I cannot begin this endorsement with a claim of having known IVP Russ Shewchuk for decades or working with him at a local level on negotiating or organizing. However, I can speak to my experience since the IBEW Locals of Canada elected Russ Shewchuk as our First District IVP.
I first met Brother Shewchuk when he began his campaign leading up to the 40th Convention in Chicago in 2022. I will be candid and say that our local did not vote for Russ at that convention because we weren’t convinced that a new direction for the First District was in the best interest of our local at the time. After getting to know Russ in the following years, it became evident that he had a passion for growing the IBEW through organizing, a key foundation of our strategic plan at Local 213. He displayed dedication and ambition in pursuing this goal, and while any new leader or significant course correction can ruffle feathers, the results of the First District’s ambitious organizing targets under IVP Shewchuk’s leadership have been evident regardless of differing views on how national organizing should be approached.
In addition to his passion for organizing, Russ demonstrated a deep commitment to strengthening the First District’s influence with government and helping locals gain access to key decision-makers. Local 213 benefited directly from this engagement when we were connected with PMO staff on very short notice to address critical labour relations issues with a major telecom employer. That meeting provided valuable insight during a CIRB crisis, helping us mitigate the situation and achieve significant results for our members.
As we approach a critical period for the IBEW and the First District amid political, economic, and social uncertainty, I do not believe this is the time to introduce further uncertainty. Despite what some have described as mistakes, I view the last term under Brother Shewchuk as one of lessons learned, with both successes and setbacks, much like the experiences we face as business managers, presidents, and local leaders. No leader can elevate an organization without setting ambitious goals, taking risks, and learning along the way.
Leadership at the IVP level requires clear goals and the determination to turn vision into results. Russ Shewchuk has demonstrated this to the officers of Local 213. He has successfully advanced his plan in our jurisdiction while providing resources, support, and confidence that our IVP is leading the District with heart, conviction, and a commitment to strengthening the IBEW as a whole.
For these reasons, I am writing this letter in support of re-electing Brother Shewchuk as First District IVP for the critical next five years, and I am resolute enough in that support to stand in San Diego and proudly nominate Russ as the International Vice President candidate for Canada.
In Solidarity,
Jim Lofty
Business Manager & Financial Secretary
