Jasper, Alberta – This week, the United Steelworkers union (USW), Canadian Football Players’ Association (CFLPA), and White Ribbon took the next steps in an important partnership to ‘Elevate Action’ and end gender-based violence in workplaces and communities across Canada. The first cohort of CFLPA players and USW members were trained as spokespeople and leaders in changing workplace culture and challenging gender-based violence in workplaces and communities.
During Grey Cup festival week in November, the USW, CFLPA and White Ribbon announced the exciting new program, “Elevating Action” which aims to train male and gender-diverse members so that they can take a leadership role in ending gender-based violence while building an understanding of the role we can play in being part of the solution.
Once fully trained, members from the CFLPA and the USW will deliver the Elevating Action program in their unions, workplaces, and communities.
CFLPA members taking part in this inaugural cohort are:
Aaron Grymes | Edmonton Elks
Chris Van Zeyl | Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Andrew Peirson | BC Lions
Emmanuel Arceneaux | Edmonton Elks
Brett Lauther | Saskatchewan Roughriders
Elevating Action training is taking place at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a unionized facility in Jasper, Alberta; the class is being delivered as part of the Alberta Federation of Labour school, which brings together union members from across the province.
Elevating Action is the newest iteration of work in this three-way partnership to end bullying and gender-based violence and builds on previous programs such as “Men Speak Up” and “Be More than a Bystander.”
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.
White Ribbon is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination by promoting gender equity, healthy relationships, and a new vision of masculinity.
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