This year we’re getting set for a three-game schedule for the holiday weekend, highlighted by a pair of unbeaten teams going head-to-head Monday night. And, with one of the CFL’s signature weekends about to get going, let’s look back at a few of the most memorable games we’ve seen on and around Canada Day in recent years.
Let’s start with the most recent submission, which is actually a pair of games. It was pretty cool to see a pair of National quarterbacks get the start over this weekend a year ago, beginning with a CFL starting debut on Thursday night.
After kicking off the year 0-3, Edmonton decided to give the ball to rookie Tre Ford for its Week 4 game in Hamilton. Less than two months removed from going in the first round of the 2022 CFL Draft, Ford stepped in and helped the Elks to their first win of the season and showed off what made him such a coveted prospect in the process.
In Edmonton’s 29-25 win, Ford finished with 159 passing yards and a touchdown while adding 61 more yards on the ground. It was a great debut for the Waterloo product and looked like a promising trend. Unfortunately, Ford sustained a shoulder injury in his next start and missed a chunk of time as a result.
One day later, it was another standout performance for Oakville, Ont.’s Nathan Rourke in BC’s 34-31 win over the REDBLACKS. Rourke threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns while running for 87 yards and another touchdown. It was an electric night for the eventual Most Outstanding Canadian and pushed the Lions to their first 3-0 start since 2007.
BC’s win and Rourke’s performance against the two-time defending East Division champions put the rest of the league on notice. The Lions went on to finish 12-6 and second in the West, while Rourke established himself as a bona fide superstar.
Canada Day Fireworks July 1, 2010
In terms of games played on Canada Day, it’ll be tough to ever top what we saw 13 years ago. In fact, back in 2010, July 1s was the traditional start to a CFL season and the Roughriders and Alouettes got things going with an absolute bang.
Let’s set the scene a little. This game was the first meaningful game played since the 97th Grey Cup the prior November, which just happened to feature Montreal, Saskatchewan, and the infamous “13th Man” finish. In an emotionally charged atmosphere at Taylor Field, the Riders held on for a 54-51 victory in front of a sold-out crowd.
It was a great night individually, too. Saskatchewan’s Darian Durant threw for 481 yards and scored six total touchdowns, including five through the air. Receivers Weston Dressler and Rob Bagg each went over 100 receiving yards for the Riders while Anthony Calvillo finished with 368 passing yards and four touchdowns for the Alouettes.
Even better: these two played a few months later in an epic Grey Cup rematch.
Canadian Pride June 28, 2013
One of the greatest running backs in league history started the 2013 season with a tone-setting performance. He also happened to be a National player getting the job done over Canada Day weekend.
Jon Cornish’s monstrous Canada Day effort was just a glimpse of things to come in his magical 2013 season (The Canadian Press)
We’re talking about Calgary’s Jon Cornish, of course. En route to the best campaign of his illustrious career, Cornish went off for 172 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries as the Stampeders took a 44-32 win over the BC Lions. Even then, though, I’m not sure we realized what Cornish had in store for us.
The future Hall of Famer finished 2013 with 1,813 rushing yards, the highest of his career and still the fourth-highest total in league history. Cornish’s 12 rushing touchdowns was also the highest total of his career, which helped him earn all kinds of hardware. 2013 saw Cornish win Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian awards in the CFL, while also winning the Lou Marsh Award as Canada’s top male athlete.
Hall of Fame Showdown June 28, 2013
Week 1 Friday Night Football was a bit of a banger in 2013.
Hours before Cornish lit up the turf at McMahon Stadium, a couple future Hall of Fame quarterbacks were off to blazing starts in Toronto. Ricky Ray led the Argos to a back-and-forth 39-34 win over Henry Burris and the arch-rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats. And two of the greatest of all time didn’t disappoint.
Henry Burris lost the duel with Ricky Ray and the Argos, but still put in an 361 passing yards and three TDs in their 2013 holiday weekend meeting (The Canadian Press)
Ray, fresh off winning his third of four Grey Cup rings a few months prior, wrapped up the night with 368 passing yards and four touchdowns. Burris was keen to go shot-for-shot with his counterpart, finishing with 361 yards and three passing majors. A pair of savvy veterans at the time, both Ray and Burris showed they had plenty left in the tank.
It would be Burris getting the last laugh a few months later, though. Hamilton upset the defending champs in the 2013 Eastern Final and Burris advanced to the Grey Cup in his second year in Black and Gold.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
