturgeon Lake First Nation, the loss of the temporary clinic is a major blow to band members, many of whom are unable to access veterinary services outside of the community.

“A lot of people don’t have access to their own vehicle. They don’t have gas funds to take their animal to these veterinary clinics,” said Anita Parenteau, Sturgeon Lake First Nation councillor, in an interview with Global News.

It’s also raising concerns for community safety, said Parenteau.

“It’s kind of scary; you see it on social media, dog attacks in other communities, and we’re trying to keep our community safe. That’s the biggest impact that’ll happen.”

Animal rescuers also worry the cancellation will add pressure to an already strained rescue system as unplanned litters continue to increase.

“We have an amazing group of foster homes. Don’t get me wrong, they are an amazing group of people, and they keep saying yes,” said Sandra Archibald, executive director of New Hope Dog Rescue in Saskatoon.

“But at what point does every home have as many dogs as they can hold?”

Schmitz shares similar concerns, saying the closest veterinary clinics to Sturgeon Lake First Nation are also at capacity.

“They said they did not have the capacity to absorb the caseload that we would have seen in a three-day weekend at this on-site clinic. So even though clinics are physically there, they don’t necessarily have the availability,” said Schmitz.

Following a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday about the clinic’s cancellation, Schmitz says the organization received an outpour of support from community members, something the charity was not expecting.

Above all, Schmitz says she wants to make sure services can reach communities that need them most.

“There are so many research studies out there now that have shown the barriers that the underserved in Indigenous communities face when trying to access veterinary care,” said Schmitz.

“That was something that we were trying to bridge the gap in by bringing service directly to the nation.”

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

A state-of-the-art piece of technology is changing the way kidneys make their way between donors and recipients.

The XVIVO Kidney Assist Transport was approved for use by Health Canada at the end of 2025 and University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton was the first centre to utilize the equipment.

“What’s unique about this new technology for us is it introduces oxygen into the circulation, which improves the outcomes of our patient’s kidneys after transplant,” said Dr. Max Levine, the surgical director of the U of A Hospital’s kidney transplant program.

“This is an evolution in the transplant technology that we’ve been using previously.”

Give Life Alberta says more than 300 people are waiting for a kidney transplant in Alberta. For Levine, he says it was important to capitalize on the evolving technology.

“With growing evidence behind it, we wanted to implement this for our patients so we jumped in head first.” he said.

The XVIVO transports kidneys from deceased donors and Levine says those organs have a higher risk of injury, and therefore a higher risk of failure in recipients.

“This technology helps reduce the amount of injury and actually helps them recover faster,” said Levine.

That looks to be the case for David Cliplef, a veterinarian who was diagnosed with kidney failure four years ago.

“I was diagnosed at about 14, 15 per cent kidney function, kind of went up and down a little bit,” Cliplef said. “Eventually it progressed to somewhere around seven per cent kidney function.”

Cliplef was on dialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant, before a kidney was found from an older, deceased donor. It was transported with the XVIVO and a minimally invasive was done using robots.

“Because of the technology and the advancements we’ve had in our program here, we were able to marry those two emerging technologies in transplant and he was able to benefit from those,” said Levine.

It has helped with a speedy recovery post-surgery. “I was up and walking within a few days and out of hospital at about seven, eight days,” Cliplef said.

“I got all the way up at one point to 60 per cent kidney function, which is technically normal. It’s fallen back a little bit, but I still have a lot more energy than I had when I was on dialysis.”

Only three months since his new kidney was transplanted, he’s returned to the vet’s office, working three days a week.

“It’s nice to feel better, to have more energy and be more optimistic about things going forward,” he said.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to mean endless supply lists and last-minute runs to the store. From organization tools and classroom must-haves to tech upgrades and creative supplies, these essentials can help make the transition back to school a little easier — and a lot more organized. Shop these school-approved finds from Apple, Owala, Bentgo and more.

