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.

Read more

17 June 2024

CFLPA Academy | 2024 Off-Season

CFL Players' Association members mandated the creation of the player development resource provided for all Active CFL players in 2016. Our team at the CFLPA Academy are ecstatic to announce we have just completed our most comprehensive, and successful off-season of programming ever.

Read more

6 June 2024

CFLPA Academy | Enriched Academy

Enriched Academy is a financial education and awareness company that will provide important assistance to CFLPA Academy members in managing their finances while offering career guidance.

Members will benefit by enhancing their overall financial knowledge through informative, entertaining, and engaging learning programs!

5 June 2024

CFLPA Academy | Athabasca University

Athabasca University provides learning for life. Through the achievements of its students, faculty and staff, AU stands out as a provider of high quality post-secondary education.

Eligible CFLPA Academy members (partners and spouses included) are entitled to receive FREE COURSE CREDITS as a result of this amazing partnership.

4 June 2024

CFLPA Academy | Shift Group


Many of us have long seen our sport as our primary identity, making the shift to new careers post-playing a bit uncomfortable and intimidating. That's why we're excited about teaming up with Shift Group, aiming to make this transition more seamless and less stressful. It provides an excellent avenue for retired athletes seeking a career with unlimited earning potential that fulfills our competitive nature.

Shift Group also helps with generally learning the key skills of motivating and influencing others to take action. Key for any job hunt in any profession, and a critical part of almost any role you land!

So, if you're looking for ways to enhance your sales skills or explore career placement opportunities, this could be an ideal opportunity for you!

4 June 2024

CFLPA Academy | Sport Leadership with Royal Roads University

In this course you'll hone competencies to excel in selfteam, and organizational leadership within a sports context. Dive into real-world sport cases and challenges as your training ground.

Collaborate with your cohort and instructor to pinpoint your leadership strengths and chart a personal development path.

This course is open enrolment and enjoys a diverse learning community of sport leaders from practitioners, to sport administrators, officials, sport journalists, athletes, directors, agents and advisors.

Sincere and ongoing thanks to Dr. Jennifer Walinga, and the full Royal Roads University team for your collaboration, and continued hard work!

10 May 2024

CFLPA Statement 5.10.24

May 10th, 2024 

The CFLPA has filed an appeal to the CFL to obtain the full records and report of the CFL's investigation, as our previous requests have been denied. Accountability and transparency are critical in these matters, and we have real concerns about the process and consistency applied during the CFL investigation.

We value safe working environments for women working in football; the CFLPA takes allegations of gender-based violence very seriously. We will pursue these concerns further with the League office and will have no further comment at this time.

30 April 2024

CFLPA Announces New Alliance with Private Housing Network 

MISSISSAUGA, ON - The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) announced today a new partnership with the Private Housing Network. The Private Housing Network is a coalition of over 1,000 professional real estate agents catering to 330 regions throughout North America. In addition to being available to facilitate all CFLPA members in acquisitions and sales of properties, the Private Housing Network will also help educate CFLPA members about all things real estate. 

As part of this partnership, the Private Housing Network will extend its support to members through real estate educational initiatives and mentorship programs. Their assistance will include various real estate areas, such as home or apartment procurement or leasing, divestment of primary and secondary residences, and residential, commercial, or land investment opportunities. 

“Our members can be in a unique position when faced with finding housing solutions across the country during their playing careers,” said CFLPA Executive Director Brian Ramsay.. “Working with The Private Housing Network and KW Sports & Entertainment allows CFLPA members assistance when facing these types of challenges, letting them focus on their time to their work on the field.”  

“Through this strategic alliance with The Private Housing Network and KW Sports+Entertainment Division, CFLPA members will gain access to a wealth of tailored real estate solutions, educational programs, and personalized support to navigate the complexities of the real estate landscape with confidence and clarity,” said Brittney Ezell, Director of the Private Housing network. “We commend the CFLPA for its forward-thinking approach in prioritizing the long-term success and prosperity of its members. Together, we are poised to revolutionize the way CFLPA members engage with real estate, empowering them to make informed decisions and seize opportunities for financial growth and stability”. 

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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CFLPA Media Contact:   
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 1-800-616-6865  

18 April 2024

CFLPA Officially Joins Canadian Labour Congress

Touchdown! CFLPA joins Canadian Labour Congress

OTTAWA – The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) celebrates today’s affiliation of the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA). The CFLPA is joining 49 national and international unions already affiliated with the CLC, representing over three million workers.

"This is a huge win and we’re thrilled to welcome the CFLPA to our team,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. "This shows how the labour movement in Canada is constantly growing and diversifying, and our collective future is brighter with the addition of the CFLPA. There are over three million CLC affiliated workers who now stand in support of the CFLPA in their ongoing fight for respect, fair treatment, and equity for CFL players".

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada. The CFLPA applied to join the CLC and today was voted in as an affiliate by its delegates, and per the organization’s constitution. The CFLPA and its approximately 650 members who work and support communities across Canada, will join a powerful group of unions actively working together to improve working conditions and support workers’ rights everywhere.

“The CFLPA has a proud and successful 59-year history ofadvocating for fair and safeworking conditions for our members and using our influence to helpimprove the lives of all workers across Canada,” said Brian Ramsay, Executive Director of the CFLPA. “We’re very excited to formally affiliate to the CLC and bring our perspectiveand experience to the broader labour movement in Canada”.

"We are excited and proud to join the CLC team and the three million affiliated workers in Canada and internationally,” said Solomon Elimimian, CFLPA President. “Just like on the playing field, there is strength in numbers and this alignment makes us all stronger in our ongoing work toward ensuring fair and respectful working conditions”.

The 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. The CLC represents over three million workers in virtually all sectors, industries, occupations, and regions of the country, and over half a million retirees.

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Media Inquiries:

CFLPA Media Contact: 
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 1-800-616-6865 

CLC Media Contact: 
Chantal St-Denis, CLC Communications| cstdenis@clcctc.ca | 613-355-1962

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