"Elevating Action" is a joint program initiated by the United Steelworkers (USW), the Canadian Football Players' Association (CFLPA), and White Ribbon to combat gender-based violence. The program focuses on changing workplace and community cultures, promoting gender equality, consent, and healthy relationships. It aims to create lasting, lifelong changes by addressing issues like emotional intelligence, safe and inclusive spaces, and new visions of masculinity.
Game on! đ Huge thanks to Football Niagara, Football Ontario, and Football Canada for helping make our Kids Camp possible! Brought to you by Football Niagara, Football Ontario, and Football Canada, we're building skills, making memories, and having fun on and off the field!
Thank you to USW District 6 and Access Storage for making this event possible!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2025
CFLPA Academy Announces New Educational Partnership with Western University Continuing Studies
Niagara Falls, ON â The Canadian Football League Playersâ Association (CFLPA) is excited to announce a new partnership with Western University Continuing Studies (WCS). This partnership will provide CFLPA Academy members, both active and alumni, as well as their families with expanded educational opportunities to support their professional and personal development.
Through this collaboration, CFLPA members will gain access to a wide range of courses offered by WCS. Additionally, beginning in 2026, WCS is seeking to establish customized certificate programs tailored to the professional development needs of CFLPA members, thus allowing participants to build on their learning experiences in a structured and meaningful way.
âEducation plays a vital role in the lives of our members, both during and after their playing careers,â said CFLPA Executive Director David Mackie, a Western University alumnus. âThis partnership with Western University Continuing Studies is an exciting step forward in ensuring that CFL players, alumni, and their families have access to quality education that can help them transition into new careers after their playing days have concluded. Western University played a monumental role in my education personally, and I could not be more excited to help bring all the school has to offer, to our members.â
âThis collaboration with Western University Continuing Studies reaffirms our commitment to supporting CFLPA members beyond the field,â said CFLPA President Solomon Elimimian. âBy investing in education and personal development, we are providing our players with valuable resources to prepare for life after football.â
âAt Western Continuing Studies, we believe that lifelong learning is the key to success in an ever-changing world," said WCS Executive Director Amrit Ahluwalia. "This partnership with the CFLPA Academy is a testament to our commitment to helping CFL players, alumni, and their families build meaningful careers beyond football. We are proud to support their journey from the field to new professional opportunities by providing access to high-quality, flexible education and professional development opportunities.â
The CFLPA remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the long-term success of its members, and this partnership with Western University Continuing Studies aligns with the associationâs efforts to provide meaningful benefits and opportunities to all members.
Niagara Falls, ON â During itâs 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Canadian Football League Playersâ Association (CFLPA) held an election to fill it's vacant board spot. The CFLPA is proud to announce that Mike Benson has been elected to the board of directors as 3rd Vice President. Benson, effectively immediately will fill the board seat previously held by current Executive Director, David Mackie.
âOn behalf of our entire association, I would like to welcome Mike Benson to our Board of Directors,â said CFLPA President, Solomon Elimimian,. âI look forward to continue working with this board to further our objectives and represent our members both on and off the field to the best of our abilities."
Current CFL Playersâ Association Board of Directors:
President Solomon Elimimian
1st Vice President Brett Lauther
2nd Vice President Jake Thomas
3rd Vice President Mike Benson
Treasurer Adam Bighill
Executive Director David Mackie
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About the CFLPA: The Canadian Football League Playersâ 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.Â
CFLPA Media Contact:⯠Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com
đ Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at #GreyCup 111 with Has Malik at CFLPA HQ, powered by SaskPolytech! This year marks an exciting milestone with the expanded partnership between SaskPolytech and CFLPA Academy, bringing new opportunities for aspiring athletes and professionals. Donât miss the action, insights, and more! đđ„
Last week, six current and former CFL players were invited to our League's HQ in Toronto for a once-in-a-lifetime experience pulling the curtains back on the business of our game. In this first segment, we hear from Elliott Brown, Micah Teitz, Charlie Power, Jovan Santos-Knox, Theo Grant & Sergio Castillo as they reflect their experiences!
In this segment, we hear from Elliott Brown, Micah Teitz, Charlie Power, Jovan Santos-Knox, Theo Grant & Sergio Castillo reflect on where they might work in the CFL once they are done playing!
At the end of February, six current and former CFL players were invited to our League's HQ in Toronto for a once-in-a-lifetime experience pulling the curtains back on the business of our game. In this segment, we hear from Elliott Brown, Micah Teitz, Charlie Power, Jovan Santos-Knox, Theo Grant & Sergio Castillo speak about their trip to TSN Studios to meet (among others) Kate Beirness and Rod Smith!
From the football field to the work site! đȘđœđ Shayne Gauthier of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers opens up about balancing his CFL career and running his own business, Haut Electrical. Watch the full story in the CFLPA Academy Profile!
