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Remembrance Day Message from IVP Wayland

IVP Message, Veterans

Each year on Remembrance Day, we come together as Canadians to honour the brave men and women who have served our country, and to reflect on the sacrifices they and their families have made to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

We remember those who gave their lives in service, and we honour those who returned home carrying wounds, both visible and unseen. They deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve our continued respect, compassion and support, especially when it comes to mental health and the challenges many veterans face long after their service has ended.

This Wednesday, November 11, I encourage all IBEW members to join Canadians across the country in observing two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. If you are unable to participate at that time, I ask that you find a quiet moment in your day to reflect on what this occasion means and the sacrifices made by generations of service members and their families.

I also encourage you to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony in your community or watch the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on television or through The Royal Canadian Legion’s Facebook page.

On behalf of IBEW staff and members across Canada, I want to recognize and thank all Veterans and extend a special thank you to the Veterans within our own IBEW family. We are proud to stand alongside you, and we are grateful for your service.

Lest we forget.

In Solidarity,

MATTHEW J. WAYLAND
International Vice President
IBEW First District, Canada

In Their Own Words: Reflections from Veterans within the IBEW

As we honour those who have served, we invited Veterans within our IBEW family to share what service, sacrifice and Remembrance Day mean to them.

“When November rolls around, my thoughts are split between two distinct places:

The Ultimate Sacrifice: I remember my family members, alongside all Canadians who paid the ultimate price…who never made it back home or perished as a result of their service. Remembrance Day is a sacred promise that they will never be forgotten, and that their sacrifice truly mattered.

The Living Invisible Wounds: It is also a time to reflect on those who did come home, but carry the heavy, lifelong burden of PTSD, moral injury, and physical scars. It reminds me of why looking out for our veterans—and creating spaces where we can talk openly about mental health and support one another—is so critical.”

Dwayne Watson
Nav Canada Senior Systems Support Technologist, IBEW Local 2228
Military Branch: Air | Teletype Crypto Tech, Strategical Information Tech, ATIS Tech

“Remembrance Day is a reminder to stop and reflect on those that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and for me to reflect on my service.”

Jamie Lowe
Powerline Technician, IBEW Local 258
Military Branch: Navy | Electronics Technician

“[On Remembrance Day] I take time to reflect on my 3VP colleagues who didn’t make it home to their families during our time overseas.”




Lorne
Marine Electrician, IBEW Local 230
Military Branch: Army/Navy | Infantry/Marine Technician

“To me, Remembrance Day is a reminder of the freedoms we have as Canadians. I chose to serve because I believe Canada is a great country, and I wanted to contribute to protecting the freedoms that allow people to live their lives as they choose.”

Jay Arbuckle
Powerline Technician Apprentice, IBEW Local 258
Military Branch: Army | Infantry, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry

“I was stationed in Germany when I had the honor and privilege to visit the Memorial war sites in France and Belgium as well as the war graves. After placing poppies on the graves and reading the names, Remembrance Day has been something special for me.”

Roy Bozzo
Electrician, IBEW Local 2330
Military Branch: Air/Army | Fire Fighter/PPCLI

“[On Remembrance Day] I think about the sacrifices generations made before and the friends that I lost.”

Jordan Geddert
Powerline Technician, IBEW Local 258
Military Branch: Royal Marines | 45 Commando, Yankee Coy. Mortars

“Remembrance Day is a day where you can reflect and be thankful for the freedoms that we have today because of those who paid with their life.”

Scott Ferris
Pre-Apprentice Powerline Technician, IBEW Local 258
Military Branch: Navy | Marine Technician

“Remembrance Day is important to me, to be able to hear the stories from men and women who served the same country I have. It is important to hear these stories, and re tell them as to not forget the brave generations before us.”

