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2 October 2024

CFLPA Executive Director Job Posting

The Canadian Football League Players Association (the CFLPA) was established in 1965 with the goal of establishing fair and reasonable working conditions for the players in the Canadian Football League (the CFL). The CFLPA office is based in Mississauga, Ontario and is led by a five-member Executive Board of Directors. Each of the nine member teams elects two player representatives who vote to elect members of the Executive Board. The Executive Board is supported by an administration team, advisory board, and additional consultants, led by the Executive director. The CFLPA represents every player in the nine-team league (approximately 540 players) and negotiates the collective bargaining agreement on behalf of its membership.

The CFLPA is seeking a new Executive Director. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and leads a team of staff administrators. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the CFLPA, including implementing Board policy to align with the mission of the CFLPA, handling grievances and other issues with the CFL, and developing partnership opportunities for the players. The Executive Director is the spokesperson for the CFLPA and will also establish, maintain, and grow relationships with the players and player representatives, the Board, staff, the CFL, professional advisors, sponsors, and alumni. Additionally, the Executive Director attends all CFL meetings on behalf of the CFLPA and serves as the primary spokesperson with media, government stakeholders, and other player associations and professional leagues.

The successful candidate joins the CFLPA with deep experience working within the Canadian labour union environment, preferably with a legal or business background in the sports or entertainment sectors. The candidate should have experience with collective bargaining, grievance processes, and acting as a spokesperson for a high-profile not-for-profit organization. Experience working in professional sports and/or a background in team sports and an understanding of football, is strongly preferred. The successful candidate requires advanced business acumen and natural leadership skills with a demonstrated capacity to engage stakeholders and collaborate effectively with the Board, staff, and membership.

Interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter in confidence to CFLPA@alexanderwhitehead.com by December 1, 2024.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Finalist candidates will undergo third-party psychometric testing, professional reference checks, and a comprehensive criminal, academic, and professional accreditation verification process.

Compensation Salary Range is $150,000 to $200,000 plus comprehensive benefits. Final salary will be based on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Location and Travel Requirements: The Executive Director can be based in any Canadian community and can work in a remote location environment. The successful candidate is expected to be comfortable working in a virtual and dynamic office environment and will be provided with the necessary technology and support to effectively execute their duties regardless of location.

The Executive Director is required to travel frequently – up to 35 percent depending on their place of residence – to maintain profile with the membership.

The CFLPA provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local law. In addition, the CFLPA welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.

Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Alexander Whitehead Executive Search is a boutique executive search firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Since our inception in 2013, Alexander Whitehead has completed over 500 executive and senior management search assignments for private and public sector organizations across North America.

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25 September 2024

CFL Players’ Association Announces Exciting New Partnership with Royal Retros

For Immediate Release  

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

CFL Players' Association Announces Exciting New Partnership with Royal Retros

Mississauga, ON-  The CFL Players' Association (CFLPA) is thrilled to announce Royal Retros, a renowned producer of high-quality retro and nostalgic sports apparel, as the official merchandise partner of the CFLPA. This 3-year partnership will mark a significant collaboration aimed at expanding the CFLPA's brand presence and celebrating its storied history.

Live on their website effective immediately, Royal Retros has produced a line of CFLPA-branded apparel.  Alongside this, player-led initiatives and designs are being currently developed to ensure that our members remain at the heart of the collaboration, giving fans even more opportunities to engage with CFL athletes both on and off the field. This merchandise will reflect the dynamic energy and rich history of the CFL and its players.

As part of this venture, CFLPA historical merchandise is also in the works. Fans will soon be able to purchase exclusive items that celebrate iconic moments in CFL history, including CFLPA All-Star apparel, honouring the league's top performers from each season. This collection aims to credit the players who have left a legacy on the game, while allowing fans to proudly display their passion for the CFL and their favourite players.

