The bad news: One more normal weekend and then it’s Labour Day. The good news: We’re getting more interesting stuff for New Music Friday.

Singles

1. Bryan Adams, The Ballad of Terry Fox (Coady./Platoon/Bad Records)

I believe that Terry Fox was not only a hero but also the greatest athlete in Canadian history because of his guts, courage, and physical grit displayed during the Marathon of Hope. Put him on our money, already. This song from Canadian patriot Bryan Adams will appear in Run Terry Run, a documentary that will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

2. Criminal Hero, Don’t You Wanna Go (Independent)

Indie rock born in Toronto, hammered into shape in Detroit, and now based in Vancouver. The key person is songwriter and guitarist Rick Harkness. SPIN calls this record, Walk Through the Fire, “a refreshing blast of pure Detroit-powered punk rock from Canada in the spirit of The Stooges and the MC5.” That got my attention.

3. Featurette, Castles (Division 11)

Looking for a little upbeat shoegaze? Toronto’s Featurette has you covered. Fun fact: This video was shot during a heatwave when temperatures hit 39C, not counting the humidity. The things you will do for your art. The band recently had a good run through the UK, so here’s hoping they can keep up the momentum.

4. Queens of the Stone Age, Easy Street (Matador)

The first couple of songs from the upcoming QotSA album have been on the mellow side. The latest has been called “a starry-eyed psych track” that “embraces imperfection rather than polish.” Perfecth (yes, that’s spelled correctly) will be available on October 30. Anticipation is running pretty high. Google around for some of the fun videos Josh Homme has put out over the last couple of weeks.

5. Amy Winehouse, Tears Dry – Alternative Demo (Island Records)

It’s been twenty years since Amy released the awesome Back to Black album, so that means it’s time for a special reissue. Among the extras is a never-before-released stripped-down version of Tears Dry On Their Own. The reissue will appear October 23 (four days short of its 20th anniversary) and will feature many more demos, rare B-sides, as well as a live performance captured in Amsterdam.

Albums

1. Mike D, Thank You (Capitol)

One of the two remaining Beastie Boys has broken his silence with his first-ever solo album. It was made with help from his sons Skyler and Davis who reported pushed Dad into new areas and to try new things. His backing band, 5D, features musicians his kids met on the LA music scene. A tour stars Sunday in Boston.

2. Dinosaur Jr., There Near (Jagjaguwar)

J Mascis has been leading Dino Jr. since 1984. This is the band’s 13th album and first since 2021. Expect more slacker rock with great hooks from J, Murph, and Lou Barlow on songs that were recording largely in J’s basement. This will take you back to the 90s.

3. Everlast, Embers to Ashes (Martyrs Inc/Thirty Tigers)

It’s been a minute since the House of Pain man released a new record. Eight years, in fact. What we’ve got are 17 tracks of American roots rock made in Nashville filtered through his perspective and experience. That includes a divorce, the pandemic, and losing his house in the LA wildfires of 2018.

4. Interpol, This Mirror Weighs a Ton (Partisan)

The sharp-dressed members of Interpol have delivered a sharply good eighth album. It’s elegant (as you would expect) but things aren’t all that rosy lyric-wise (as you’d also expect). They remain one of the best examples of the NYC indie-rock revival of the early 00’s. Intersting stat: Half of the band’s 2.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify are under the age of 35. Their sense of doom resonates across generations.

5. The Linda Lindas, GOTTA GET OUT (Reprise)

The LA moppets (no one in the band legally allowed to buy alcohol yet) are already up to their third album, this one produced by the father of two of the bandmembers. Hayley Mills of Paramore is such a fan that she makes a guest appearance on the record. This single rocks really hard in a doomy way. It’s also very political. The kids are alright.

6. Mastodon, Marrow Deep (Loma Vista/Concord)

If you liked that Linda Lindas track, you’ll enjoy this slab of progressive sludge from the Atlanta masters of the genre. This is their ninth album and their first since the death of former guitarist Brent Hinds that horrible 2025 motorcycle accident. In fact, they started recording the album just a week after he died. Rolling Stones says this album may be there Shine on You Crazy Diamond, which is high praise indeed.

7. The Warning, Everything’s Falling (Lava/Republic)

Here are three sisters from Monterrey, Mexico, who rock really, really hard. The Villarreal Vélez women are up to their fifth album of alt-rock/alt-metal and have a worldwide fanbase ready to eat it up. As with The Linda Lindas, the future of rock is safe in the hands of women.