To check out Haut Electrical, please visit: https://hautelectrical.ca/
For Immediate Release
February 24, 2025
CFLPA Appoints David Mackie as New Executive Director
| Mississauga, ON - The Canadian Football League Playersâ Association (CFLPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Mackie as its new Executive Director. Following an extensive national search conducted in partnership with Alexander Whitehead Executive Search firm, Mackie has been selected to lead the CFLPA in its ongoing mission to protect and advance the rights and interests of CFL players. Mackie will serve as the second full-time Executive Director in the Playersâ Associationâs history.  Mackie, a former CFL player, brings a wealth of experience in leadership, advocacy, and player representation. He served as a Player Representative for his team, the BC Lions, for five years (2019-2023) and was elected as the CFLPAâs 3rd Vice President during the 2024 season. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his passion for supporting his fellow athletes, makes him an ideal choice to guide the CFLPA into the future.  âI am truly honored to take on the role of Executive Director for the CFLPA,â said Mackie. âAs a very recently retired former player, I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities that our members face. I am committed to ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected as we work together to strengthen our association and our league.â  In addition to Mackieâs appointment, the CFLPA is also enhancing its legal operations with the addition of Andre Goguen, as in-house legal counsel/COO. The expertise of employing a trained labour lawyer in this position will provide the association with the ability to address grievances more efficiently and expedite legal matters concerning player representation. Long-time CFLPA General Counsel, Art Vertlieb, will be moving into a Senior Legal Advisor role within the association.  CFLPA President Solomon Elimimian expressed his confidence in Mackieâs leadership and the future of the organization, âDavid brings the passion, and leadership necessary to build on the progress we have made as a union. His dedication to our members and vision for the future will be invaluable in advancing the CFLPAâs mission. We are also excited to have a trained labour lawyer joining our team to further strengthen our legal capabilities.â  The CFLPA would also like to extend its gratitude to Peter Dyakowski, who served as Interim Executive Director during a pivotal transition period. His leadership and insights have been instrumental in shaping the direction of the association, and many of his contributions will continue to have a lasting impact. âWe are grateful to Peter for stepping up during this time of transition,â added Elimimian. âHis hard work and commitment to our organization and members have helped position us for future success.â "Our transition is already well-underway; I've been spending time daily with David for the past several weeks, ensuring that there will be no disruption in services to our members over the course of this evolution in our leadership", said Interim Executive Director, Peter Dyakowski. "I'm thankful for the support of our staff, directors, and membership over the course of this important period of growth in our association." About the CFLPA: The Canadian Football League Playersâ 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. For all CFLPA Media Inquiries - Contact:⯠Brendan Heisler | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 647-453-4848 |
Thank you to everyone that joined #TeamCFLPA during the 111th GreyCup in Vancouver! This amazing annual event would not have been possible without the support of our amazing partners in Athabasca University and the United Steelworkers here in Canada.
Thanks to Football Canada and the BC Provincial Football Association for your support and amazing membership(s)!
For Immediate Release
February 5th, 2025
CFLPA Shares Historic Salary Cap Increase for 2025 Season
Mississauga, ON â The Canadian Football League Playersâ Association (CFLPA) is proud to announce that the CFL salary cap for the 2025 season will increase by nearly 10 per cent. This marks the largest salary cap increase since the 2014 season and the second largest increase during the modern salary cap era.
The 2025 salary cap will be 9.7 per cent higher than the 2024 season as result of the first viable revenue sharing mechanism negotiated by the CFLPA into the most recent collective agreement with the CFL. The increase, to $6,062,365, is the result of strong overall league revenues driven by growth in the game on and off the field.
âThis increase is a direct result of the dedication and sacrifices of our members, both past and present,â said CFLPA President, Solomon Elimimian. âFor too long, salary cap growth has lagged behind the economic realities. With this adjustment, weâre seeing a much-needed correction, one that finally catches up to the rate of inflation and prioritizes the financial well-being of CFL players.â
The salary cap increase comes at an important time as players and teams prepare for free agency on February 11 at 12pm EST. The CFLPA remains steadfast in advocating for fair wages and job security amongst all its members. This increase ensures that the benefits will extend further across the membership, reinforcing the unionâs commitment to protecting and advancing player interests.
âOur members are the backbone of this league, and this increase to the salary cap is a testament to the players who paved the way before us,â added CFLPA Interim Executive Director, Peter Dyakowski âThis isnât just about todayâs players; itâs about all those who will come after them as well. The CFLPA wants this coming season to be the best time in the history of the CFL to be a player.â
The CFLPA will continue working closely with the league to ensure that future negotiations reflect the value players bring to the sport. This milestone signals progress, and the CFLPA remains committed to securing a sustainable and successful future for all CFL athletes.
For Media Inquiries Please Contact:
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office, b.heisler@cflpa.com, 647-453-4848âŻâŻâŻ
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