Special Coverage

Playoffs? Bombers will battle to bitter end to make it

Taylor Allen 8 minute read Yesterday at 4:00 PM CDT

Here’s a sentence that hasn’t been written in a long time: the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are going to have to fight to the very end to make the playoffs.

The Blue and Gold dropped to 6-7 on the year after a discouraging 32-21 loss in Hamilton against the Tiger-Cats on Friday.

They’re still holding onto the third and final postseason berth out of the West as they won the season series over the B.C. Lions who are also 6-7, but make no mistake about it: it’s going to come down to the wire.

“As long as we can find our groove and get rolling these next couple games, we’ll let the standings fall how they fall,” said defensive end Willie Jefferson.

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Special Coverage: CFL Grey Cup 112

Winnipeg Free Press 2 minute read Preview

Special Coverage: CFL Grey Cup 112

Winnipeg Free Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025

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Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025

Blue Bombers Grey Cup Moments

2 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers Grey Cup Moments

2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 12:57 PM CDT

The Free Press is celebrating decades of CFL greatness with a special 12-week feature highlighting unforgettable Blue Bomber Grey Cup moments.

Each week we will spotlight a Blue Bomber Grey Cup vistory and the legends who helped bring it home.

Relive the glory, honour the greats, get ready for the next chapter!

46th Grey Cup Nov. 29, 1958 • Blue Bombers 35 vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats 28

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Updated: Yesterday at 12:57 PM CDT

Bombers announce Grey Cup Week headquarters

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Preview

Bombers announce Grey Cup Week headquarters

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Thursday, Jul. 24, 2025

The 2025 Grey Cup Festival is rapidly taking shape with the announcement of several new events set to take place at the newly named PlayNow Grey Cup HQ at the RBC Convention Centre.

Jennifer Thompson, executive director of the Grey Cup Festival, highlighted the importance of having a centralized approach to the festival.

“PlayNow Grey Cup HQ will be the beating heart of Festival Week — a one-stop destination for fans looking to experience the best of what the Grey Cup has to offer,” Thompson said. “From coast-to-coast culinary creations and iconic Canadian music, to unforgettable team parties and a gala celebration like no other, we’re proud to create a space that reflects the spirit, diversity and energy of the CFL and its fans.”

From Thursday, Nov. 13, to Saturday, Nov. 15, the downtown venue will host a series of adult-only events, including a new culinary experience, a gala, and an expanded concert series.

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Thursday, Jul. 24, 2025

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Football Club president and CEO Wade Miller said Thursday that the club has already seen strong interest in recent weeks, confirming that 50 per cent of festival tickets for many of the events have already been sold.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS
                                Winnipeg Football Club president and CEO Wade Miller said Thursday that the club has already seen strong interest in recent weeks, confirming that 50 per cent of festival tickets for many of the events have already been sold.

It’s a win for Canadian democracy

David McLaughlin 6 minute read Preview

It’s a win for Canadian democracy

David McLaughlin 6 minute read Saturday, May. 3, 2025

America was on the ballot last Monday and Canada won.

We beat the United States. Not in hockey (did that already). And not on tariffs (heavy sledding still ahead on that).

No, we beat American democracy with Canadian democracy. Right where it counted — through the ballot box.

More Canadians turned out to vote in Monday’s election than any time since 1993, 30 years ago. Our turnout went up in 2025. Theirs went down in last year’s presidential election.

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Saturday, May. 3, 2025

Justin Tang / The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives on stage at his campaign headquarters in Ottawa Tuesday after the Liberals won this week’s federal election.

Justin Tang / The Canadian Press
                                Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives on stage at his campaign headquarters in Ottawa Tuesday after the Liberals won this week’s federal election.

Blue Bombers set to host province-wide Grey Cup Tour

Ben Little 4 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers set to host province-wide Grey Cup Tour

Ben Little 4 minute read Thursday, May. 1, 2025

The 2025 Grey Cup party is hitting the road as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced a province-wide tour during a news conference Thursday at Princess Auto Stadium.

The Access Credit Union Grey Cup Tour will make 40 stops across the province beginning May 4 at the Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon and concluding in October.

The tour will include games and activities for all ages, as well as giveaways including a pair of tickets to the 2025 Grey Cup in Winnipeg. Certain stops will offer complimentary youth tickets to a Blue Bombers regular-season game, with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Wade Miller, president and chief executive officer of the Winnipeg Football Club, said the tour is an opportunity to grow the game outside of the city.

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Thursday, May. 1, 2025

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans from across the province will have a chance to celebrate the Grey Cup coming to Winnipeg this November with the Grey Cup Tour stopping in 40 Manitoba communities.

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
                                Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans from across the province will have a chance to celebrate the Grey Cup coming to Winnipeg this November with the Grey Cup Tour stopping in 40 Manitoba communities.

