29 October 2024

CFLPA Announces 2024 Players HQ’ Powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic

  CFLPA AND SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE THE 2024 CFLPA PLAYERS HQ AT MAHONY’S TAVERN.   
CFLPA Players HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic will run from Thursday, November 14th, through Saturday, November 16th, at Mahony’s Tavern in Vancouver, BC.

Toronto, ON - Today, the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic announced the details of the CFLPA HQ during the 111th Grey Cup week in Vancouver, British Columbia. 
 
The 2024 CFLPA Players’ HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, will be a great opportunity for Canadian football fans to meet and interact with both current and former CFLPA members. The annual CFLPA Grey Cup week party is free to attend and invites fans to enjoy autograph signings, games, giveaways, pictures with the Grey Cup, and much more! 
 
Solomon Elimimian, CFLPA President, expressed his excitement about uniting Canadian football fans across the nation at the 2024 CFLPA Players Headquarters. "Our players always look forward to connecting with their supporters, and we can't wait to create an unforgettable experience for everyone to enjoy during this year’s Grey Cup celebrations, he said. 

Pete Mahony, Managing Partner at Mahony’s Tavern, echoed the enthusiasm, stating, “As huge football fans ourselves, we couldn’t be more excited to partner with the CFLPA as the official HQ for the Grey Cup Festival. With a full week of events planned, including CFL player appearances, VIP events, giveaways, and the Grey Cup itself on-site, we’re thrilled to be at the heart of it all as we gear up for event week.  

“Over the last few years, we’ve seen firsthand the energy this city brings in support of its local sports teams. Hosting the Festival in Vancouver is a true testament to our city’s passion.” 

The 2024 CFLPA Players’ HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, will be free of charge and open to everyone on a first come, first serve basis.   
 
The event will be held at Mahony’s Tavern. 1055 Canada Pl, #36, Vancouver BC, V63 OC3. 

  • Thursday, November 14th, 3:00-7:00 PM  
  • Friday, November 15th, 3:00-7:00 PM  
  • Saturday, November 16th, 1:00-5:00 PM  

More details regarding specific events will be released in the days and weeks leading up the 111th Grey Cup Festival!  

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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 Mahony’s Tavern: Known for offering a laid-back West Coast pub experience, Mahony’s Tavern is the evolution of a brand that began in 2006 in Vancouver as Mahony & Sons. A place where visitors and locals alike can come together to indulge in the art of casual consumption to enjoy classic fare and beverages from B.C. and beyond, Mahony’s Tavern prides itself on its signature sense of hospitality and unparalleled service. With two lively venues featuring expansive dining rooms, private group spaces, and patios with picture-perfect views of the ocean, mountains and cityscapes for which Vancouver is famously known, Mahony’s Tavern is proud to welcome guests to its iconic False Creek and freshly renovated Convention Centre locations. 
  
CFLPA Media Contact:   
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 647-453-4848 

SMC Communications Inc. for Mahony’s Tavern: 
‘Kiitan Owoyele | kiitan@shelleymcarthur.com  | 778-836-8854  

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.

2 October 2024

CFLPA launches search for new Executive Director 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

October 2, 2024

CFLPA launches search for new Executive Director 

Mississauga, ON. - The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) has officially launched its search for its new Executive Director.  

“The CFLPA Executive Director position is an important part of our team,” said CFLPA President Solomon Elimimian. “We are looking for someone who is fearless and motivated, collaborative and passionate about people and sport. I’d like to encourage all qualified candidates, who are serious about leading growth and creating positive change and advocacy on behalf of others, to apply.”  

Led by Canadian-based executive search firm Alexander Whitehead Executive Search, the CFLPA is seeking an experienced senior leader and collaborator with a powerful vision who has a strong track record working within or with intimate understanding of the Canadian labour union environment, including strategic planning experience leading collective negotiations.  

The ideal candidate will possess strong business and legal acumen, the ability to build and cultivate relationships across industries and will have relevant experience in the sports and/or entertainment sector. 

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and leads a team of office staff administrators and other support staff. The CFLPA represents more than 540 members in the Canadian Football League. 

