The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) First District (Canada) International Vice President Russ Shewchuk issued the following statement on the Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement:
“IBEW Canada welcomes this agreement and its commitment to investing in infrastructure that will strengthen British Columbia’s economy and Canada’s energy future.
“The commitment of $3.9 billion to build the North Coast Transmission Line secures years of rewarding work for IBEW members while modernizing the electrical grid to support growing communities, industry and economic growth across British Columbia. Our members across construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, rail and the public sector have the skills and experience to help deliver this work safely and efficiently.
“The investment of $630 million in affordable childcare will help lower barriers for families and single parents pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Measures that make it easier for more people to enter and remain in these roles will help us meet and sustain the growing demand for skilled workers.
“We also welcome the agreement’s recognition of organized labour as a key partner in delivering these projects. As part of Canada’s Building Trades Unions, the IBEW has long set the standard for apprenticeship and skills training, preparing the skilled electrical workers who build and maintain the infrastructure Canadians rely on every day.
“IBEW members are ready to get to work. We look forward to seeing these commitments move quickly from agreement to construction and to working with governments, industry and labour partners to deliver projects that create good-paying, long-lasting union jobs and strengthen communities across British Columbia.”
 | RUSS SHEWCHUK International Vice President IBEW First District, Canada |
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The IBEW First District (Canada) represents over 70,000 active members in Canada who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.