At the Table. Making a Difference.
This is the latest communication in my campaign to earn your support for re-election as your International Vice President for District 1 – Canada. I hope you have had the opportunity to read my previous messages, which are available on our Updates page.
Today, I want to focus on the government relations work we have been advancing on behalf of all members.
My approach has been straightforward: build the relationships, capacity, and credibility needed so the IBEW is heard early, taken seriously, and positioned to deliver real opportunities for members across Canada.
For many years, decisions that directly affected our members were too often made without input from the very workers most impacted by them. To achieve real results for our members, we could not simply report and react to the latest news and trends in government. We had to ensure the IBEW was present in these important conversations long before decisions were made and work began.
Over the past four years, I have expanded our capacity by securing a commitment from Washington to double our dedicated International Representative staff assigned to government relations. I have also worked with the National Political Action Committee (NPAC) to draw on the expertise of a professional firm that brings external perspective and political connections to our strategic conversations.
This strategy and commitment have elevated the IBEW as a respected and trusted voice with many levels of government. More elected officials than ever before know who the IBEW is, what our members contribute, and the strength we bring as a collective body.
By building strong relationships with governments, elected officials, industry leaders, and key stakeholders, we have elevated the profile and influence of the IBEW to a level we have never experienced before. Today, when important decisions are being made about electrification, energy, infrastructure, workforce development, apprenticeship, and labour policy, the IBEW is recognized and sought out for consultation as a credible and constructive voice for our members.
These relationships have taken time and effort, and they are built on trust, consistency, and a willingness to work together. We may not always agree with every decision the government makes, but I assure you that the voices of our members are now being heard before decisions are made, not after.
This work has helped open doors for our members by ensuring that decision-makers understand the skills, professionalism, and experience that every IBEW member brings to their respective workplace across this amazingly large and diverse country.
Our influence creates opportunity and helps position the IBEW as a trusted partner in building Canada’s future.
As you consider your vote, I respectfully ask for your support in re-electing me to serve as your International Vice President for First District Canada so we can continue strengthening the IBEW’s voice with governments, industry, and decision-makers across the country.
In solidarity,
Russ Shewchuk
International Vice President, District 1
Campaign number – (204) 481-7331
P.S. Please check out the latest endorsement letter to my campaign. Thank you to IBEW Local Union 1405 Business Manager Jeff Taylor for his kind words of support.