 

 

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Here’s a little bit of music psychology. Studies on the power of opinion have found that you are more likely to say that you like a song if you know other people like it. Here’s a sample of one of those studies from Columbia University.

They found 14,000 individual people to sample downloads of 48 unknown songs, tracks no one in the study had ever heard before. And this is important: everyone could see what everyone else was downloading. When all the results were tallied up, there was broad agreement about which songs were best, and it seems that the quality of the music had nothing to do with it. It was all about what other people said they liked as they sought validation for their choices.

It’s a complete bandwagon effect, a herd mentality.  Weird, huh? But somehow, deep down inside, you probably knew that.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

One of the five men convicted in the Surrey Six murders has lost a court battle to have his conviction overturned.

In 2014, Red Scorpion Cody Haevischer was convicted of six counts of first-degree murder in the October 2007 killings at Surrey’s Balmoral Tower.

Six men, including two innocent victims, Ed Schellenberg and Christopher Mohan, were shot in the head.

Mohan’s mother, Eileen, was at the courthouse on Thursday and cried when Haevischer’s application was dismissed.

“These are tears of happiness and confidence in the law,” she said.

“To respect the death of my son… And now courts have respected Christopher also and everyone who died that day, so it’s a beautiful day.”

Haevischer and fellow Red Scorpion, Matthew Johnston, applied for a stay of proceedings following their convictions, alleging abuse of process.

The pair claimed systemic police misconduct and inhumane conditions in custody prejudiced their rights to a fair trial.

Johnston died in 2022.

A year later, the Supreme Court of Canada granted the Surrey Six killers a new evidentiary hearing.

After 39 witnesses and 209 exhibits, Justice Martha Devlin ruled on Thursday that “the vast majority of Mr. Haevischer’s allegations simply have no merit.”

While acknowledging some of the killer’s solitary confinement breached his Charter rights, she found it was “prompted by legitimate concerns” for his safety.

Devlin dismissed Haevischer’s application, saying: “Any other outcome would not serve to protect the integrity of the justice system.”

Eileen said Devlin delivered justice.

“The people who took my son’s life have used the taxpayers’ dollars to their advantage in every turn to set themselves free while we grieve for the loss of our people,” she said.

Before entering convictions for six concurrent terms of life imprisonment, Devlin noted that Haevischer “extinguished the lives of six defenceless men.”

Eileen said justice has prevailed.

“You just can’t walk to the doorstep of my home, steal my innocent son’s life and expect to walk free from the courts,” she said.

“There’s some peace in my heart and soul and mind.”

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

After nearly three weeks away, residents of Faulder were finally allowed to return to their properties, getting their first chance to walk through the areas hit by the Bald Range wildfire.

For many, the return was not about going home. It was about seeing what was left.

Ashley Jestin pulled into the driveway of the property where she and her husband had lived their for more than a decade.

“Oh wow, they are gone. Nothing is there, just the tin roofs,” Jestin said.

As she walked through the property, she pointed to the places that once held pieces of their everyday life.

“This was our front door. It was right here. Over there was our workshops.” she said.

The house, which sat on five acres, was destroyed. So were three older Ford trucks and her husband’s motorcycle.

“Our house was perfect. It had a big yard, It had a mobility bathroom, and to find that somewhere else is impossible,” Jestin said.

One thing did survive: a small tractor.

“It’s not dead. It’s making a noise. I think that’s good!” Jestin said as she turned the key and the tractor made a noise.

More than 100 structures were damaged or destroyed in the Faulder and Meadow Valley areas during the wildfire.

For those who lost their homes, returning to their properties marks the beginning of a difficult rebuilding process. Jestin estimates it could take up to two years to rebuild, leaving families searching for rental housing while they wait.

“I don’t know where we will live yet. We have two dogs and with me on crutches it’s hard to find a place that has a bathroom that works for me,” she said.

The financial burden is also immediate. Some residents have started GoFundMe campaigns to help cover expenses that insurance may not fully address.

“I still have pay a mortgage even though there isn’t a house there, and my income was home-based,” Jestin said.

And while returning home provided some closure, it also made clear how much work lies ahead.

“Over the next two years there is no plan. I don’t even know what I am going to do next week,” Jestin said.

For Faulder residents, the day was a chance to finally return to their land.