Qualified candidates should inquire for details and/or send their resume and cover letter to Alexander Whitehead at cflpa@alexanderwhitehead.com before December 1, 2024. 

About Alexander Whitehead 

Alexander Whitehead Executive Search was established in 2013 and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. We specialize in executive placements in the public and private sectors and work with enterprises operating regionally, nationally, and internationally. 

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. Find us online at cflpa.com. 

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For more information: Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office, b.heisler@cflpa.com  (647)-453-4848

26 September 2024

BILI Expands Partnership with CFL Players’ Association, Now Including CFLPA Academy

For Immediate Release

Thursday, September 26, 2024

BILI Expands Partnership with CFL Players’ Association, Now Including CFLPA Academy

Toronto, Canada – BecauseILoveIt.com (BILI) today announces the expansion of its game-changing partnership with the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) to include the CFLPA Academy. The CFLPA Academy provides support to CFLPA members and their families to succeed in life both during and after their football careers. The Academy offers resources and programs in education, wellness, and employment. This move nearly triples BILI’s professional football creator community, adding 3,400 former players and their partners to its platform.

Building on the success of the original partnership, which empowers CFL players to monetize their social media presence, the inclusion of the CFLPA Academy now gives players even greater opportunities to connect with fans, promote brands, and build financial equity—all while preparing for life beyond the football field.

“This move triples our pro football community of creators and strengthens our position as a leader in social commerce,” said Adrian Capobianco, Co-Founder and CEO of BILI. “By integrating the CFLPA Academy, we’re not just expanding our reach—we’re empowering a new wave of athletes to turn their influence into lasting financial success. This addition of this partnership now offers our brand partners seamless access to nearly 15,000 amateur and pro athletes across North America.”

“The CFLPA Academy is dedicated to setting up our players for success after football,” added Peter Dyakowski, Interim Executive Director of the CFLPA. “Partnering with BILI enhances our mission by giving our players the tools to grow their personal brands and create new income streams.”

With this strategic expansion, BILI reinforces its position as a leader in social commerce, offering brands unparalleled access to a powerful network of athletes who are ready to drive brand engagement and revenue.

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Media Inquiries Contact:

Wendy Bairos, Communications Lead, BILI
wendy@becauseiloveit.com

Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office
b.heisler@cflpa.com

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 http://www.cflpa.com or follow us on social media @CFLPA.

About BecauseILoveIt.com (BILI):
BecauseILoveIt.com (BILI) is a leading social commerce platform that empowers individuals to monetize their social media content. BILI connects creators with brands, enabling them to create personalized online stores and maximize their earning potential by leveraging their social media presence. Through BILI Boost, the platform also facilitates dynamic collaborations between creators and brands, allowing influencers to craft unique branded content and earn compensation for their creativity. BILI’s innovative approach ensures that creators can turn their passion into profit, while brands benefit from authentic, impactful partnerships.

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 

29 August 2024

CFLPA Academy Profile | Larry Dean with Brett Lauther

Join us for an in-depth conversation with #CFL standout Larry Dean, as he sits down with Brett Lauther to discuss his remarkable journey through the world of football. In this captivating interview, Larry opens up about his illustrious career on the field, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his time as a professional athlete all the way to his new role in football operations with the #Saskatchewan #Roughriders!

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive content and interviews!

19 August 2024

CFLPA Academy Profile | Adam Bighill

Enjoy our full-length conversation with Adam Bighill!

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13 August 2024

CFLPA Appoints Peter Dyakowski as Interim Executive Director

For Immediate Release

August 13,2024

CFLPA Appoints Peter Dyakowski as the Association's Interim Executive Director

Toronto, ON. - The Canadian Football League Players' Association (CFLPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Dyakowski as the interim Executive Director. Dyakowski, a highly respected former CFL player and long-time advocate for athletes' rights, will assume the role at the end of September following the departure of Brian Ramsay.

Dyakowski enjoyed a very successful 11-year CFL career while playing with two organizations across the league. His experience as a player and his deep understanding of the challenges faced by CFLPA members, make him uniquely qualified to lead the Association during this transitional period.

