Veterans
IBEW Veterans Winter Meet Up in Eastern Canada
First-Ever Halifax Gathering Aims to Build Brother/Sisterhood Among Veterans Within the IBEW
Submitted by Brother Marc Pallard, Veteran and member of IBEW Local 2228
The Maritimes might be known for its harsh winters, but the warmth of brotherhood was on full display on 25 February 2026 at the inaugural IBEW Veterans Winter Meetup. The event, held at the Building Trades Advancement College of Nova Scotia (BTAC), brought together members from three different locals for an evening of camaraderie, conversation, and connection.
The meetup saw participation from members of IBEW Locals 625, 1928 and 2228. The attendees included young members who had recently served, to IBEW retirees. While the work backgrounds of the attendees varied—spanning construction, government services, and utilities—they were united by two common threads: their oath to the union and their service to their country.
Organized by Pete Cool and Quin Robb-Smith, the event was intentionally informal, designed to foster open dialogue over food and refreshments. The relaxed atmosphere proved effective as members shared personal stories about their transition from military to civilian careers and the role the IBEW has played in that journey.
A central theme of the evening’s discussions focused on how the union can better connect with Veterans who are leaving the Canadian Armed Forces. Attendees engaged in lively conversations about the opportunities available within the electrical industry and the natural fit for Veterans, who often possess the discipline, technical aptitude, and teamwork skills essential to the trade.
Organizer of the event Pete Cool emphasized that this was just the beginning. “This was a trial run, and it was a success. We are already looking forward to next year. We want this to be an annual tradition where we can continue to share information, mentor new apprentices, and make sure every Veteran in the IBEW knows they have a community here.”
Building on that idea, IBEW 625 Organizer, Veteran’s Committee Chair, and NextGen Committee Chair Quin Robb-Smith added, “We came together because of our shared commonalities, but it was the differences among each other that made it engaging and entertaining. Learning about each other’s past and present helped to create connections, a sense of brotherhood and establish the bonds that unite our IBEW family. Now, I look forward to organizing more.”
As the evening wound down, members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to connect, with many exchanging contact information and discussing plans for future informal gatherings. If the inaugural event is any indication, the IBEW Veterans Winter Meetup is poised to become a staple on the Halifax union calendar.
MoreSpotlight: IBEW Canada Veteran Member Stephen Beam
Contributed by IBEW Veteran Member, Chrissie Caprani, IBEW Local 529, on behalf of the IBEW Canada Veterans Forum
Today, we remember those who fought for our freedom.
“Lest we Forget”
Our spotlight for Remembrance Day is Brother Stephen Beam, a member of IBEW Local 529 In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. We recognize and celebrate his dedication to time served in the forces rolled into his dedication as an IBEW member for over 20 years. His memories of serving in the Navy are as follows:
“In 1986, I joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and arrived for basic training at CFB Cornwallis on my 23rd birthday. After that, my training unit 8608 1 platoon, participated in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo as an acrobatic act (aka the window ladder routine) in front of thousands of audience members for five nights.
“I was assigned to the HMCS Annapolis (Annapolis-class destroyer), for duty and spent the next three years on that ship going on various exercises and traveled to a lot of western European countries, northern Norway, all up and down the American east coast seaboard and various islands in the Caribbean. I was posted to HMCS Protector (AOR 509) for around five months and mustered out of the Navy.
“I do miss going to various countries and experiencing different lifestyles and cultures but what I don’t miss is for example, 30-to-40-foot sea swells for three days and nights in the challenging North Sea,” he adds, chuckling.
Steve wanted to remuster from bosun to electrician while serving, but progress was at a standstill. Steve then made the difficult decision to leave the Navy and pursue his goal as a civilian. He left in 1989 and mustered out of the ranks as an Able Seaman. From there, he enrolled in the Electrical program at Nova Scotia Community College for one year and then moved to Banff, Alberta, to pursue his electrical apprenticeship. After a short stint in Banff, Steve moved to Saskatoon to be with family and seek further apprenticeship training.
Brother Beam joined IBEW Local 529 in the late 90s and has been with them ever since. The extensive training in safety and structure, along with the need to follow strong guidelines as a professional electrician, drove Steve to join the IBEW.
Up until a few years ago, Steve was active in laying the wreath for Local 529 on Remembrance Day. He then joined the rank and file and now marches with the old guard at the ceremonies.
Thank you, Brother Beam, for your time served in both capacities of the Royal Canadian Navy and now the IBEW. We honour and respect you.
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Remembrance Day: Honouring Our Veterans and Growing the IBEW Veteran Community
Brothers and Sisters,
As Canadians come together to observe Remembrance Day, the IBEW extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have served and to those who gave their lives in defence of our country, as well as the families that stood behind them. Their courage and sacrifice have helped secure the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today.
Across Canada, many IBEW members are proud Veterans who have chosen to build a second career through our union. Their discipline, leadership, and teamwork reflect the very best of what it means to be part of the IBEW. We are honoured to have these members among us and are committed to helping them stay connected through a growing network of IBEW veterans.
With strong support from IBEW Veterans Committees across Canada, this community continues to grow. Earlier this year, we held the first IBEW Canada Veterans Caucus, bringing together Veterans from across the country to share their experiences and strengthen bonds within our union. Plans are already underway for the next caucus in May 2026 in Niagara, Ontario where we hope to see an even greater number of participants.