Michael
Electrician, IBEW Local 120
Military Branch: Army Reserve | Armoured

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IBEW CANADA WELCOMES KEY INVESTMENTS IN FEDERAL BUDGET 2026

IVP Message, Political Action

“As the union whose members power Canada’s grid, IBEW Canada welcomes Federal Budget 2026’s investments in Canada’s electrification strategy and the extension of the Clean Electricity and Clean Technology Investment Tax Credits. The prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements tied to these incentives put workers at the centre of Canada’s energy future, supporting fair wages, skilled trades training and good-paying Canadian jobs. IBEW members are ready to help build the infrastructure that will power our country for generations to come.”

MATTHEW WAYLAND
International Vice President
IBEW First District, Canada

IBEW Canada Statement

IBEW Canada International Vice President Matthew Wayland issued the following statement on Federal Budget 2026.

“As the union whose members power Canada’s grid, we welcome Budget 2026’s focus on strengthening Canada’s electricity system, supporting Canadian industries and investing in skilled trades. These measures can create good-paying jobs and strengthen communities across the country.

“The government’s broader $115 billion electrification plan, supported by the National Electricity Strategy, aims to double Canada’s electricity supply by 2050. Achieving this goal will require major investments in power generation and transmission infrastructure. IBEW members already build, operate and maintain these systems. We know what it takes to get the job done.

“We particularly welcome the extension of the Clean Electricity and Clean Technology Investment Tax Credits through 2040. The prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements tied to these incentives help ensure that federal investments support fair wages, skilled trades training and the workers delivering these projects.

“Budget 2026 also supports nuclear development, critical minerals, forestry, manufacturing and housing. Combined with the government’s continued $6 billion commitment to skilled trades and apprenticeships, these measures can strengthen Canadian industries and build the workforce needed to support them.

“We welcome the direction outlined in this budget and look forward to working with government and industry to turn these commitments into good-paying Canadian jobs, meaningful apprenticeship opportunities, safe workplaces and respect for collective agreements.

“IBEW members are ready to help build Canada’s future. We will continue standing up for our members and ensuring these investments deliver lasting benefits for workers, their families and communities across the country.”

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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW ) First District (Canada) represents over 71,000 active members in Canada who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.

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Local 2330 Women’s Committee Sparks New Beginnings

Local Union News, North of 49°

Marlene Leamon, chair of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Local 2330’s Women’s Committee, repairs a women’s centre’s kitchen light fixture.

When Marlene Leamon learned that a women’s centre needed help with electrical repairs, she was certain that it would be a great volunteer opportunity for the recently formed Women’s Committee at St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Local 2330.

“No big renovations or anything, just some heaters or lights, little bits of maintenance that need to be done,” said Leamon, co-chair of the committee.

The St. John’s Women’s Centre is a space for those fleeing domestic violence that also offers free counselling programs and other services for the region’s women and nonbinary people.

Leamon said committee volunteers wear IBEW-branded pink T-shirts and hats at work to help clients feel comfortable with their presence.

“There’s a lot of women in the centre who are looking to have new beginnings,” said Leamon, who embarked on a new beginning of her own a decade ago when she left a secure yet unsatisfying government job to apply for a Local 2330 apprenticeship.

“I chose electrical work because I love solving problems, and I like the physical work,” she said.

She discovered a knack for handling industrial and construction work.

“I can bend pipe, and I like doing panels because I like to have everything neat,” she said. “I like that I understand it enough to say, ‘I can move this pair and this pair and it should work perfectly.’”

Discussions about beginning a Women’s Committee at Local 2330 grew out of shift-crossing conversations between Leamon, who worked nights, and dayshift co-worker Stephanie Kelloway, the committee’s co-chair.

The pair decided to get more active after hearing from IBEW women during an All Canada Progress Meeting in St. John’s in August 2024.

“We got to meet other women in the trade. It was very inspirational,” Kelloway said. “After that, Marlene and I started talking more about something we can do” at Local 2330.

By the end of 2024, the local’s members had approved their request to form a Women’s Committee.