American-style politics doomed Poilievre — but there’s time to rebound

Tom Brodbeck 7 minute read Preview

American-style politics doomed Poilievre — but there’s time to rebound

Tom Brodbeck 7 minute read Thursday, May. 1, 2025

By now, the shock has settled. Pierre Poilievre, the once-unstoppable Conservative firebrand, lost his seat in Carleton in the April 28 federal election, and with it, his claim to lead the country.

It was a stunning reversal for a man who just months ago was riding high in the polls, commanding massive crowds, and confidently declaring the Liberals “finished.”

But Canadians had other ideas.

Despite the Conservatives increasing their popular vote, they failed to translate that into victory in what became largely a two-party race between them and the Liberals.

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Thursday, May. 1, 2025

CHRIS YOUNG / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks to supporters on election night in Ottawa on Tuesday.

CHRIS YOUNG / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
                                Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks to supporters on election night in Ottawa on Tuesday.

Can Pierre, the angry Tory attack dog, learn to stop scaring the neighbourhood?

Dan Lett 6 minute read Preview

Can Pierre, the angry Tory attack dog, learn to stop scaring the neighbourhood?

Dan Lett 6 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025

It is a tragic irony obscured by stunned disbelief.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre lost the 45th general election, and he lost his seat. And yet, in his concession speech early Tuesday morning, Poilievre clung to a glass-half-full analysis of the results and indicated a desire to stay on as leader.

Two days after the election, Poilievre has not confirmed he will stay on. But neither has he indicated he will step down.

Save for the militant partisans who continue to support him, it is not hard to spot the irony here.

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Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025

CHRISTINNE MUSCHI / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre addresses supporters at his campaign headquarters on election night, in Ottawa, Tuesday.

CHRISTINNE MUSCHI / THE CANADIAN PRESS
                                Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre addresses supporters at his campaign headquarters on election night, in Ottawa, Tuesday.

Winnipeggers have their say after Liberal win

Alex Lambert 4 minute read Preview

Winnipeggers have their say after Liberal win

Alex Lambert 4 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025

Winnipeg voters weighed in after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals won a minority government Monday night in Canada’s federal election.

Retired health-care worker Barbara Hill said Tuesday afternoon she expected a minority government — except for the Conservative party.

“(Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre) had all the best policies, I figured everybody would be sick of the Liberals,” said Hill, 75. “Every time you go to the store, everything is so expensive, almost every time you go something’s gone up.”

A voter in Winnipeg South, meanwhile, expected the Tories to be victorious in his riding, and others.

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Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025

Justin Tang / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals won a minority government Monday night in Canada’s federal election.

Justin Tang / THE CANADIAN PRESS
                                Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals won a minority government Monday night in Canada’s federal election.

Carney got the job, time to see if he can handle it

Tom Brodbeck 6 minute read Preview

Carney got the job, time to see if he can handle it

Tom Brodbeck 6 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025

Liberal Leader Mark Carney may have won the election Monday night, but if the former Bank of Canada governor thought the campaign trail was gruelling, it will pale in comparison to the job he has ahead of him.

With 169 seats in the House of Commons — three shy of a majority — the Liberals are back in power, but not with the mandate they hoped for.

And as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to threaten economic chaos from across the border (not to mention his persistent attacks on Canada’s sovereignty), Carney will be in the fight of his life.

This wasn’t a red wave. This wasn’t a coronation. Despite the prime minister’s international pedigree and polished campaign, Canadians sent a clear message: we’ll give you the keys, but we’re watching closely — and we don’t entirely trust you.

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Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025

Adrian Wyld / Canadian Press files

This is no victory lap for Mark Carney. This is the opening chapter of what will be one of the most challenging mandates in modern Canadian history.

Adrian Wyld / Canadian Press files
                                This is no victory lap for Mark Carney. This is the opening chapter of what will be one of the most challenging mandates in modern Canadian history.

Liberal Chartrand claims victory in longtime NDP-held Churchill-Keewatinook Aski

Tyler Searle 6 minute read Preview

Liberal Chartrand claims victory in longtime NDP-held Churchill-Keewatinook Aski

Tyler Searle 6 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025

A progressive stronghold in northern Manitoba was under threat of turning red Monday night, with the Liberal party challenger poised to topple the longtime NDP incumbent.

Churchill-Keewatinook Aski was the only federal riding in rural Manitoba with the chance to change hands, as the other five electoral districts decisively voted Tory blue.

Rebecca Chartrand had collected 48 per cent of votes by 11 p.m. and was set to remove Niki Ashton from the seat she has held since 2008.

Ashton’s fate seemed destined to mirror those of most of her NDP colleagues across the nation, with polls returning similar losses after the party limped into the election with dwindling support.

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Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES

Liberal candidate for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, Rebecca Chartrand, had collected 48 per cent of votes by 11 p.m. and was set to remove Niki Ashton from the seat she has held since 2008.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES
                                Liberal candidate for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, Rebecca Chartrand, had collected 48 per cent of votes by 11 p.m. and was set to remove Niki Ashton from the seat she has held since 2008.