Now, the long process of rebuilding their lives has begun.

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

Higher oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty and Mother Nature are all affecting the Saskatchewan government’s bottom line.

The provincial government released its first-quarter financial update with a deficit now sitting at $825 million, slightly worse than the $819 million projected when the budget was released in March. But finance minister Jim Reiter said provincial economy remains strong.

Total revenue is up $331 million from budget, primarily stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. In fact, the province said the West Texas Intermediate forecast increased to $75 US per barrel, up significantly from $59.75 forecasted in the budget.

Total expenses are up $337 million from the budget, with the biggest pressures relating to growing demand for health care and the cost of coping with the damage left behind by spring flooding in parts of Saskatchewan, particularly in the northeast.

“In the ag theme, there’s a $24 million increase due to unseeded crop insurance claims resulting from excess moisture in the spring,” Reiter added.

Major hailstorms have also put a dent in provincial coffers.

By and large, however, Reiter said the province is weathering the storm through the geopolitical uncertainty and trade tensions with the United States. The exceptions are Saskatchewan’s manufacturing, forestry and honey industries, which have been targeted by U.S. tariffs.

“In certain industries, they’ve been hit very hard. But most have not been hit. So, Saskatchewan has been very fortunate in that regard,” said Reiter.

Reiter said the province’s net debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to be 14.9 per cent as of March 31, 2027, which is an improvement from the 16.1 per cent projected in the 2026-2027 budget. Saskatchewan’s net to debt-to-GDP ratio remains the second best among all provinces.

NDP calls on government to make life more affordable

The Saskatchewan NDP said the government had a chance to use higher oil revenue to help fund affordability measures in Saskatchewan.

“But yet is still growing the deficit and the debt and is not offering an ounce of relief to the people of this province,” said Wotherspoon.

The NDP says costs have gone up on everything from food to housing to gas prices and is still calling for a pause in the gas tax and PST on children’s clothing.

Reiter pointed out that the government continues to recognize challenges around affordability through measure announced in the March budget.

“That’s why our government continues to implement our plan to lower personal income taxes for everyone across the province on a permanent basis,” Reiter added.

“In the 2026-2027 budget, permanent enhancements to broad based tax credits, an indexation to tax credits and tax bracket will provide tax savings of $200 million this year.”

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

Every year the City of Edmonton auctions properties that have unpaid taxes and the event coming this fall has a famous local house on the list.

Overlooking Hawrelak Park and the North Saskatchewan River valley is 8638 Saskatchewan Drive — the historic, former home of original Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington.

That’s where, on April 20, 1982, Pocklington and his wife Eva, along with two other people in the home, were held hostage at gunpoint for half a day.

Eva was the intended target of the gunman, who was demanding millions of dollars from the high-profile NHL team owner.

Global News, back then ITV, was on scene for hours during the high-profile hostage-taking, during which Eva escaped and was ushered away from the property by police.

“The killer took me in the garage,” she stated breathlessly while fleeing with the officers. “I’m supposed to be getting in the truck. And he said he’d go back and kill them if I tried anything.”

After nearly 12 hours, tactical officers snuck into the house and left a ransom to lure the suspect out. Police also fired a single shot, which went through Pocklington’s arm and into the gunman.

Both suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Pocklington gave shirtless a news conference about the ordeal from his hospital room, where reporters and photographers crowded around his bed.

“To me, that’s part of our history in the city. Peter, the Oilers, the epic things that probably went on in this house,” said Sally Munro, the realtor for the luxury home in the Windsor Park neighbourhood near the University of Alberta.

“It’s absolutely iconic.”

The original home on the lot was built in 1912 and Munro said it went through several transformations. The current home, built in 1952, is a 5,200-square-foot, three-storey Tudor-style mansion.

It features seven bedrooms and bathrooms and two other half-baths.

There’s a basement wine cellar, sun room overlooking the river, multiple living rooms, an expansive patio and an outdoor pool that has seen better days.

Pocklington sold the home in 1991 and it has been in that owner’s possession for the 35 years since.

The home is now on the city’s list of nearly 300 properties that may be included in the tax auction sale taking place Oct. 29 at city hall.

Per the Municipal Government Act, the city may hold a public auction of properties that have a caveat on the title due to unpaid property taxes that are overdue by at least a year.

So does that mean someone could score a good deal? Not necessarily, Munro cautioned.