“They’re doing a fabulous job, and they’re going to all these different functions,” said Business Manager James Martin. “They’re doing fundraising, and they’re asking for more stuff to do.”

Leamon, who recently was elected to the local’s executive board, wore her committee T-shirt walking with the women’s centre’s contingent in the St. John’s Pride Parade in July. The committee is recruiting walkers for Cancer Care Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador’s 5-km “Polka Dot Trot” fundraiser in September.

Leamon, meanwhile, has recently represented the IBEW at events — sponsored by WinSETT and the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology — geared toward bringing more underrepresented people into the trades. She’s also mentored some women she met at this year’s All-Canada Progress Meeting in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Since 2023, a women’s caucus has been included in the progress meetings to allow for greater and more consistent networking among women in the district along with business managers and local union leaders.

“I like that these young ladies are talking to me about things,” she said. “I think we’re doing great, considering that a lot of our people travel.”

That now includes Leamon, who was recently hired by Nova Scotia’s Halifax Shipyard. Her commitment to the women’s centre, however, remains unchanged.

“They asked if I’d still be able to speak to some of the women there about the electrical trade,” she said. “I might have to do it over Zoom now.”

*This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue of The Electrical Worker Online and has been lightly edited.

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Happy Thanksgiving

IVP Message

Sisters and Brothers,

This Thanksgiving, we recognize our members, Local Union leaders, volunteers and staff who contribute to the strength of the IBEW. We also thank the families who support our members throughout the year.

Across Canada, IBEW members continue to make a difference each and every day. From building and maintaining critical infrastructure to powering our communities, their work helps keep our great nation moving forward.

As we gather this weekend, let’s also remember those who will spend the holiday on the job and those in our communities who may need a helping hand.

Thank you for your hard work, your commitment to one another and everything you do for the IBEW.

On behalf of all First District staff, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

In Solidarity,

RUSS SHEWCHUK
International Vice President
IBEW First District, Canada
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Outgoing IVP Russ Shewchuk congratulates incoming IVP Matt Wayland

Announcement

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

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IBEW Canada Political Progress Update No. 5

Political Action

IVP Shewchuk with Prime Minister Mark Carney in September.

Sisters and Brothers,

One year ago, we released our Policy Document outlining the priorities we wanted governments to act on: energy infrastructure, union training, apprenticeship, stronger labour protections and good jobs tied to public investment.

Since then, IBEW leaders, staff and Local Unions across Canada have continued bringing those priorities directly to decision-makers. We are seeing progress.

This special edition highlights some of that work, along with major developments creating new opportunities for our members.

Canada is facing economic pressure at the same time as historic investments are being planned in energy, infrastructure and industry. The decisions being made now will shape where our members work, how the next generation is trained and the standards that govern that work.

Our responsibility is to stay engaged, measure progress and keep pushing for outcomes that benefit working people.

In Solidarity,

RUSS SHEWCHUK
International Vice President
IBEW First District, Canada

IBEW Canada’s IVP Russ Shewchuk addresses the media at the announcement introducing the new Workforce Alliance for Energy and Electricity on September 2nd in Ottawa, Ontario.

IBEW VOICE ADDED TO NATIONAL ENERGY WORKFORCE PLANNING

IVP Shewchuk joins stakeholders to celebrate the newly announced Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance. From left to right: Harshivam Bawa (Energy Council of Canada), Fernando Relo (CanREA), Michelle Branigan (EHRC), Patty Hajdu (Minister of Jobs and Families), Dr. Steven Murphy (Ontario Tech University), Giovanna Mingarelli (MP, Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, Ontario), Russ Shewchuk (IBEW Canada), Marco Dubé (Hydro Ottawa)

IBEW Canada International Vice President Russ Shewchuk has been appointed Labour Ambassador to Canada’s new Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance.

The Alliance brings labour, industry, education, Indigenous partners and other stakeholders together to address workforce and skills needs as Canada expands its energy and electricity systems.

