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.