Sisters and Brothers,
It’s been a busy spring and early summer. The Government of Canada has announced several initiatives and long-term strategies that could shape the future of the sectors where IBEW members work.
These announcements focus on electricity, energy, major infrastructure projects, and stronger partnerships between governments as Canada looks to strengthen its economy and build at home.
Back in May, I was asked to introduce Prime Minister Mark Carney as he announced “Powering Canada Strong,” Canada’s National Electricity Strategy. It was an important moment for our union. It showed how far we’ve come in establishing IBEW Canada as a trusted voice with government. It also reflected the professionalism, expertise, and daily work of IBEW members across the country. We intend to keep that seat at the table and continue speaking for our members.
While announcements may slow as Parliament breaks for the summer, our team continues to advance issues affecting IBEW members.
This communication includes updates on key issues we are managing and announcements we are tracking on behalf of members.
Thank you for your continued support as we advocate to better the lives of IBEW members and workers across our great nation. I wish you and your families a wonderful, safe long weekend and enjoyable summer season.
In Solidarity,
 | RUSS SHEWCHUK International Vice President IBEW First District, Canada |
Bill C-58 In Action
As many of you are aware, more than 300 members employed by Canadian Pacific Kansas City Rail and represented by System Council No. 11 Railroad Division, voted in favour of legal strike action on May 31. The vote received 96% support. Members made this decision after months of unsuccessful negotiations and little evidence that CPKC was prepared to bargain in good faith. Shortly after, CPKC was found to be using replacement workers, making this the first major and potentially precedent-setting test of Bill C-58.
Leadership at System Council No. 11 has been working hard to navigate the proper channels with the Canadian Industrial Relations Bord (CIRB), documenting all violations and filing complaints. The CIRB has advised that limited resources have affected its ability to address these matters quickly. Our brothers and sisters have held strong. We’re told their spirits remain high.
System Council No. 11 succeeded with its first complaint; however the interpretation of the Board’s ruling was narrow, applying only to the location and contractor named in the complaint. This had allowed for the replacement contractor to move and perform similar work at another CPKC site, requiring a new complaint to be filed.
It is clear that gaps remain in the legislation. These weaknesses must be addressed so the law can achieve its purpose and bring parties back to the bargaining table.
Nearly two months without a paycheque has placed a heavy burden on these members, but they continue to stand together. The rulings made in this case will shape how Bill C-58 is enforced for workers across Canada. We thank our brothers and sisters for their determination and solidarity through this process.
Canadian Labour Code Consultations: Round 2
The federal government has opened a second round of consultations to modernize the Canada Labour Code. Following strong participation in the first round, IBEW Canada is preparing one coordinated submission on behalf of our national organization. Local unions and councils may also submit directly to the federal government, while also sharing their feedback with us to strengthen our national submission.
Our submission includes recommendations on bad-faith bargaining, expedited grievance arbitration, strike and lockout mandates, first agreements, paid medical leave, wage theft, and Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code.
Thank you to all locals who have forwarded their submissions. We look forward to bringing this feedback to government and pressing for a Labour Code that reflects the challenges workers face in the present-day.
Apprenticeship Completion Bonus Made Retroactive
Following advocacy from IBEW Canada and other labour partners, the federal government has confirmed the new one-time $5,000 Apprenticeship Completion Bonus will be retroactive to April 2025.
This is a positive outcome for apprentices and a clear example of how IBEW Canada’s advocacy helps shape policies that better support our members.
The government expects to share implementation details this fall.
Recent Announcements We’re Following
Several announcements made this spring, and summer could create work for IBEW members in the years ahead. Many remain in the planning stages, and we will continue tracking their progress.
May 2026: LNG Canada Phase 2 Investment Cooperation
Canada and British Columbia announced support for LNG Canada’s proposed Phase 2 expansion as the project works toward a final investment decision.
Positive impact for members: Potential work in industrial construction, commissioning, maintenance, and electrical systems.
What to watch: The final investment decision and the labour agreements that accompany construction.
May 2026: National Electricity Strategy: Powering Canada Strong
The federal government announced Powering Canada Strong, a long-term plan to expand Canada’s electricity system through new generation, transmission, and interprovincial connections.
Positive impact for members: Years of work in transmission, substations, distribution upgrades, grid modernization, utility construction, telecommunications, electrical manufacturing, and post construction maintenance and operation of the new transmission and distribution networks.
What to watch: Funding commitments, procurement rules, and labour requirements attached to future projects.
June 2026: National Nuclear Energy Strategy
Ottawa is developing a national nuclear strategy that could support refurbishment projects, new nuclear facilities, and small modular reactors.
Positive impact for members: Long-term work in electrical construction, maintenance, controls, commissioning, and operation of generating facilities.
What to watch: Whether the strategy leads to funded projects and union labour commitments.
June 2026: Canada-B.C. Cooperative Prosperity Agreement
Canada and British Columbia signed a new Cooperative Prosperity Agreement to advance major infrastructure and resource projects, including the North Coast Transmission Line, Fraser River Tunnel, and Red Chris mine expansion.
Positive impact for members: The agreement supports future west-coast opportunities in transmission, utility, industrial, and civil electrical construction, while expanding workforce training to help meet labour demand.
What to watch: When projects move into procurement and construction, the labour requirements attached to them, and opportunities for union contractors and IBEW members.
July 2026: Northern Shield Energy Corridor Proposal
Ontario and Alberta announced a feasibility study for a new pipeline corridor between Hardisty, AB and Sarnia, ON. Both Saskatchewan and Manitoba have indicated support for the project.
Positive impact for members: Electrical, controls, instrumentation, and industrial construction work if the project proceeds.
What to watch: Whether the proposal advances beyond the feasibility stage.
July 2026: Large Canadian Procurement for German Subs
The federal government has announced that TKMS, a German submarine company, won the government’s bid to build up to 12 submarines, advancing Canada’s broader commitments to sovereignty, continental defense, and collective security with allies.
Positive impact for members: Potential opportunities in construction, and for members who work in the federal government dockyards
What to watch: The federal government and TKMS are to enter into negotiations on the terms and conditions of this sub deal over the next year.