I would suggest you make a roadtrip out to Wolverine Arms out at Virden. They are having a grand opening for their new shop on the 25th, at which I think they advertised that they will eat the provincial tax, so that is likely the best day to go. When I was there a couple weeks ago, they had 4 uppers of various configurations and complete with bolts. 3 of them were priced at $650. I think the 4th had a match barrel and was a few hundred more. Later on you can add the lower (lists around $230), a parts kit (lists around $110) and a buttstock and buffer (often found on CGN for about $50 or less).
Your still spending about $1000, but other than the big outlay for the upper, the rest you can sneak past the girlfriend as weekend expenses.