Shewchuk will serve as the Labour Ambassador, bringing the perspective of skilled trades workers directly into national workforce planning. For IBEW members, this means having a labour voice at the table before decisions are made about the workforce needed to build Canada’s energy future.

His priorities include protecting Red Seal standards, creating stronger pathways into long-term skilled trades careers, improving worker mobility and supporting workers who must travel for major projects.

As Shewchuk said at the launch, workforce planning needs to happen alongside project planning.

Watch Shewchuk’s media address here.

IBEW RECOMMENDATIONS REFLECTED IN FEDERAL LABOUR CONSULTATION

In our last Political Progress Update, we shared that IBEW Canada was participating in federal consultations on potential changes to the Canada Labour Code. The government has now released its findings, and several priorities raised by IBEW are reflected in what it heard from labour.

These include:

  • Extending the current 60-day strike mandate.
  • Introducing expedited grievance arbitration.
  • Strengthening support for first collective agreements.
  • Providing increased resources for the Canada Industrial Relations Board and Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
  • Addressing concerns around the use of Section 107.

For IBEW Canada, these recommendations are grounded in the experiences of our members and councils, including lessons from System Council No. 11.

This is not policy change yet, but it is meaningful progress. Our recommendations are part of the federal conversation, and we will continue pressing to turn that momentum into action.

IBEW Canada’s IVP Russ Shewchuk joins other CBTU and other labour leaders for a round-table meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu and other key government officials to address the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian workers.

KEEPING WORKERS AT THE CENTRE OF CANADA’S TARIFF RESPONSE

U.S. tariffs continue to put pressure on Canadian industries where thousands of IBEW members work, including steel, mining, manufacturing, pulp and paper and other resource sectors.

Earlier this month, IVP Shewchuk and Canada’s Building Trades Unions were invited to be part of a round table meeting with the federal government to discuss supports for affected workers and industries.

Recent measures include expanded
employment, training, and business supports. CBTU has also called for major infrastructure, industrial and energy projects
to help create new opportunities for Canadian tradespeople affected by tariff pressures.

Our position remains clear: Workers should not carry the cost of an international trade dispute.

At the same time, Canada must connect short-term relief with long-term opportunity by advancing projects that keep skilled Canadian workers employed.

IBEW Canada International Representative Adam VanSteinburg (5th from left) joined project stakeholders and BC Hydro workers to announce the major expansion of BC Hydro’s Newell Substation in Burnaby, British Columbia this August.

NEWELL SUBSTATION INVESTMENT CREATES NEW IBEW OPPORTUNITIES

Construction is underway on a major expansion of BC Hydro’s Newell Substation in Burnaby.

The approximately $200-million project will increase capacity for roughly 15,000 additional customers while improving reliability for nearly 60,000 existing customers.

The IBEW was invited to participate in the announcement and we were proud to have International Representative Adam VanSteinburg and Local 258 Business Manager Kevin Duchak in attendance.  VanSteinburg addressed the media, highlighting the long-standing role IBEW members play in building and maintaining B.C.’s electricity system.

Projects like Newell are an important part of Canada’s electricity build-out. New generation and transmission cannot succeed without the substations and distribution infrastructure needed to deliver that power.

For IBEW members, these investments mean continued opportunities in construction, maintenance and utility work.

MAJOR PROJECTS MOVING FORWARD

Several projects previously highlighted by IBEW Canada are now moving into new stages.

North Coast Transmission Line

Construction has begun on Phase 1 of B.C.’s North Coast Transmission Line, a 165-kilometre expansion intended to support communities, industry and critical mineral development in northern B.C.

The project was identified in our last Political Progress Update as one to watch. It is now moving into the early construction phase with electrical tenders still to be determined.

Our focus remains on the labour standards, procurement requirements and opportunities available to union contractors and IBEW members.

Churchill Falls and Gull Island

The planned expansion of Churchill Falls, development of Gull Island and new transmission infrastructure in Labrador represent major long-term opportunities for IBEW members who also helped build the original Churchill Falls project and continue to work there today.