All properties are auctioned at fair market value, as determined by an independent appraisal — and in addition to buying the house itself as-is, the unpaid taxes and any other outstanding fees must be paid, too.

“One thing I know about property taxes in the City of Edmonton: they take priority over everything. They always collect their money, their fees. They always charge interest. Even as a senior, if you postpone your taxes, they will put a caveat on your home.”

Munro said the current owner, nearing his 90s, has fallen behind and was not made aware of the tax deferral program for seniors.

If approved, the Alberta government will pay the residential property taxes directly to the municipality on a senior’s behalf. The loan, with interest, is repaid when the owner moves or sells the home, or sooner if they wish.

“There are a number of people that believe they could buy it for what the outstanding property taxes are. But this city has definite guidelines,” she said.

“You can find out what the property taxes are that are owing, but you certainly can’t purchase this property for that.”

The City of Edmonton assessed value for the lot is $2.7 million — which for 2026, translates to a municipal property tax bill of more than $28,000.

Not all listings at the city’s auction sell — there are 26 properties on 2026 list that also appeared on the city’s 2023 tax auction list.

But any publicity is good publicity in Munro’s eyes.

“I love all the history of Edmonton and I love the history of this property,” she said, explaining she’s excited by the renewed interest in the property and the story behind the house.

“Peter lived here many years — definitely through the iconic five Stanley Cups.”

The house has been for sale for several years now — not an uncommon thing for a multi-million dollar property, however Munro said this one is unique and requires TLC.

“Houses like this and the land — it’s more about the land — takes time to find the right match, okay? The right person who’s willing to either take it and undergo a major restoration or look at tearing it down — which poses some other issues because now the city is involved with their setbacks and geotechs and all of that.”

The realtor listing for 8638 Saskatchewan Drive is just under $2 million, which Munro said reflects the 15,000-square-foot lot on its own, not including the house.

There have been past offers, but they fell through. In fact, the home is once again under contract. Munro said whether the sale goes through or not won’t be known until early October.

“Just because it’s on the tax auction, doesn’t mean that it will be sold on the tax auction — and if it does, it has to be sold for market value.”

Munro said prospective buyers have looked both at a top-to-bottom renovation and at demolishing the existing house to build new — which, given the steep slope of the river bank, requires work to ensure stability and prevent erosion.

“You have to take into consideration the movement on the river bank,” she said. “For example, this house next door, he has probably, I’m just guessing, over $5 million into his home. ”

So does the hostage history hurt or help the listing? Neither, says Munro.

“That was a long time ago,” she said of the 42-year-old event which, while certainly a piece of local lore, isn’t a high-profile enough incident to be on the radar of wealthy buyers who might not have grown up in Edmonton.

“It’s not really a selling feature — but when you tell people the story, they’re certainly intrigued.”

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

Students and staff gathered outside Lasalle College on Thursday, saying they feel caught in the middle of a dispute between the private institution and the Quebec government after the school sought bankruptcy protection and suspended classes.

The demonstration was held on what would normally have been the first day of the fall semester. Instead, students returned to a shuttered campus as uncertainty continued over the college’s future.

“We want transparency and clarity,” protesters said during the rally.

Lasalle College suspended classes after filing for bankruptcy protection earlier this week. The institution says it owes nearly $48 million to the provincial government.

College director general Claude Marchand blamed the financial crisis on penalties imposed after the adoption of Quebec’s Bill 96, which introduced limits on enrolment in English-language programs.

“Why? Because we did not get any transition period to comply with a new law,” Marchand said.

According to the government, the college exceeded its enrolment quota for English-language programs in the 2023-24 academic year and again the following year.

The college argues students who were already enrolled in three-year programs before the legislation took effect needed to be allowed to complete their studies. It says it requested a transition period to adjust to the new rules.

“We got no transition and $30 million as a fine,” Marchand said.

The institution must also repay nearly $18 million in what the government considers overpaid subsidies.

Students at Thursday’s protest said they fear becoming collateral damage in the dispute.

Vitoria Garcia Pinheiro, a student from Brazil, said she is worried after investing heavily in her education.

“Well, I’m very anxious, honestly, because I came all the way from Brazil to study and I invested so much in my studies,” she said.

Another student, Dominique Goulet, said protesters wanted to ensure students’ concerns are not overlooked.

“I think that we’ve been forgotten in the conversation and today the goal was to make sure that we’re not forgotten,” Goulet said.

