The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) has announced that executive director Brian Ramsay will step down from his post at the end of September in order to pursue a new career opportunity.
“It has been a true honour to serve each and every member of the CFLPA for the past nine years,” Ramsay said in a statement. “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.”
“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.”
Ramsay was hired as CFLPA’s first full-time executive director in 2016 and led the union through collective bargaining negotiations in 2019 and 2022, while also hammering out amendments to the agreement in 2020 and 2021 for the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure saw the establishment of a ground-breaking seven-year agreement which introduced revenue sharing and guaranteed contracts for the first time.
The native of Victoria, B.C. also helped spearhead major strides in player safety, including rule changes, a reduction of padded practices, and the institution of minimum helmet standards. Rehabilitation coverage for football-related injuries is now five times longer than before he took office, while CFLPA members now have access to programs focused on mental health, substance abuse, and workplace skill development to better assist them in life off the fear.
Under Ramsay’s leadership, the CFLPA helped to form and lead a coalition of professional sports unions to pursue workers’ compensation coverage for all athletes in Canada. He also strengthened ties with the United Steelworkers Union and helped the organization become an affiliate member of the Canadian Labour Congress this April, giving the players access to even greater resources.
“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,” CFLPA president Solomon Elimimian said in a statement. “I am excited for Brian, and I wish him every success.”
The CFLPA’s board of directors is expected to name an interim executive director in the near future. Elimimian, as well as the other current members of the executive and administration, will remain in place and continue to guide the Association.
Prior to his time leading the union, Ramsay played 10 seasons in the CFL as an offensive lineman with the Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Edmonton Elks. The details of his future employment have not yet been made public.
