Canadian fullback David Mackie wants the CFL to explain why it wants to eliminate Canadians from the starting line-up (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

CANADIAN RATIO

Canadian players push back on new ratio, question why CFL is trying to eliminate nationals

May 20, 2022 | 2:41 PM

KAMLOOPS — The CFL has been built on great Canadian players, and there have been a few of them over the years. It is the Canadian Football League after all.

However, the league this spring proposed eliminating the Canadian ratio, which has historically required seven national players to be starters.

“There’s always going to be a concern when the ratio gets attacked, considering the first proposal on the table was that Canadians are basically eradicated from the starting line-up,” said Lions player rep and Canadian fullback David Mackie. “That didn’t settle well for a lot of us, and we’ve been fighting tooth and nail to protect the Canadian number.”

The new collective bargaining agreement will require eight Canadian starters beginning in 2023, but one of those positions can be a “nationalized American” — an American player that’s been on the same team for three years or in the CFL for five seasons.

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In addition, three more “nationalized Americans” can now replace true Canadian starters, but for only half of the plays. It’s a new rule Lions head coach Rick Campbell is still wrapping his head around.

“I know the goal is not to get rid of Canadian players. I know that’s a very sensitive topics. I love Canadian players. I think everybody does,” said Campbell. “I think I just need to read up on it and I can make a better comment once I understand what they did and why they did it.”

Mackie wants an explanation from the CFL on why it keeps wanting to push Canadians out.

“It’s super unfortunate that every year we have to preach to make sure that number stays the same,” he said. “When we have to answer to why we’re fighting for it when personally I believe the league should have to explain to us their position. If we’re going to ratify this seven-year deal, why don’t they just standing up and tell the players why they’re trying to get rid of Canadians.”

Victoria native Nathan Rourke grew up watching the CFL and idolizing Canadian players. It’s why he pursued the game.

“As a young kid, you look for people to emulate, you look for people you aspire to be, and the less Canadians there and the less opportunity we’re given, the less that’s going to happen,” he said. “You get rid of Canadians in the CFL, youth football in Canada takes a tremendous hit.”

Lions QB Nathan Rourke grew up watching Canadian players in his hometown Victoria (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

Rourke hopes the players pushing back against the league will end the debate about the value of Canadians in the CFL.

“It’s disappointing as a Canadian that the ratio continues to be something they want to talk about. I hope by the time I’m done playing that Canadians will be looked at a little bit different — not inferior to American players,” he said.