This new national program will train ambassadors from the USW and CFLPA to become leaders in cultural change and challenge gender-based violence in workplaces and communities CFLPA and USW members will be equipped to deliver presentations to workers and workplaces across Canada.
This new national program will train ambassadors from the USW and CFLPA to become leaders in cultural change and challenge gender-based violence in workplaces and communities CFLPA and USW members will be equipped to deliver presentations to workers and workplaces across Canada.
Applications for the program will be accepted December 1st - 8th with the selection process occurring throughout December.
#CFL #CFLPA
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023
Unlocking Earning Potential: CFL Players’ Association Partners with BILI for Unique Earning Opportunities off the Field
Toronto, Canada - BecauseILoveIt.com (BILI), a social commerce platform designed to improve the connection between brands and social media creators, today is launching a groundbreaking exclusive partnership with The Canadian Football League Players' Association (CFLPA). This partnership marks a significant step towards supporting CFLPA members in their quest for success both on and off the field.
The objective of this partnership is rooted in the shared mission of BILI and the CFLPA to provide CFL players with the tools they need to succeed, in particular, BILI's innovative platform empowers players to leverage their social media presence and content to unlock new opportunities as creators and influencers.
BILI offers players two exciting avenues to earn from their social media efforts:
- “BILI Base” empowers players to curate their own online stores on Store.BecauseILoveIt.com, featuring products they love. They receive a personalized link, perfect for sharing across their social media networks, and have the opportunity to earn attractive affiliate commissions, ranging from 10% to 40%, on the products sold through their stores.
- Meanwhile, “BILI Boost” is a dynamic program that fosters exciting collaborations between brands and players. For instance, a recent partnership with a global sports streaming service and CFL players including 2023 MVP, Henoc Muamba of the Toronto Argos. Through BILI Boost, players are compensated for crafting unique branded content and sharing it across social platforms.
“This collaboration opens up exciting opportunities for our 650 plus member players to engage with fans and bring their personal brand to life beyond the field of play. We are always looking for innovative and entrepreneurial ways to support our members today and tomorrow, and our partnership with BILI helps us do that.” says CFLPA Executive Director, Brian Ramsay.
Adrian Capobianco, co-founder and CEO at BILI says, “Our partnership with the CFLPA as the exclusive Social Commerce partner marks a game-changing moment. We offer brands access to over 10,000 creators to share and sell their products across North America. The addition of CFL athletes to our community is a great fit for many brands looking to stand out by leveraging the athlete’s personalities.”
BILI's performance-driven model operates seamlessly across all social media platforms. With a database of over 11,000 influencers across North America, collectively reaching +300 million impressions daily, BILI empowers influencers to directly earn commissions and fees from brands across these channels. Brands partnering with BILI can enjoy substantial reach, while consumers benefit from trusted influencer endorsements. BILI's rapid growth since inception, underscores its dedication to transforming the North American influencer-brand-consumer landscape, providing brands and creators a more efficient and effective Social Commerce experience.
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 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 and become influencers and creators. By connecting creators with brands and enabling them to create personalized online stores, BILI helps creators maximize their earning potential while leveraging their social media presence.
November 1, 2023
CFLPA AND SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE THE 2023 CFLPA PLAYERS HQ.
CFLPA Players HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic will run from Friday, November 17th to Sunday, November 19th at The Gown and Gavel, in Hamilton, Ontario.
Mississauga, ON - Today, the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic announced the details of the CFLPA HQ during the 110th Grey Cup week in Hamilton, Ontario.
The 2023 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!
“We are overjoyed to bring together Canadian Football fans from all over the country during our 2023 CFLPA Players Headquarters”, said CFLPA Executive Director Brian Ramsay. “Our members are always excited to interact with our fans, and we are greatly looking forward to hosting a memorable event for all CFL fans to enjoy during the Grey Cup Festivities.”
The 2023 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 The Gown and Gavel, 24 Hess Street S, L8P 3M8, on:
- Friday, November 17th, 3:00-7:00 PM
- Saturday, November 18th, 1:00-5:00 PM
- Sunday, November 19th, 1:00-5:00 PM
More details regarding specific events will be released in the days and weeks leading up the 110th 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.
CFLPA Media Contact:
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 1-800-616-6865
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2023
CFLPA ANNOUNCES SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC RETURNS AS OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE CFLPA PLAYERS’ HQ THROUGH 2024
CFLPA Players’ HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, will run from Friday, November 17th to Sunday, November 19th in Hamilton during the 2023 Grey Cup Festival
Mississauga, ON – Saskatchewan Polytechnic will continue as the official sponsor of the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) Players’ HQ during this year’s 110th Grey Cup Festival in Hamilton, ON, and at next year’s 111th Grey Cup Festival in Vancouver, BC.
The CFLPA Players’ HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, is an engaging and fun opportunity for Canadian football fans to meet and interact with both current and former CFLPA members. This annual event is free to attend and invites fans to meet, chat with and take a photo with players from our League.
“We are thrilled that Saskatchewan Polytechnic has once again stepped up as the proud sponsor for the CFLPA Players Headquarters for the 2023 and 2024 Grey Cups,” said CFLPA Executive Director Brian Ramsay. “Their continued support is a testament to the strength of our partnership both on and off the field as they also remain a leader within our CFLPA Academy. We look forward to working with Dr. Larry Rosia and his team at Saskatchewan Polytechnic to produce an entertaining event for all CFL fans in Hamilton this November and Vancouver during next year’s Festival.”
No tickets are required for the 2023 CFLPA Players’ HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, which will be open to everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis. More event details will be made available via official CFLPA channels over the coming weeks.