"This partnership with Royal Retros is a fantastic opportunity for us to provide fans with a direct connection to our players’ unique interests and designs as well as with our history," said CFLPA President, Solomon Elimimian. "We are excited to work with a brand that prioritizes quality, and fan engagement. Together, we look forward to creating something special for our players and fans alike."

The first wave of CFLPA-branded products is now available for purchase through Royal Retros' official website, with more collections and exciting player-driven initiatives to be revealed in the coming months.

About the CFLPA: The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Since 1965, the Association has worked to establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate and community partnerships, and works diligently for the betterment of its membership. For the latest news regarding the CFLPA, please visit www.cflpa.com or follow us on social media @CFLPA.  

About Royal Retros: Royal Retros is a leading producer of nostalgic sports apparel, who specializes in authentic retro designs that celebrate the heritage of teams and players from various leagues. Known for commitment to quality, Royal Retros has become a trusted name among sports fans and collectors. For more information about Royal Retros and to browse their entire collection, please visit CFLPA – Royal Retros
  

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For More Information - CFLPA Media Contact:   
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | (647) 453-4848 

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10 July 2024

CFLPA Academy | Career Transitions

The CFLPA Academy is working with former members who have transitioned out of sport and into new careers post-football.

Read more

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23 September 2023

CFLPA Player Rep Profiles – Derek Wiggan

Derek Wiggan is a Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) Player Representative for the Calgary Stampeders. Wiggan, a native of Toronto, Ontario, played his university Football with the Queens University Gaels of the OUA, before eventually joining the Calgary Stampeders in 2015. Derek is now in his 8th season with the Lions, having racked up 18 sacks over the course of his career.

As he entered his second season as a Player Representative for the CFLPA, we sat down with Derek and asked him the following questions:

Photo By: Calgary Stampeders
  1. Why did you want to become a CFLPA Player rep? 

I wanted to become a CFLPA Player Rep to be a voice for my locker room and to have the opportunity to help out my teammates.

  1. This is your 8th season playing in Calgary. How do you like living in Calgary and how does it compare to living in Toronto? 

These 8 seasons in Calgary have flown by. I love living in Calgary. It has definitely become home for me. The main things I miss about Toronto is my parents and friends. 

  1. What is your favorite memory from playing football at Queens? 

My favourite memory from playing for Queen’s would be winning the semi-final playoff game vs Guelph in 2013. We had lost to them in the 2012 semi-finals in a heartbreaker. That entire week of practice and everything coming together on gameday was special. 

  1. What are some of your favorite things to do away from football and in the offseason? 

 I play a lot of videogames during my off time. I like to read and watch movies as well. I really enjoy trying out new restaurants. 

  1. What is your favorite part of the CFLPA AGM meetings? 

My favourite part of the CFLPA AGM last year was meeting Upper Deck. You could really tell the passion for sports that they have in their company.  I also really enjoyed getting to know about the business side of sports cards.

  1. What is your ideal bye week during the season. 

My ideal bye week would be eating a lot of food and playing a lot of video games. 

  1.  What did it mean to you to win the Grey Cup? 

Winning the Grey Cup meant that dreams do come true. I had lost two grey cups in a row so to finally win one was incredible. All that hard work paid off. 

  1. What advice would you have for any players who want to pursue a career in pro football? 

My advice for young players would be… if you really want to pursue this profession, you have to develop positive habits and have discipline following those habits. 

Photo By: Larry MacDougal/3DownNation
  1. Who has inspired/helped you the most in your Football career? 

My teammates. When you have a great group of guys that want the best for you and push you, it can help grow your game. I could write a whole chapter on the teammates who I learned from that inspired me and helped me get to where I am today. 

