Securian Canada names educator Kayla McNulty its 2026 Game Changer

Selected from 381 nominations, Morin Heights Elementary School teacher recognized for helping students build confidence and belonging through flag football

TORONTO, November 12, 2026 – Securian Canada, a leading provider of inclusive and accessible insurance solutions, together with the Canadian Football League (CFL), has named Kayla McNulty the winner of its 2026 Game Changers program. A physical education teacher at Morin Heights Elementary School in Morin-Heights, Quebec, McNulty is being recognized for creating new opportunities for students to connect, develop confidence and find belonging through sport.

Selected from 381 nominations across Canada, McNulty launched Morin Heights Elementary School’s first flag football program in 2026. With little time before a school board tournament, “Coach Kayla” brought together Grade 5 and 6 boys and girls, including French- and English-speaking students and newcomers who had never played football. What began as a new sporting opportunity quickly became something more, as students stepped into leadership roles, formed new friendships and learned to work together as a team. Her efforts have laid the foundation for continued participation at the school.

“The people who make the greatest difference in our communities don't always seek recognition. They're the ones who see potential where others see barriers and take action to create opportunities that didn't exist before,” said Nigel Branker, Chief Executive Officer, Securian Canada. “That's what makes Kayla a Game Changer. She didn't just introduce a new sport at her school. She brought young people together, showed them what they could accomplish as a team and created something that will continue to benefit students beyond this season. Through our longstanding partnership with the CFL, we support initiatives that advance inclusion in sport and strengthen our communities, including Game Changers, that recognize individuals like Kayla whose impact reaches far beyond the football field.”

McNulty learned she had won during a surprise announcement at her school’s monthly awards assembly, after being nominated by a fellow teacher without her knowledge. An occasion when she would usually help recognize her students’ athletic achievements became an opportunity for the school community to celebrate Coach Kayla.

“I wanted our students to have the chance to try something new and see what they could do together,” said Kayla McNulty. “As a physical educator, my goal is to show students the strength that comes from being part of a team and community. When you take a risk and try a new sport, you often discover strengths in yourself you never knew were there. Watching them grow in confidence, encourage one another and take pride in their team was incredibly special. This recognition belongs to them, too. I hope it encourages more young people to give football a try and discover that there is a place for them in the game.”

Securian Canada and the CFL launched Game Changers in 2025 to recognize community heroes who make sport more accessible, inclusive and meaningful for youth of every background and ability. The inaugural contest received more than 300 nominations. Its first winner, James Dickens, was recognized for more than a decade coaching youth football, 18 years as a volunteer firefighter and more than 22 years of military service. Dickens, who passed away in December 2025, leaves a lasting legacy of service, mentorship and dedication to his community.

“The future of Canadian football is shaped in schools and communities by people like Kayla, who introduce young Canadians to the game and give them a reason to keep playing,” said Tyler Keenan, Chief Revenue Officer, Canadian Football League. “Her initiative and dedication are inspiring, and she truly represents the best of grassroots football. To see her passion for the game flourish in the next generation is remarkable. We are proud to celebrate her alongside Securian Canada on Canada’s football's biggest stage.”

This weekend, Kayla McNulty will join Securian Canada to present the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the 113th Grey Cup, taking place Sunday, November 15, in Calgary. The presentation will bring a community champion onto Canadian football’s biggest stage, celebrating her contribution to the game alongside excellence on the field.

About Securian Canada

At Securian Canada, we help build secure tomorrows. We design solutions that enable our partners to provide coverage to more Canadians because we believe insurance is for everyone.

Working alongside Canada's leading financial institutions, member organizations and other strategic partners, we combine intuitive technology, human insight and a flexible, collaborative approach to help make insurance simpler, more accessible and more relevant to the evolving needs of Canadians.

Established in 1955, Securian Canada is a leading insurance provider and an independent subsidiary of Securian Financial Group, Inc.

For more information, visit securiancanada.ca.

Securian Canada media contact

Heather MacDonald
Director, External Communications
437-677-8010
heather.macdonald@securiancanada.ca