“We are honoured to once again sponsor the CFLPA Players’ HQ and contribute to the celebration of Canadian football,” said Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO. “We are committed to supporting the CFLPA and to providing educational opportunities for CFL players and their spouses. This partnership allows both the CFLPA and Sask Polytech to showcase our profound commitment to lifelong learning and career development for athletes beyond their playing days.”
The CFLPA Academy has established a longstanding relationship with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, enabling CFL players and their spouses to further their education through the School of Continuing Education. Educational opportunities include diplomas, certificates, degrees and micro-credential offerings. CFLPA members also have access to proactive career counseling and preparedness to prepare them for their careers after football.
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 Saskatchewan Polytechnic:
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories and the homeland of the Métis. Learning takes place at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.
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CFLPA Media Contact:
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 1-800-616-6865
Saskatchewan Polytechnic Media Contact:
Brianna Bergeron, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Communications | brianna.bergeron@saskpolytech.ca | 306-250-3978
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7th, 2023
JOINT STATEMENT WITH THE CFL ON THE AIR QUALITY POLICY
Third party organization to test air quality
TORONTO (September 7, 2023) – The Canadian Football League (CFL) and the CFL Players’ Association (CFLPA) have jointly released the following statement after a meeting to discuss their Air Quality Policy.
After a productive meeting, we will maintain our existing Air Quality Policy. We have agreed to engage an independent third party organization to test air quality and provide measurements in real time.
The decision on whether to play – or to continue playing if a game is in progress – will be based solely on these air quality measurements.
Any measurement above an Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reading of 7 will halt play.
Randy Ambrosie
Commissioner
Canadian Football League
Brian Ramsay
Executive Director
Canadian Football League Players’ Association
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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.
CFLPA Media Contact:
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 1-800-616-6865
T.J. Lee is a Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) Player Representative for the BC Lions. Lee, a native of Seattle, Washington, played his university Football with the Eastern Washington Eagles of the NCAA, before eventually joining the BC Lions in 2014. T.J. is now in his 9th season with the Lions, having racked up an impressive 478 tackles and 24 interceptions over the course of his career.
As he enters his first year as a Player Representative for the CFLPA, we sat down with T.J. and asked him the following questions:
- Why did you want to become a CFLPA Player rep?
I wanted to become a PA rep to extend my role as a leader of the team. I also wanted to expand my knowledge on player relations and protocol.
- This is your 9th season playing in BC. How do you like living in Vancouver and how does it compare to Seattle where you grew up?
I was born in Houston and raised in Seattle. I am actually living in the states - Blaine, WA. It’s very similar to Seattle though and has pretty quickly become my home. It is nice to be able to go to Seattle whenever we desire and be able to visit with family.
- What is your favorite memory from playing football at Eastern Washington?
I met my wife in college so that’s one of my favorite memories. From a football perspective, it would have to be playing on the red turf and winning a National Championship.
- What are some of your favorite things to do away from football and in the offseason?
I love to go on vacations with my family, hang out with my kids, and play frisbee golf. I love teaching my kids new things in my free time.
- What is your ideal bye week during the season.
My ideal bye week is being somewhere close to water with my family. I will also receive treatments such as physical/mental therapy sessions, and massages.
- What advice would you have for any players who want to pursue a career in pro football?
Attack your goals. Always believe in yourself and dont doubt yourself if you are putting in the work. Hard work builds confidence.
- Who has inspired/helped you the most in your Football Career?
Some people who have inspired me during my football career would have to be, Coach Torey Hunter, Aaron Grymes, current CFLPA President Solomon Elimimian, and Ryan Phillips.
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 the highly sought-after autographs from some of our talented members for the upcoming 2023 CFL trading card sets. Upper Deck has now visited seven out of the nine CFL clubs, with completed visits with the; Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the BC Lions during the pre season, and stops with the Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Montreal Alouettes, and Ottawa Red Blacks during an East Coast swing that wrapped up last week.
Stop #6 on the @upperdecksports #CFL tour was a success!
— CFLPA (@CFLPA) July 14, 2023
We had a great event with our members in Montreal! Look out for the release of the 2023 Upper Deck CFL trading cards to get your hands on some of these great autographs!#TeamCFLPA #whodoyoucollect #Alouettes #Montreal pic.twitter.com/JL8xISTS2B
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.
The @Upperdecksports cross Canada tour rolled into Hamilton to pay a visit to our members with the Ti-Cats…
— CFLPA (@CFLPA) July 13, 2023
Look out for the release of the 2023 #UpperDeck #CFL trading cards to get your hands on one of these autographs!
#TeamCFLPA #Hamilton #Ticats #WhoDoYouCollect" pic.twitter.com/vm5gTkk5xa
We're picking up right where we left off with @UpperDeckSports as their cross Canada CFL tour makes a stop with the @TorontoArgos!
— CFLPA (@CFLPA) July 12, 2023
Look for some more great behind the scenes content as upper Deck continues their CFL tour in Hamilton, Ottawa, and Montreal this week!#TeamCFLPA pic.twitter.com/5oIXFlfe8K
We want to extend a big thank you to Upper Deck and all of our members for their hard work in organizing these successful signings. We can't wait to get our hands on some of the new and exciting trading cards in the 2023 Upper Deck CFL set.
The @upperdecksports CFL tour wraps up its east coast swing with a stop in Ottawa. #UpperDeck has now made stops to visit our members from 7 of the 9 CFL clubs, with the last two coming shortly! #TeamCFLPA #Ottawa #RedBlacks #WhoDoYouCollect pic.twitter.com/IfPbeAnyJb
— CFLPA (@CFLPA) July 19, 2023
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