Today, at our IBEW All Canada Progress Meeting, we were honoured to host The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour) speaking on behalf of The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor. Speaking to a room with filled with hundreds of IBEW Delegates from across Canada, Secretary Zerucelli shared a landmark announcement: nearly $10 million in federal funding for the Western Joint Electrical Training Society to deliver innovative, hands-on training in green skills for construction electrician apprentices, journeypersons, and other workers from coast to coast .
Additionally, more than $3 million was allocated to the National Electrical Trade Council to train Red Seal powerline technicians in drone operations for powerline maintenance—an important step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enabling nearly 17,350 workers to upgrade or acquire vital new skills.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Secretary Zerucelli for addressing our delegates today and delivering this announcement in person, and to Minister Hajdu for her unwavering commitment to skilled-trades training and for actively working to address the challenges our members face.
We also wish to thank Prime Minister Carney for recognizing the significant role of organized labour unions such as the IBEW and the incredible work being done by our members from coast to coast.
As Canada’s leading electrical stakeholder, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers continues to uphold the nation’s highest training standards and exceptional completion rates. With this new support, we will further strengthen our leadership role in building a skilled, green-ready workforce that powers Canada.
More details about the announcement can be found here.