 

Keep the classroom chaos under control with the Phomemo D30 Label Maker Machine, a compact tool teachers can use to label storage bins, student supplies, folders and classroom stations. Its Bluetooth design and inkless thermal printing make it easy to create custom labels right from a phone — no ink cartridges required.[/product_listing]

 

From pencil shavings to spilled snacks and classroom craft messes, the Black + Decker dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum is a handy cleanup tool for tackling desks, floors and hard-to-reach corners without pulling out a full-size vacuum. [/product_listing]

 

Stay organized with Sharpie Liquid Highlighters, featuring smooth chisel tips and a vibrant assortment of colours for highlighting notes, marking important information and adding colour to school projects. The visible ink supply also makes it easy to know when it’s time for a refill.[/product_listing]

 

Make sure students always have a pencil on hand with the Shuttle Art Wood-Cased #2 HB Pencil 180-pack. Pre-sharpened and ready to use, this bulk set is a classroom essential for writing, tests, homework, drawing and everyday schoolwork — with built-in erasers for quick corrections.[/product_listing]

 

Keep notes, reminders and ideas easy to spot with Post-it Super Sticky Notes. With twice the sticking power of standard sticky notes and bright colours that stand out, they’re perfect for students and teachers to mark important pages, organize assignments, brainstorm ideas and keep track of daily tasks.[/product_listing]

 

Take the guesswork out of geometry lessons with this 10-piece math set. This all-in-one kit gives students the tools they need to measure, draw angles and create precise designs, whether they’re working through math assignments, drafting projects or creative activities.[/product_listing]

 

For those looking for a portable back-to-school upgrade, the iPad mini (A17 Pro) is a handy choice for taking notes, studying and staying organized. Its compact size makes it easy to bring to class, while Apple Pencil support lets students write, sketch and tackle projects.[/product_listing]

 

This dry erase whiteboard is a handy little tool for students who like to keep their notes, reminders and to-do lists visible. Its compact size fits easily on a desk or in a small space, and it comes with a marker so you can start writing right away.[/product_listing]

 

Elmer’s Extra-Strength Glue Sticks are a back-to-school must-have for everything from class projects to everyday crafts. This three-pack dries quickly, goes on smoothly and is washable, making it an easy addition to any pencil case or supply list.[/product_listing]

 

This fun calculator has retro typewriter-style keys and a colourful design. With large buttons and an easy-to-read display, it makes tackling homework, math problems and everyday calculations a little more enjoyable.[/product_listing]

 

Help them stay organized with these fun and practical locker accessories. The U Brands Locker Accessories Kit includes a whiteboard, mirror, magnetic storage cup, dry erase marker, and magnets to create a personalized locker space.[/product_listing]

 

These dry erase marker set makes studying, brainstorming and organizing notes more colourful and creative. With a variety of bold shades and an easy-to-use chisel tip, these markers are perfect for whiteboards, calendars and classroom projects.[/product_listing]

 

With six pastel colours to choose from, these Oxford Spiral Notebooks make it easier to separate subjects, organize notes and keep schoolwork in order. The college-ruled pages provide plenty of space for everything from daily lessons to study notes and assignments.[/product_listing]

 

These heavy-duty plastic folders are a simple way to keep assignments, handouts and important papers from getting lost in a backpack. The 12-pack comes in assorted colours with two pockets for sorting documents and staying organized all school year.[/product_listing]

 

Lunch containers should be easy for little hands to open, and able to withstand a thrashing in your kid’s backpack. Kids and parents love these colourful bento boxes that keep crackers, veggie sticks, and other favourite foods organized (and separate!) for snack time, lunch time, and beyond.[/product_listing]

 

Keep students hydrated throughout the school day with the owala kids freesip insulated water bottle. Designed with a leakproof lid, built-in straw and double-wall insulation, it’s a great choice for backpacks, sports practices and classroom breaks.[/product_listing]

 

