As part of the Canadian Football League’s third annual Mentorship Program in partnership with the CFLPA Academy, seven players joined the league office for a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the business behind professional football.
In 2016, the CFL Players Association (CFLPA) was tasked with a mandate to create a resource aimed at helping players in the Canadian Football League with life beyond the game of football.
Today, we are proud to offer a variety of support through three pillars; #Education, #Employment, and #Wellness, for ALL CFLPA Academy members, and their families.
United Steelworkers union, CFLPA and White Ribbon begin training first cohort of new Elevating Action program to end Gender-Based Violence
CFLPA ANNOUNCES THE OFFICIAL 2023 CFLPA ALL-STAR TEAM
(Hamilton, ON)- The Canadian Football League Players’ Association reveals it’s 2023 All-Star team. The CFLPA All-Stars are made up of one player from each position around the league. The All-Stars are selected based off the results of a player vote, whereby players vote for the position group that they directly match up against.
The official 2023 CFLPA All-Star are as follows:
Offence
QB — Chad Kelly (TOR)
RB — Brady Oliveira (WPG)
FB — David Mackie (BC)
SB — Dalton Schoen (WPG)
SB — Tim White (HAM)
WR — Austin Mack (MTL)
WR — Alexander Hollins (BC)
C — David Beard (HAM)
G — Brandon Revenberg (HAM)
G — Peter Nicastro (TOR)
OT — Jermarcus Hardrick (WPG)
OT — Stanley Bryant (WPG)
Defence
DT — Jake Ceresna (EDM)
DT — Mike Rose (CGY)
DE — Folarin Orimolade (TOR)
DE — Mathieu Betts (BC)
WLB — Wynton McManis (TOR)
MLB — Adam Bighill (WPG)
SLB — Adarius Pickett (TOR)
CB — Demerio Houston (WPG)
CB — Garry Peters (BC)
HB — T.J. Lee (BC)
HB — Marcus Sayles (BC)
S — Marc-Antoine Dequoy (MTL)
Special Teams
K — Sean Whyte (BC)
P — Richie Leone (OTT)
LS — Jorgen Hus (SSK)
Special – Javon Leake (TOR)
Coach – Ryan Dinwiddie (TOR)
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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.
For more information: Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office, b.heisler@cflpa.com, 1-800-616-6865
CFLPA Academy members, Bailey Feltmate, Michael O’Connor, and Tyler Turner will each receive a full scholarship to complete their firefighting training through Training Division .
MISSION STATEMENT
‘To provide CFLPA members and their families with support to succeed in life today, and as they transition away from the Canadian Football field.’
IMPORTANT LINKS
REGISTER FOR MEMBERS-ONLY ACCESS
QUICK FACTS ON THE ACADEMY
2020 CFLPA AGM ACADEMY PRESENTATION
HOW TO ACCESS LIFEWORKS
IF YOU ARE A CURRENT OR FORMER PLAYER LOOKING FOR SUPPORT:
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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE
CFLPA Academy Announces Eight Recipients of 2024 Training Division Firefighting Scholarship
Mississauga, ON – As the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) Academy continues to strive to bridge the gap between football and life beyond the field, eight CFLPA members have been awarded full scholarships through Training Division to complete their Firefighter certification training. These scholarships mark a significant stride in the Academy’s goals of empowering members to seek the resources available to them regarding life after football. Beyond these essay-based scholarships valued at over $7,000.00 USD each, Training Division also provides any interested CFLPA Academy member, and their family and immediate entry-scholarship valued at $1,000.00 USD.
Since forming a partnership in 2016, the CFLPA Academy and Training Division have been providing opportunities to CFLPA members to pursue a career in Firefighting.
Training Division is an emergency services training company that was developed by firefighters for firefighters, fire recruits, and Emergency Medical Service personnel. With the demanding schedules that professional athletes face,Training Division understands the difficulty of trying to obtain new skills that transcend football. A group of firefighters with many years of fire education experience have developed these programs with those problems in mind.
The eight CFLPA Academy members receiving this year’s Training Division scholarship are as follows:
- Noah Curtis
- Avery Ellis
- Dylan Giffen
- Brendan Gillanders
- Maleki Harris
- Brayden Lenius
- Mercy Maston
- Dominique Rhymes
“Since partnering with Training Division, our Academy has seen more than thirty current and former CFLPA members complete certifications to become firefighters” said Brian Ramsay, CFLPA Executive Director. He continued, “Many of those individuals are now serving their communities on the frontlines in Canada and around North America and planned for their transition either during or shortly after their football careers. We applaud this 2024 class of deserving members preparing to join their former teammates and peers in service once their playing careers are behind them.”
