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Vision

Four years of Results. Five Years of Opportunity.

Our Vision for IBEW Canada | 2026–2031

Over the past four years, we have strengthened IBEW Canada’s voice, expanded opportunities for members, and positioned our union as a respected leader across government, industry, and the skilled trades.

Now, as Canada enters one of the largest periods of infrastructure, electrification, and energy investment in our history, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to build on that momentum.

Together, we can ensure IBEW members remain the workforce of choice while creating new opportunities for every Local Union across Canada.

Why looking Forward Matters

Canada is changing.

Major investments in energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, transportation, and critical infrastructure are reshaping our economy. These projects will create opportunities for skilled electrical workers—but only if we continue to grow our market share, strengthen our voice, and ensure IBEW members remain at the centre of that work.

The progress we’ve made over the past four years has created unprecedented momentum. The next five years are about turning that momentum into lasting opportunity for every Local Union and every member.

Four Years of Progress

8,000
Net New Members

Growing our collective strength through strategic organizing.

225+
New Employers & Contractors

Growing our collective strength through strategic organizing.

National Leadership
To strengthen Partnerships

Building trusted relationships that create opportunities for members.

Historic Advocacy
& Worker-Focused Results

Helping advance legislation and policies that strengthen workers and support union labour and IBEW members.

OUR PRIORITIES | 2026–2031

Every new member strengthens every Local Union.

Canada’s future will require more skilled electrical workers than ever before. That means continuing to organize new members, expanding market share, and ensuring IBEW remains the first choice for workers and employers alike.

Key Results (2022-2026)

  • 8,000+ net new members
  • 225+ employers and contractors organized
  • Expanded market share across multiple sectors
  • New opportunities in emerging industries

Key Learnings

  • Growth begins with a clear vision and a commitment to long-term success
  • Strategic organizing, strong partnerships, and sharing the value of union labour create new opportunities
  • Every member we organize strengthens our voice
  • Every employer we organize expands opportunities for Local Unions

2026-2031 Objectives

  • Grow membership to 80,000 members
  • Organize an additional 225 contractors and employers
  • Increase market share across all sectors by leveraging our strength in dominant sectors to support growth throughout the IBEW
  • Expand opportunities in manufacturing, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and emerging technology industries
  • Continue positioning the IBEW as the workforce of choice for Canada's electrification and energy transition

Why This Matters

More members create greater bargaining power, stronger political influence, and expanded opportunities for workers and their families.

Growth strengthens every Local Union and ensures that future generations benefit from the protections, wages, benefits, and pensions that define union membership.

Decisions are made long before workers arrive on the job.

Strong relationships with governments, employers, and industry leaders help ensure IBEW members benefit from the policies, investments, and projects shaping Canada’s future.

When IBEW has a seat at the table, Local Unions have more opportunities.

Key Results

Government and Policy Leadership

  • Expanded government engagement
  • Supported the successful passage of anti-scab legislation (Bill C-58)
  • Helped secure expanded investment in union-led training initiatives
  • Elevated IBEW Canada's national profile on labour and workforce issues

Workforce Development Leadership & Strategic Partnerships

  • Expanded participation in workforce planning and development discussions
  • Helped lead the Workforce Alliance for the Energy Sector
  • Advanced apprenticeship and workforce development through strategic industry partnerships
  • Strengthened relationships with major employers and industry leaders

Key Learnings

  • Influence creates opportunity, and opportunity attracts partners
  • When IBEW Canada has a seat at the table, members benefit from policies, investments, and projects that create jobs, protect standards, and strengthen Local Unions
  • Governments and industry increasingly look to IBEW Canada as a trusted workforce partner—recognizing our skilled members, world-class training, and proven ability to deliver results

2026-2031 Objectives​

Expand Our Influence

  • Advance worker-friendly legislation that strengthens labour standards and protects workers
  • Advocate for solutions that address the misuse and exploitation of temporary foreign workers
  • Secure Project Labour Agreements on major projects
  • Ensure IBEW collective agreement standards become the benchmark for major infrastructure and industrial investments.
  • Expand participation in workforce planning, energy policy, and economic development discussions
  • Position IBEW Canada as the leading voice on workforce development, electrification, energy policy, and skilled trades

Strengthen Strategic Partnerships

  • Establish new strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations and employers
  • Expand collaboration with educational institutions, training organizations, and industry associations
  • Create joint workforce development, recruitment, and retention initiatives
  • Position IBEW Canada as the preferred workforce partner for major projects and long-term investments
  • Leverage partnerships to create opportunities across every sector of the IBEW

Why This Matters

Governments change. Industry priorities evolve. Economic conditions fluctuate.

IBEW Canada must remain a trusted voice for working people and a respected partner for organizations seeking workforce solutions, skilled labour, and industry expertise.

By expanding our influence and strengthening strategic partnerships, we can help shape the decisions that affect our members, create opportunities across every sector, and ensure that union labour remains central to Canada’s economic future.

Strong Local Unions are the foundation of a strong Brother/Sisterhood.

Everything IBEW Canada accomplishes begins with strong Local Union leadership and engaged members.

Supporting Local Unions means investing in leadership, education, mentorship, and the next generation of union leaders.

Key Results

  • Expanded educational opportunities for Local Unions
  • Increased support for member engagement initiatives
  • Strengthened Women’s, NextGen, and Veterans initiatives
  • Enhanced leadership development resources and training
  • Increased focus on financial literacy and member education

Key Learnings

  • Strong Local Unions are built on active, informed, and engaged members
  • Developing today’s leaders and preparing the next generation is essential to our future
  • Investing in our members strengthens the stability, success, and future of our Brotherhood and Sisterhood

2026-2031 Objectives​

  • Expand leadership development and mentorship programs
  • Enhance educational resources available to Local Unions
  • Strengthen succession planning initiatives
  • Increase member participation and engagement
  • Expand practical education opportunities including financial literacy, retirement planning, tax awareness, and family financial security
  • Continue supporting programs that encourage participation and leadership development among all members
  • Create new pathways for future leaders to become active participants in the union

Why This Matters

Strong Local Unions are the foundation of a strong International Brotherhood.

By empowering members with knowledge, leadership opportunities, and practical life skills, we create a stronger, more engaged, and more resilient union prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

What this means for your Local

Every Local Union is unique—but our goals are shared.

This vision is about giving Local Union leaders the tools, relationships, and opportunities they need to succeed.

It means:

✓ More work opportunities through strategic organizing.

✓ Stronger political advocacy that protects workers.

✓ Greater influence with governments and industry.

✓ Better training and leadership development.

✓ More resources to support Local Union success.

✓ A stronger national voice working alongside every Local Union.

When Local Unions succeed, the entire organization grows stronger.

Building the Next Chapter - TOGETHER

The next five years will bring enormous opportunities—but success isn’t guaranteed.

It will require leadership, collaboration, and a continued commitment to growing our union, strengthening our influence, and supporting the Local Unions that are the backbone of IBEW Canada.

The past four years have shown what is possible when Local Unions work together with a shared purpose.

The next five years offer an even greater opportunity.

Together, we can grow our market share, strengthen Local Unions, expand opportunities for members, and ensure IBEW Canada remains the organization that workers, governments, and industry look to for leadership.

Let’s keep building. Together.