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
