I would like to congratulate Matt Wayland on his election as the next International Vice President for IBEW District 1 – Canada.
I also want to thank the delegates from across Canada who participated in our democratic election process at the 41st International Convention. Our union is strongest when we participate, engage in the process, and remain united in our common purpose of serving our members.
It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to serve as your International Vice President over the past four and a half years. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together as a District 1 team. We grew our membership, organized new employers, strengthened our training and education, expanded our government relations efforts, and built greater recognition and influence for the IBEW across Canada.
Those accomplishments belong to all of us—our Local Union leaders, officers, organizers, staff, and, most importantly, our members who continue to build the IBEW every day.
As I pass the responsibility of leading District 1 to Matt, I do so with confidence in the strength of our organization and the people who make it great. I encourage all IBEW members across Canada to support Matt and work together to continue building on the progress we have made.
There is much important work ahead.
Keep organizing. Keep growing. Keep opening doors to the middle class. Keep building worker power. And keep building the best union in Canada.
Thank you for the trust, support, friendship, and memories over the past four and a half years. It has been an honour to serve you.
Congratulations, Matt. I wish you every success as you take on this important responsibility.
Fraternally,
Russ Shewchuk
International Vice President – Emeritus
IBEW Canada – District 1