Montreal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montreal.
We start the day with a win that sends the Alouettes to Calgary, a date with history at the Hockey Hall of Fame, and another day of strike action that could complicate your trip to the airport. There’s also a bit of culture and a reminder about vaccination.
Top Story
Alouettes return to the Grey Cup
Davis Alexander threw for 373 yards and two touchdowns, and Tyrice Beverette forced a decisive fumble late in the game, leading the Montreal Alouettes to a 33-23 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday in the CFL East final.
In front of a crowd of 23,035 at Percival-Molson Stadium, Montreal punched its ticket to the championship final for the first time since last year’s loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Tyson Philpot, the Canadian player of the year, caught nine passes for 129 yards.
The game was marked by turnovers and disputed calls. Alexander threw a 48-yard deep pass to Charleston Rambo, setting up Stevie Scott III’s touchdown. Late in the game, Beverette tackled quarterback Zach Collaros, forcing a fumble he recovered himself, sealing the win. Alexander then completed a 21-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Snead with 1:11 left.
The Alouettes will face the Edmonton Elks, winners of the West final, on November 15 at McMahon Stadium in Calgary. Montreal finished the season with a 14-4 record, the best in the CFL, and a perfect 10-0 at home.
Close to Home
One more step for Carey Price and Patrice Bergeron
Carey Price and Patrice Bergeron will be inducted Monday into the Hockey Hall of Fame, a crowning achievement for two careers marked by loyalty. Price, who spent all 15 of his NHL seasons with the Canadiens, recalled the journey from his childhood in British Columbia. He won the Hart Trophy and the Vézina in 2015. Bergeron, from L’Ancienne-Lorette, spent all 19 of his seasons with the Boston Bruins, winning the Stanley Cup in 2011 and six Selke Trophies.
Canadiens dominate the Maple Leafs
Alex Newhook scored twice in the first period and Jacob Fowler made 26 saves, leading the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Chris Kreider and Zachary Bolduc also scored for Montreal, which has won 7 of its last 8 games. William Nylander and Gavin McKenna replied for Toronto.
Leonard Cohen, ten years on
Montrealers gathered Saturday at the cemetery where Leonard Cohen rests, ten years after his death. Nearly a hundred roses were laid on his grave, as a steady stream of visitors came to pay tribute. Juan Merchan, who visits the site twice a year, read poems by the artist. Cohen died on November 7, 2016, in Los Angeles and was buried in Montreal, beside his parents.
Worth knowing
Former official charged with immigration fraud
A former civil servant has been charged with issuing about a hundred fake Quebec selection certificates. The immigration minister said she was “shocked” by the allegations.
Raccoon rabies reaches a cow
Quebec’s agriculture ministry has confirmed that a cow was infected with raccoon rabies. The animal died on October 30, and the infection was confirmed Wednesday.
Mayor resigns after alcohol theft charges
The mayor of Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs, Dalzell, resigned after charges related to alcohol theft. He apologized, explaining his behaviour by a health problem he didn’t acknowledge early enough.
Practical Corner
Third walkout at Taxelco at the airport
Taxelco drivers are planning a third walkout today, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Montréal-Trudeau airport. They are protesting fees that can reach about $2,500 a month to work at the airport, while the operator would raise those fees. If you’re planning to fly, allow extra time.
Flu: Quebec alone in not offering free vaccine to all
As flu cases rise, Quebec is the only province not offering the vaccine free to the entire population. An infectious disease specialist fears this could widen health inequalities for lower-income people.
Coup de Coeur
The visit to Leonard Cohen’s cemetery, ten years after his death, reminds us that some artists remain companions long after they’re gone. Seeing people of all ages come to lay a rose, read a poem, or simply sit near his grave is proof that poetry and music continue to weave bonds among Montrealers.
Before you go
We wish you a day that starts with the pride of a city sending its Alouettes to the final, and ends with a little sweetness, whether it’s a holiday market or a rose for a poet. Happy Sunday, Montreal. ☕