Teachers also expressed concern about their future should the college fail to reopen.

Yolande Nesseth, who said she has taught at the institution for 42 years, said she is struggling to imagine the college’s closure.

“I don’t even want to think about that. That’s not happening,” she said. “Because this institution is 67 years old.”

Quebec’s Higher Education Department says an independent controller has been appointed to oversee the file. The department said discussions between the government and the college can continue while the matter moves through the courts.

The parties are scheduled to return to court Sept. 3.

 

© 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. 

There’s something to be said for jewellery you never have to think twice about–the kind of pieces that work with your favourite jeans and a T-shirt and somehow still feel right when you’re dressed up for dinner. From sculptural Mejuri studs to a classic Birks pearl necklace and a stunning swirly Jenny Bird ring, these are the everyday jewellery staples you’ll find yourself wearing on repeat.

 

The architectural studs

Give your everyday ear stack a little edge with these architectural loop studs. Crafted from PVD-bonded stainless steel, they won’t weight your lobes down–perfect for keeping up with whatever the day brings.[/product_listing]

 

The classic pearls

Pearls may be classic, but this sterling silver strand feels anything but stuffy. Featuring 6-6.5mm cultured freshwater pearls and Birks’ iconic B clasp, it’s the kind of necklace that instantly pulls a look together.[/product_listing]

 

The stylish signet

Pinkies up. This sleek signet ring features a vibrant lab-grown gemstone set into sterling silver, making it a colourful little addition to your everyday stack. Available in a range of gemstones, you may find yourself wearing it everywhere.[/product_listing]

 

The vintage-inspired watch

This vintage gold plated watch serves major summer-vacation-on-a-yacht-in-Lake-Como vibes–yes, please! Pair it with a simple stack of bracelets for an old-money-inspired finish.[/product_listing]

 

The dainty darling

A string of metallic beads and faceted stones gives this affordable bracelet plenty of visual interest. The two-tone finish makes it especially easy to mix into your existing wrist stack.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Silver Polishing Cloths – $10.99

Ceramic Cloud-Shaped Jewellery Dish – $21.99

TAWBURY 8 Slot Watch Box – $229

 

The statement-making swirl ring

A swirl motif wraps around your finger in this sculptural, spiral-shaped ring. Finished in high-polish silver and designed to be water-resistant, it’s a statement-making style that still works with your everyday wardrobe.[/product_listing]

 

The chunky hoops

Everyone needs a good pair of hoops–and these 24mm gold-plated beauties are destined to be your new go-to. Designed by Vancouver-based Sarah Mulder, they add an instant dose of luxury to everything from a white tee to a dinner-date dress.[/product_listing]

 

The everyday tennis bracelet

Meet the bracelet you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Featuring round-cut moissanite stones in your choice of size, this sparkly style looks just as good worn solo as it does layered into a wrist stack.[/product_listing]

 

The silver stunner

An investment piece in every sense, this sterling silver Venetian chain necklace features smooth links for a sleek, structured silhouette. Wear it solo for a minimalist look or layer it with shorter chains for added impact.[/product_listing]

 

The personal pendant necklace

A monogram charm is one of those little details that makes an everyday jewellery collection feel distinctly yours. This high-polish gold necklace is made for layering and is water-resistant, so you can keep it in your rotation without overthinking it.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Vlando Travel Jewellery Case – $15.99

Personalized Custom Name Necklace – $18.99

Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner – $59.99

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

Another MLA has announced they are leaving the BC Conservative Party.

Bruce Banman, MLA for Abbotsford-South, issued a statement on Thursday saying that “after numerous conversations with many of my constituents, it has become clear under the new leadership and direction of the Conservative Party of BC, an NDP win is becoming increasingly likely. For the sake of the future of this province, we must defeat this NDP government.”

He said that since the leadership race concluded and Kerry-Lynne Findlay was selected to lead the party, he is hearing from constituents and “seeing with my own eyes, the political tent needed to defeat the NDP getting smaller, not larger.

“The goal in politics is to make the tent bigger. To listen to the majority. It’s not about left or right. It’s about doing what’s right.”

Banman joins Brennan Day, Teresa Wat, Rosayln Bird, Ian Paton and Peter Milobar as recent defectors from the BC Conservatives.

They have all cited concerns about Findlay’s leadership as a reason for leaving the party.