For members in Newfoundland and Labrador, these projects could also create opportunities to work closer to home while training the next generation of apprentices.

McIlvenna Bay

Saskatchewan’s McIlvenna Bay mine has begun producing concentrates and is moving toward commercial production.

The project also includes new transmission and substation infrastructure, with future expansion opportunities now being studied.

ONE YEAR OF ADVOCACY: FROM POLICY PRIORITIES TO PROGRESS

One year ago, IBEW Canada released our national Policy Document identifying legislative goals for our members across the country.

Here is where some of that work stands today.

  1. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE

Our Ask: Invest in major electricity infrastructure and stronger interprovincial connections.

Progress: Canada has established the Major Projects Office and is advancing major electricity, transmission and energy projects.

Next: Ensure these investments create good union jobs and meaningful apprenticeship opportunities.

  1. UNION TRAINING

Our Ask: Invest directly in union-led, industry-backed training centres.

Progress: The federal government committed $225 million over five years to support union training infrastructure and equipment.

Next: Continue securing investment for IBEW training centres across Canada.

  1. APPRENTICESHIP SUPPORTS

Our Ask: Tie apprenticeship funding more closely to progression and completion.

Progress: New federal measures include up to $400 per week during technical training, a $5,000 Apprenticeship Completion Bonus, Red Seal modernization and additional apprenticeship funding.

The completion bonus has also been made retroactive to April 2025.

Next: Keep reducing barriers that prevent apprentices from becoming certified journeypersons.

  1. STRONGER LABOUR PROTECTIONS

Our Ask: Strong anti-scab protections and federal labour processes that work.

Progress: The System Council No. 11 dispute has become an important real-world test of Bill C-58, including a successful first complaint involving replacement workers.

Next: Press for stronger enforcement and adequate resources for the CIRB.

  1. WORKER EXPLOITATION

Our Ask: Identify and act on misclassification, unfair subcontracting and worker exploitation in parts of the cabling and telecommunications sectors.

Progress: Concerns raised by IBEW have resulted in increased attention from federal enforcement agencies.

Next: Continue pushing for stronger enforcement and accountability.

PROGRESS TO WATCH: LABOUR STANDARDS ON MAJOR PROJECTS

We recommended: Project Labour Agreements, prevailing wages and apprenticeship requirements on federally supported major projects.

Progress: Federal policy is increasingly recognizing the role of prevailing wages, union labour and community benefit agreements in ensuring workers share in the benefits of major investments.

Why it matters: As billions are invested in infrastructure, strong labour standards can ensure public investment creates good jobs, supports apprentices and maintains high standards for the skilled workforce building these projects.

Next: Turn positive policy commitments into clear, enforceable labour requirements as major projects move into procurement and construction.

PROGRESS TO WATCH: MODERNIZING FEDERAL LABOUR LAWS

We recommended: Changes to strengthen collective bargaining, including longer strike mandates, expedited grievance arbitration, stronger first-agreement supports, better-resourced federal labour institutions and greater restraint in the use of Section 107.

Progress: Several IBEW recommendations are reflected in the federal government’s What We Heard report following consultations on potential Canada Labour Code reforms.

Why it matters: These changes could help reduce delays, strengthen collective bargaining and give workers more effective access to the labour processes intended to protect them.

Next: The recommendations are not policy yet. IBEW Canada will continue advocating for them as government considers potential changes to the Canada Labour Code.

ALSO ON OUR RADAR

IBEW Canada and CBTU leaders recently met with Minister of National Defence David McGuinty to discuss more than $82 billion in planned defence infrastructure, including bases, ports and maintenance facilities.

IBEW Canada is engaging early to ensure skilled union workers are part of the conversation as these investments take shape, including discussions around workforce planning, training and security-clearance requirements.

What we’re watching: How these investments move into projects and procurement, and the opportunities they could create for IBEW members alongside Canada’s growing energy and electricity investments.

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