Keep all their supplies organized and easy to find with this spacious 3-compartment pencil case. Designed to hold pencils, pens, rulers, and other essentials, it comes in a variety of colours and patterns to suit different styles.[/product_listing]

 

Your little artist will love a fresh set of coloured pencils for all their upcoming creative projects. Safe, non-toxic and each pack includes 24 Crayola colours.[/product_listing]

 

From textbooks and notebooks to laptops and everyday essentials, this Jansport laptop backpack was built to keep students organized through busy school days. It features spacious compartments, padded laptop sleeve and ergonomic straps.[/product_listing]

 

it’s the #1 lunch box brand for a reason—carefully designed to fit your child’s appetite, this bento box from Bentgo Kids makes meal-time fun and mess-free. Portion sizes ideal for ages 3-7.[/product_listing]

 

If you’re looking to grab all the essentials in one go, the Amazon Basics Back to School Supplies Kit is for students who need a little bit of everything. The 44-piece set includes writing supplies, notebooks, folders, and other classroom must-haves, making back-to-school shopping quick and easy.[/product_listing]

 

 

Stock up the classroom craft corner with this 6-pack of all-purpose scissors. Featuring sharp stainless steel blades and comfortable handles designed for both right- and left-handed users, these versatile scissors are ready for everything from school projects and art activities to everyday cutting tasks.[/product_listing]

 

Perfect for art projects, classroom activities and creative afternoons, this watercolour paint set gives students a fun way to experiment with colour and painting techniques. Each individual set includes 16 watercolours and a brush.[/product_listing]

 

Small but mighty, this pencil sharpener is a back-to-school essential that helps students keep their pencils ready for notes, tests and creative projects. The built-in shavings container and secure screw-on lid make it easy to sharpen on the go without leaving a mess behind.[/product_listing]

You may also like:

Quartet Plastic Frame Magnetic Whiteboard – $9.99

Kipling Seoul 15-Inch Laptop Backpack – $143.27

Aesthetic Daily Planner – $12.99

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The B.C. government is facing another major setback from the courts.

The latest ruling finds sections of the Mental Health Act that allowed for “involuntary care” for people with severe mental health and substance issues are unconstitutional.

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities challenged B.C.’s approach to involuntary psychiatric treatment, arguing it violated charter rights.

The B.C. Supreme Court agreed, ruling the Mental Health Act gave hospital directors what it called blanket power to impose psychiatric treatment.

“Without first assessing do they have the capacity to discuss treatment? Do they have an opinion? Do they have experience?” Yvonne Peters with the Council of Canadians with Disabilities said.

Justice Lauren Blake said sections of the Mental Health Act “perpetuates the stereotype that individuals suffering from a mental disorder lack capacity.”

The lawsuit did not challenge involuntary admission.

The province can still intervene when someone is in crisis.

Lawyer Ravi Hira says what now has to change is what happens after admission and when treatment can be provided without consent.

“With evidence from medical practitioners, to be apprehended and put into a treatment facility,” Hira, K.C. with Hira Rowan LLP, said.

“We also have the ability to review that.”

This ruling comes as the Eby government expands involuntary care for people it says are stuck in a revolving door of hospitals, jails and the street.

“Certainly people need treatment,” Peters said.

“People need the help; we’re not suggesting anything’s wrong with that. But we want that system to be one that’s based on human rights.”

The ruling found that B.C. is the only province without key safeguards around consent and a patient’s capacity to make treatment decisions.

“We were a standalone in the way we’ve been handling mental health care in B.C., and it’s a failure in my opinion that David Eby has left it to wait for the Supreme Court to make these changes,” Elenore Sturko, the independent MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, said.

The case was filed nearly a decade ago and the province unsuccessfully tried to have it thrown out.

In a statement, the Attorney General’s office says it is reviewing the decision and will determine next steps once that review is complete.

The province now has six months to amend the law before the court ruling takes effect.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.