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4 September 2023

CFLPA Labour Day Message

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9 June 2023

Saskatchewan Roughrider Brett Lauther Honored for Community Dedication

In an inspiring display of recognition for his outstanding commitment to both the Saskatchewan community and the Canadian Football League Players' Association (CFLPA), Brett Lauther, a renowned Saskatchewan Roughrider, joined all those enjoying convocation of Saskatchewan Polytechnic as the recipient of an honorary degree. Lauther was bestowed this prestigious honor for his unwavering dedication to uplifting the greater Saskatchewan community, as well as his vital role as a Player Representative within the CFLPA.

The CFLPA Academy was created in 2016 as part of a growing resource base for the Canadian Football League Players' Association members. With a mission statement that reads: To provide CFLPA members and their families with support to succeed in life today, and as they transition away from the Canadian Football field, the Academy has provided more than 3,000 resources for our members and their families in an annual population of 700 (avg) CFLPA members. Currently, the Academy is in regular contact with more then 1,300 current and former members. The success of the programs with the three pillars of education, career, and health & wellness is directly related to our members' ownership in constructing the platform.

Expressing his gratitude, Brett Lauther acknowledged the significant partnership between the Canadian Football League Players' Association and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. He praised the educational institution for providing numerous CFL players and their families with transformative opportunities and a clear roadmap for life beyond the football field. Lauther added, "Earning something is the epitome of achievement and dignity in life. While receiving the 2023 Saskatchewan Polytechnic honorary degree is truly an exceptional honor, I am thrilled to join you all in celebrating and congratulating your remarkable achievements as graduates."

Lauther's impressive bio highlights a remarkable career spanning six CFL seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Hailing from Truro, Nova Scotia, Lauther burst onto the scene in 2018, setting a Roughrider record by converting 90% of his attempted field goals and earning the title of West Division All-Star. Lauther has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the football field, successfully converting 83% of his field goal attempts, amassing 623 points, and achieving two career-long 57-yard field goals in 2019 and 2022.

Yet, Lauther's impact extends far beyond his on-field accomplishments. He has made significant contributions to the Saskatchewan community, serving as an ambassador for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. Lauther actively collaborates with the charitable arm of the football club, focusing on physical and mental wellness, education, and amateur football. Notable initiatives include his involvement in the Win with Wellness program, which educates students across Saskatchewan about mental wellness, stress management, and maintaining healthy relationships. Lauther also dedicates his time to the Rider Reading Program, engaging with elementary school students to foster a love for literacy. Moreover, as an ambassador for KidSport, Lauther supports various fundraising efforts and initiatives aimed at ensuring all children have access to sports.

In 2023, Lauther demonstrated his philanthropic spirit by founding and co-organizing the inaugural Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic. This charity hockey game featured past and present Roughriders, NHL alumni, and other renowned guests, successfully raising $25,000 for KidSport.

Through his involvement with the Foundation and the football club's community endeavors, Lauther actively participates in multiple football camps across Regina, Saskatoon, and Northern Saskatchewan, imparting his knowledge and passion for the game to the next generation of aspiring football players.

Unsurprisingly, Lauther has won the hearts of fans and received numerous accolades for his unwavering dedication.

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8 June 2023

CFLPA x Upper Deck West Coast Tour

With the help of the CFLPA, Upper Deck, known for its amazing sports collectibles, is on a thrilling adventure across the CFL. Their goal is to collect highly sought-after autographs from some of our talented members for the upcoming 2023 CFL trading card sets. They have already visited three out of the nine CFL clubs, with completed visits with the; Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the BC Lions.

Upper Deck has been traveling from city to city, meeting passionate members who make the CFL so special. They have gathered signatures from the brightest stars, making the trading cards even more exciting. But they still have more teams to visit, and fans can look forward to seeing some amazing behind-the-scenes content from the remaining six signings. The 2023 CFL trading cards will be cherished by fans, connecting them with their favorite players and the spirit of Canadian football.

We want to extend a big thank you to Upper Deck and all of the CFL clubs for their hard work in making these successful events. We can't wait to get our hands on some of the new and exciting trading cards in the 2023 Upper Deck CFL set.

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