"We are delighted to have Peter step into this important role", said CFLPA President, Solomon Elimimian. "His dedication to the betterment of our members, combined with his extensive experience and leadership qualities, make him the ideal person to lead the CFLPA at this important time. We are confident that the Association will continue to succeed under Peter's leadership."

Dyakowski has been an active voice in the CFLPA for many years. After serving as a player representative with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 2013-2015, Peter was elected to the CFLPA's Executive Board as Treasurer, a position that he excelled in from 2016-2024. Serving in various capacities within the Association has given Peter a deep understanding of the organization's operations and the issues facing its members.

“I am honored to take on this role and to have the opportunity to serve all CFLPA members in this capacity,” said newly appointed Interim Executive Director, Peter Dyakowski. "The CFLPA has a long history of advocating for it's players’ rights, and I am committed to ensuring that we build on that legacy."

The CFLPA will begin an extensive search for a permanent Executive Director in the coming months. In the meantime, Dyakowski will work closely with the CFLPA’s leadership team, staff, and membership to ensure a seamless transition and to continue advancing the Association's key initiatives.

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.  

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

8 August 2024

Media Release- August 8, 2024

For Immediate Release

August 8th, 2024

Toronto, ON. - The CFLPA announced today that Executive Director Brian Ramsay is pursuing a new opportunity and will leave the organization effective at the end of September.

The CFLPA’s Board of Directors will be naming an Interim CFLPA Executive Director in the near future. CFLPA President Solomon Elimimian as well as the other current members of the Board of Directors, Administration and its roster of special Advisors will remain in place and continue to guide the Association. "I would like to thank Brian for his tireless advocacy on behalf of our membership as we have seen new heights as an organization under his leadership. I am excited for Brian, and I wish him every success," said Elimimian. 

“It has been a true honour to serve each and every member of the CFLPA for the past nine years,” said Brian Ramsay. “Today, the CFLPA sits firmly on top of a strong foundation and is led by a great Executive with clear vision as well as strong and dedicated player representatives. I am proud that we always listened closely to the players and for the many achievements we’ve had together on behalf of the players.”

Ramsay joined the CFLPA as its first full-time Executive Director in 2016 and immediately made positive changes that encouraged a more active and engaged membership whose input helped steer progressively stronger bargaining teams during collective negotiations in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Ramsay continued, “This was not an easy decision but it's being made with the confidence that the CFLPA has a very bright future with powerful leadership and significant momentum to keep moving forward.”

Under Ramsay’s leadership, the CFLPA has:

  • prioritized and improved player safety by advocating for data-driven rule changes that have resulted in reductions to serious injuries
  • established and developed mental health and substance abuse programs for CFLPA members
  • introduced new initiatives that have made equipment safer, including the adoption of minimum helmet standards
  • negotiated a reduction in contact practices that resulted in 33% fewer head injuries in the first year of adoption
  • extended rehabilitation coverage for football related injuries by five times the previously set time period
  • formed and led a coalition of professional athletes (NHLPA, PHPA, PWHPA, NLLPA, NBPA, MLBPA, MLSPA) to pursue workers’ compensation coverage for all athletes in Canada
  • introduced more wellbeing and workplace skills development supports for players and their families through the CFLPA Academy (85% of active players are enrolled in the Academy which means that more players than ever before will be better prepared for life after football)
  • negotiated year over year increases to the salary cap while reintroducing revenue sharing and guaranteed contracts for the first time in CFL history
  • ensured a more transparent and democratic Association by encouraging more members to be active and vocal, resulting in a union approval rating over 90%
  • improved day to day business processes to put the CFLPA on stronger financial footing
  • introduced strategic partnerships with some of the largest and most influential unions in North America including the United Steelworkers
  • been partners in innovation through early adoption of technology designed to help grow the game
  • held the CFL and its owners more accountable to the players 

More details on Brian Ramsay’s future pursuits will be shared publicly in the coming days.

The entire CFLPA would like to thank Brian for his dedication and contributions to the Association and wish him and his family the very best.

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.  

  

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

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.

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