“People of all walks of life tell me we need a group to pull together, defeat this NDP government, open up our vast resources again and bring prosperity back to the province they and I so deeply love,” Banman said in a statement.

“Person after person has informed me they have decided that our new leader is unelectable. So, with a heavy heart, I am announcing today I am joining an ever-increasing number of MLAs to sit as an Independent MLA in the BC Legislature. I would encourage my fellow MLAs, regardless of political affiliation, to join me.”

Only four days ago, Findlay posted this tweet and a photo of her and Banman together.

https://x.com/KerryLynneFindl/status/2091643743938203711

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

Brady Oliveira remains a steadfast believer in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Despite an uneven first half of the season and struggling offence, the veteran star running back says it’s what happens behind closed doors that gives him confidence.

“I get to witness that with my own eyes,” Oliveira said following Thursday’s walk-through practice. “That’s what I appreciate most about this group, is when our backs are against the wall, they just continue to show up and have my back and everyone’s back in the building.”

That’s a good sign for the Bombers (5-5), who will face their toughest test yet in a Week 13 matchup with the CFL-leading Montreal Alouettes (9-1) Friday night.

Last week’s disappointing loss to the Edmonton Elks, which included blowing a 16-0 lead, was the club’s third defeat in four games. The Bombers had their best effort of the season through the first half, followed by arguably their worst performance in the final 30 minutes.

Winnipeg is in fourth place in the West Division, ahead of only the 4-6 Calgary Stampeders. The B.C. Lions are in third with the same 5-5 record, earning the tiebreaker with a better point differential, with the Elks (8-3) leading the pack and the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-4) in second.

Given their poor play, many fans have started to write the Bombers off as a legitimate Grey Cup threat.

“There’s always going to be outside noise,” Oliveira said, noting it’s difficult to hide from social media critics. “It’s very easy to see the naysayers – the non-believers – and what they think about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this year. But right now, we just got to really have faith and believe in ourselves.”

Winnipeg’s offence needs the most help, as they sit in the league’s bottom-third for points, total yards and first downs. The passing attack averages 80 fewer yards per game compared to Montreal’s 344.

That leaves Winnipeg with little margin for error.

“We shouldn’t be looking for a larger margin for error,” Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said. “Nobody plays a perfect game, but you should be looking to play better and better every week and we should be looking to play as tight, as clean a game as possible. When you play a team like Montreal, you got to play better than you’re playing.”

The Alouettes are riding a seven-game win streak. Unlike Winnipeg, Montreal’s offence is rolling, led my quarterback and MOP front-runner Davis Alexander.

Alexander paces the league with 3,400 passing yards and a 124.5 efficiency rating over 10 starts. He’s complemented by a solid run game, led by tailback Travis Theis, who is averaging 104 yards over the last six games.

While this is Alexander’s first regular-season start against Winnipeg, the 27-year-old defeated the Bombers 42-33 in last year’s East Division semifinal, ending their streak of five consecutive Grey Cup appearances.

“That was a heck of a game and they came back on us and we really had to battle,” Alexander said. “As for the first regular season game, that’s kind of been the story of my career so far. I haven’t started against B.C. yet and only had my first start against Calgary earlier this season. But, honestly, we’re more concerned about ourselves. That’s why you hear a lot of guys around here talking about faceless opponents.”

Alexander boasts an impressive 20-1 regular-season record, including a perfect 14-0 against the East Division, and has thrown for at least 300 passing yards in eight of the last 10 games. He faces a Winnipeg defence averaging the fewest passing yards (269) and the lowest completion percentage (66) in the league.

“They play a different kind of coverage than what a lot of teams do. A lot of teams try to mimic their coverages as a kind of a curveball,” Alexander said. “You can tell (defensive co-ordinator) Jordan Younger has his hands all over that system and knows how to plug in guys.”

Montreal can clinch a playoff spot this week with a win and a Hamilton loss to Calgary. Montreal cannot finish any lower than third in the East Division.

Head coach Jason Maas understands his team has a target on its back, he just doesn’t pay it any attention.

“We have a huge expectation in our locker room and we have not been shy about our stated goal of the year, which is to win the ninth Grey Cup for this organization,” Maas said. “That alone puts a target on your back. Saying you’re going to win every week puts a target on your back. I couldn’t care less. That’s our belief, and we’re working extremely hard to achieve that every day.”

© 2026 The Canadian Press