The recipients of these scholarships embody the dedication and resilience that characterize CFLPA members and future Firefighters. Here are five insightful quotes from the recipients:
- Dylan Giffen (Offensive Line, Toronto Argonauts):
“I’m extremely grateful to the CFLPA and Training Division for this scholarship. Becoming a firefighter has always been a goal of mine and this scholarship will help bring me one step closer to that goal!”
- Avery Ellis (Defensive Line, Montreal Alouettes)
“Receiving the 2024 Training Division Scholarship is not just an honour; it represents a pivotal step toward fulfilling my aspiration to serve and protect our community as a firefighter. This scholarship is not just a financial boon, it’s a lifeline, enabling me to pursue a profession dedicated to service and heroism while upholding the profound responsibility of caring for my family.”
- Dominique Rhymes (Wide Receiver, Ottawa Redblacks)
“I’m honoured to receive the scholarship to the Training Division. I’m super excited to be given this opportunity which will help me pursue my passion to become a firefighter after my football career.”
- Noah Curtis (Defensive Line, Edmonton Elks)
“I am grateful and proud to be a member of the Canadian Football League and the goals it has allowed me to accomplish; playing professional football, and having the opportunity to become a firefighter and serve my community. Firefighting is similar to playing football because it creates a sense of brotherhood and family that is unique to the profession.”
- Brayden Lenius (Wide Receiver, Saskatchewan Roughriders)
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this scholarship from Training Division. This opportunity not only fuels my passion for firefighting but also reaffirms my commitment to serving and protecting my community. I am eager to participate in the training program and make the most of this experience.”
6. Brendan Gillanders (Running Back, Ottawa Redblacks)
"I would just like to thank the PA and Training Division for the ongoing partnership and for providing this opportunity. I am very excited to take advantage of the scholarship and gain the certifications, knowledge, and practical experience working towards a rewarding career and serving the community as a firefighter."
The CFLPA Academy is excited to provide these 8 members with an amazing opportunity to pursue a career in Firefighting.
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About the CFLPA Academy: The CFLPA Academy provides support to CFLPA members and their families, offering education, wellness, and employment resources. The Academy offers access to various educational resources, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, microcredentials, tailored offerings, and applied streams such as diplomas, degrees, and certificates. The Academy also provides certifications in areas like fire fighting and first response and sales training. The Academy has also partnered with external organizations to provide additional support and opportunities for CFLPA members. The academy's services are available to CFLPA members, partners/spouses, and family members as well as recently retired members as they transition away from their playing careers.
CFLPA Media Contact:
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 1-800-616-6865
Mississauga, ON – During it’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), which opened today, the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) held elections and is proud to announce its new Board of Directors. The CFLPA Board of Directors is elected biannually by CFLPA Player Representatives.
“On behalf of the entire CFLPA membership, I would like to express my gratitude to our entire Board of Directors who helped lead the continued growth and progress of our association,” said Solomon Elimimian, the re-elected CFLPA President. “I would also like to thank the membership for showing their confidence in me, as President. I am confident that our newly elected board will work tirelessly together to ensure the continued prosperity and success of the CFL Players' Association."
The new CFL Players’ Association Board of Directors:
President Solomon Elimimian
1st Vice President Brett Lauther
2nd Vice President Jake Thomas
3rd Vice President David Mackie
Treasurer Adam Bighill
Executive Director Brian Ramsay
The CFLPA would like to thank its outgoing Board members including Henoc Muamba, Ryan King & Peter Dyakowski.
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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.
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CFLPA Media Contact:
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 1-800-616-6865
Yesterday, the Canadian Football League Players' Association (CFLPA) was proud to participate in the inaugural Multi-Sport Players Association Virtual Career Summit. Along with the ten other professional sports unions that joined, we would like to extend our gratitude and give a big thanks to the National Basketball Players' Association (NBPA) for organizing this exceptional event.
Yesterday's summit connected over 60 professional athletes from various leagues and Players' Associations, to promote conversation and collaboration regarding post sport career development. Discussions centered around different pathways to achieve success and fulfillment in life after playing professionally.
Built with engaging and interactive panel discussions and networking sessions, yesterday's summit provided a valuable platform for both current and former athletes to interact with leaders and experts in business and professional development. We also want to thank CFLPA members David Mackie and Joshua Coker, who joined on camera to help demonstrate networking techniques alongside actors/comedians, Mark Sutton and Sandy Jobin-Bevans. We are grateful to the NBPA for their effort in arranging this remarkable event and we look forward to future collaborative initiatives that aim to empower our members in their career journeys.
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
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