IBEW Canada is working to ensure skilled union workers have a strong role in Canada’s next generation of infrastructure projects.
This week in Ottawa, IBEW First District International Vice President Russ Shewchuk joined Canada’s Building Trades Unions leaders for a productive meeting with the Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty and senior department staff.
The discussion focused on the National Defence Building Strategy and upcoming investments of over $82 billion in ports, military bases, maintenance facilities and other defence infrastructure across Canada.
Importantly, these investments are separate from the federal government’s May 14 announcement on national electricity infrastructure. This represents another major area of future employment opportunities for IBEW members.
IVP Shewchuk highlighted the significance of these meetings, stating that having a seat at this table is monumental for the IBEW and all of Canada’s Building Trades Unions. “We want to work with government to make sure these investments support good-paying union jobs and decades of opportunity.”
IBEW Canada and CBTU also discussed workforce planning, security clearance processes and long-term training models needed to support the work ahead.
“We thank Minister McGuinty for his enthusiasm in meeting with Canada’s Building Trades Unions and discussing how we can work more closely together,” said Shewchuk. “Early coordination on workforce needs, security clearances and training will be key as these projects move forward. IBEW members have the skills and training, and we are ready to get to work.”
IBEW Canada will continue building relationships with government and industry partners while advocating for project labour agreements that include strong wages, pensions and benefits, and uphold high training standards and good-paying careers for our members.