Dancho poised to keep Kildonan-St. Paul Tory-blue for a third time

3 minute read Preview

Dancho poised to keep Kildonan-St. Paul Tory-blue for a third time

3 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025

Raquel Dancho’s tried-and-true campaign tactics appear to have kept Kildonan-St. Paul blue.

Dancho, 35, is expected to return to Parliament Hill to represent residents of northeastern Winnipeg and surrounding municipalities.

The incumbent Conservative looked to be on her way to securing her third term Monday night, although it was a tighter race than in years past.

With 150 of 208 polls — 70 per cent of them — reporting at 11:10 p.m., she had 49 per cent of the vote.

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Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

Conservative Kildonan-St. Paul candidate Raquel Dancho speaks to supporters, Monday.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
                                Conservative Kildonan-St. Paul candidate Raquel Dancho speaks to supporters, Monday.

NDP’s Gazan re-elected in Winnipeg Centre

Aaron Epp 3 minute read Preview

NDP’s Gazan re-elected in Winnipeg Centre

Aaron Epp 3 minute read Monday, Apr. 28, 2025

It’s a three-peat for NDP incumbent Leah Gazan in Winnipeg Centre.

The crowd chanted Gazan’s name at her campaign headquarters on Portage Avenue after she was projected the winner of her riding shortly before 11 p.m. Monday.

“This was a hard night for us as the NDP but here’s the thing: we were in the fight of our life in Winnipeg Centre and you know why we won? We won because we believe in human rights at the centre in Winnipeg Centre,” Gazan told supports. “We believe that we need people holding the Liberal government to account to fight against corporate greed.”

The 53-year-old educator and community organizer was first elected in 2019.

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Monday, Apr. 28, 2025

AARON EPP / FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Centre MP Leah Gazan greets supporters at her headquarters after being declared the winner shortly before 11 p.m., Tuesday. She entered the packed room to cheers of “Leah! Leah!”

AARON EPP / FREE PRESS
                                Winnipeg Centre MP Leah Gazan greets supporters at her headquarters after being declared the winner shortly before 11 p.m., Tuesday. She entered the packed room to cheers of “Leah! Leah!”

Warning shot: Canada’s red vs. blue race mirrors our southern neighbours

Tom Brodbeck 6 minute read Preview

Warning shot: Canada’s red vs. blue race mirrors our southern neighbours

Tom Brodbeck 6 minute read Monday, Apr. 28, 2025

It was far closer than the pollsters predicted.

But Mark Carney and the Liberals did manage to squeak out a minority government Monday night.

The result: a rare fourth consecutive term in office for the Liberal party.

The biggest story of this election was how it became virtually a two-party race, the likes of which Canada has not seen in modern political history.

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Monday, Apr. 28, 2025

FREE PRESS FILES

Liberal Leader Mark Carney (left) and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

FREE PRESS FILES
                                Liberal Leader Mark Carney (left) and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

ER doctor takes back Winnipeg riding from Tories

Malak Abas 4 minute read Preview

ER doctor takes back Winnipeg riding from Tories

Malak Abas 4 minute read Monday, Apr. 28, 2025

Doug Eyolfson will again leave the emergency room and head to Parliament Hill after taking down Marty Morantz, the Conservative incumbent in Winnipeg West.

“In 2019 when I lost, I vowed that I was going to be back one day, and I never really gave that up,” Eyolfson, 61, told the Free Press at his campaign party event at the Portage Avenue Holiday Inn.

“I always kept working at this while doing my day job, and I had a feeling that one day it was going to happen again. It was worth every moment.”

The doctor, who often spoke to media on the state of Manitoba health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the MP for the area for one term, from 2015 to 2019, but lost to Morantz in both of the subsequent elections.

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Monday, Apr. 28, 2025

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS

Liberal candidate Doug Eyolfson greets supporters at his campaign party after winning the Winnipeg West riding, Monday.

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS
                                Liberal candidate Doug Eyolfson greets supporters at his campaign party after winning the Winnipeg West riding, Monday.

Liberals hang on to St. Boniface-St. Vital

Nicole Buffie 4 minute read Preview

Liberals hang on to St. Boniface-St. Vital

Nicole Buffie 4 minute read Monday, Apr. 28, 2025

Liberal candidate Ginette Lavack rode to victory in St. Boniface-St. Vital.

Lavack bested Conservative candidate Shola Agboola with 56 per cent of the vote, while Agboola came in a distant second with 35 per cent of the vote.

“We did it. We really did it,” Lavack said from her election night headquarters at Fort Gibraltar in the heart of St. Boniface, flanked by supporters and former MP Dan Vandal.

Supporters roared with applause as Lavack walked in to the tune of Serena Ryder’s Circle of the Sun.

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Monday, Apr. 28, 2025

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press

Liberal candidate for St. Boniface-St. Vital riding Ginette Lavack celebrates her victory with constituents at Fort Gibralter, Monday.

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press
                                Liberal candidate for St. Boniface-St. Vital riding Ginette Lavack celebrates her victory with constituents at Fort Gibralter, Monday.

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