Why is Edmonton now playing in the CFL eastern conference?

Answer 1

Only in the 2008 playoffs. The CFL has an East and a West division, comprising 4 teams apiece. The team with the best regular season record in each division automatically gains a berth in their division final, while the 2nd and 3rd place teams play off in the division semi-final. If the 4th place team from either division has a better regular season record than the 3rd place team from the opposite division, that team "crosses over" to play in that division's semi-final. This means that any two teams in the league can potentially meet one another in the Grey Cup Championship game. To use the 2008 example, although Edmonton (10-8) finished in 4th place in the CFL West division in 2008, their overall record was better than that of Toronto (4-14) who finished 3rd in the East. As per the CFL playoff format, Edmonton "crossed over" to play 2nd place East team Winnipeg (8-10) in the East semi-final. They won that game, but lost to the Montreal Alouettes in the East final. Had Edmonton defeated Montreal in the East final, it could have set up an all-West (indeed, all-Alberta) Grey Cup game, as the Calgary later earned a berth in the Grey Cup by defeating B.C. in the West final.