Victoria, British Columbia, Local 230 shipyard members have a lot to celebrate as they emerge from arbitration with a substantial pay raise, putting them on par with their East Coast counterparts. “Local 230’s success highlights the value of strategic risk-taking in tough negotiations,” First District International Vice President Russ Shewchuk said. “It’s a reminder that…
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How to Take Advantage of Quebec’s Construction Boom
The construction industry in Quebec had a record-breaking year in 2025, and work isn’t expected to slow down in the months ahead. With that in mind, IBEW travelers to the province are reminded of its unique certification process for construction workers. “There are many opportunities for our brothers and sisters there, but they must follow…
MoreNew Federal Office Is Massive Opportunity for IBEW Canada
The federal government has formed an agency that will combat permitting gridlock on big infrastructure projects, giving the IBEW a powerful tool to organize more work faster. The Major Projects Office’s mission is to streamline the regulatory process on projects deemed to be in the national interest. This will enable Canada to make more effective…
MoreIBEW’s Message on Mental Health: ‘Solidarity Saves Lives’
*This article was originally published in the December 2025 issue of The Electrical Worker Online. A new report from Canada’s Building Trades Unions examined the mental health of its members and offered recommendations for reducing stress by tapping into the solidarity inherent in unions. The CBTU reported that Canadian tradespeople report similar levels of poor…
MoreOntario Local Signs Longtime Organizing Target With Top-Down Strategy
*This article was originally published in the November 2025 issue of The Electrical Worker Online. Kingston, Ontario, Local 115 had been trying to organize Thompson Electric, a major regional contractor, for 30 years. With the help of market changes, perseverance and a signatory contractor, it finally happened. “Thompson was always a large target for us,…
MoreIBEW Lauded by Prime Minister, Wins Grants
The IBEW earned a major win in Canada when it secured more than $13 million in federal funding for two Brotherhood-affiliated groups. A total of $10 million will go to the Western Joint Electrical Training Society — a training and facility initiative among three British Columbia local unions: Victoria Local 230, Kamloops Local 993 and…
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