If you are a Veteran and an IBEW member, we encourage you to connect with your local union leadership or reach out to First District International Veterans Committee Chair, Pete Cool (ibewveteransd1@gmail.com) to learn more about how you can get involved. Whether your local has a formal veterans committee or not, your participation can help strengthen this growing community across Canada.
In addition to the ongoing efforts in First District, IBEW International office has released a special challenge coin, available for free to our IBEW Veteran members. Please share this link with your membership to help us spread the word: ibew.org/veterans
To all who have served, and to those we remember, we thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Lest we forget.
In solidarity,
 | Russ Shewchuk International Vice President IBEW First District, Canada |
Learn more about our growing IBEW Veterans’ community across Canada:
Recap: IBEW Canada Veterans Caucus
New Video By IBEW Power Hour Featuring IBEW 258 Veteran Member
‘Tenacious’ Halifax Member Works to Aid Fellow Veterans
B.C. Local Moves Quickly to Be First With Veterans Committee
IBEW Local 1928 and Nova Scotia Power Join Forces to Support VETS Canada
MoreFree Challenge Coin For IBEW Veterans
In recognition of service to country and union, all IBEW members who have served in the Canadian or U.S. militaries can claim their coin free of charge.
The size and shape of a military dog tag, the new coin is individually numbered and features the flags of both countries and the IBEW seal.
Don’t miss your chance to claim yours today >> IBEW.org/Veterans
MoreRecap: 2025 IBEW All Canada Progress Meeting
From August 9 to 14, nearly 300 IBEW members and leaders gathered in Calgary for our annual IBEW First District All Canada Progress Meeting (ACPM). Together, we strengthened connections, advanced key initiatives, and celebrated the growth of our union across the country.
IBEW Canada Women’s Caucus
Close to 70 delegates attended the Women’s Caucus on August 9 and 10 under the theme: We Rise by Lifting Each Other Up. The two-day program featured speakers who inspired dialogue around leadership, workplace discrimination and harassment, financial literacy, and empowerment. Sessions included talks from Cecile Cailliou (Indigenous Elder and teacher), Cori Longo, Jill Drader, and CLC facilitators on domestic violence and harassment in the workplace. Members also took part in a self-defense workshop and a fireside chat with Siobhan Vipond of the Canadian Labour Congress.
A special thank you to IBEW International Women’s Committee First District Representative, Meaghan Olmstead (IBEW Local 2228) and IBEW First District International Representative and Education Specialist Kate Buinimasi for their leadership in organizing this event.
Delegates closed out the weekend by volunteering with WINS Calgary, giving back to the community through service.
IBEW Canada NextGen Caucus
On August 11, more than 45 members aged 35 and under participated in the NextGen Caucus, themed Leadership and Politics. Delegates completed condensed Politics, Activism & Livelihood (PAL) training and engaged in a dynamic panel discussion with IBEW leaders Adam Van Steinburg (IBEW Canada), Kevin Gaudaur (IBEW Local 1687, Sudbury), and Brad Wood (IBEW Canada).
The caucus wrapped up with an ambitious plan: a cross-Canada walk fundraiser in spring 2026 to support a charity (TBD). Led by IBEW International NextGen Committee First District Representative Manraj (Manny) Randhawa and supported by IBEW Canada International Representative and Education Specialist Richard Prasad, the energy and commitment of this group highlighted the bright future of IBEW leadership.
IBEW Canada Veterans Caucus
Also on August 11, IBEW Canada hosted its first-ever Veterans Caucus with 20 participants. Guided by IBEW International Veteran’s Committee Representative Pete Cool (IBEW Local 1928) and supported by Jamie Lowe (IBEW Local 258) and Jordan Geddert (IBEW Local 258), the event featured presentations from Veterans Affairs Canada, NETCO, and Mike Kufchak, Director of Veteran Affairs for IBEW Local 11.
Momentum is already growing, with five new Veterans Committees chartered across Canada in 2025. This caucus is building a strong foundation for veterans within the IBEW to connect, support each other, and contribute their skills and leadership.
Thank you to IBEW International Representative and Education Specialist, Dustin Brecht and retired IBEW International Representative and Education Specialist, Jim Watson, for supporting the committee to ensure a successful event.
IBEW Canada General Sessions
The week continued with powerful general sessions. We welcomed IBEW International President Ken Cooper, International Secretary-Treasurer Paul Noble, and Chief of Staff Ricky Oakland, alongside government and industry leaders, including Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Joseph Schow and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. Secretary of State (Labour), The Honourable John Zerucelli addressed delegates and announced $13 Million in funding for IBEW WJETS and NETCO.
Highlights included a cheque presentation to the MS Society of Canada, remarks from IBEW International Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) President Sean Bagsby (IBEW Local 46), and a keynote by comedian Shaun Majumder. The sessions reminded us of the importance of solidarity, shared learning, and collective progress.
The success of this year’s ACPM reflects the dedication of our local union leadership and members. We encourage IBEW locals across Canada to continue investing in engaged members: send delegates to our Women’s, NextGen, and Veterans Caucuses. These gatherings are more than conferences; they are investments in organizing, leadership, and community building that secure the future of the IBEW.
A huge thank you to this year’s ACPM host locals: IBEW Local 254, IBEW Local 424, IBEW Local 1007, and IBEW Local 2228.
We look forward hosting new and familiar faces at our 2026 All Canada Progress Meeting in Niagara Falls, Ontario next May.
If you would like to get involved with or start a Committee at your local, please contact your local union hall for more information or visit https://ibew.org/about-ibew/affinity-groups/.
Photos
General Session
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