Statement from IBEW Canada International Vice President, Russ Shewchuk
IBEW Canada welcomes the recent announcement from Secretary of State for Labour, John Zerucelli. The upcoming federal budget shows a clear commitment to investing in Canadian workers
The government’s plan to expand the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) with a $75 million investment over three years is a major step forward for the skilled trades. This funding matters not only to IBEW Canada, but to all of Canada’s Building Trades Unions. It’s how we will build the future of this country
We are extremely optimistic about what this means for Canada’s workforce and economy. Representing IBEW members and working alongside our partners in the building trades and the Canadian government, we see this as a clear commitment to ensuring that training opportunities grow with the country’s infrastructure needs.
IBEW Canada has long advocated for stronger support for union-led training. As the leading voice in the electrical industry, we are proud to see this investment move forward. These funds will strengthen apprenticeship programs, open doors for more Canadians, and help build the projects that will power Canada’s future.
Russ Shewchuk
International Vice President
IBEW Canada
The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), visited the Ironworkers Local 721 in Etobicoke, Ontario to share this announcement ahead of Budget 2025 on new Government of Canada measures to support Canadian workers.