During my campaign leading into the 2022 Convention, I asked members to believe we could build a bigger, stronger, and better IBEW in Canada. I spoke to many local unions about my three main priorities: Organizing. Education. Political Activism. Four years later, the results speak for themselves.
We have renewed our commitment to organizing and strategically restructured our District resources to drive growth. The result is welcoming more than 9,000 net new members, bringing our total membership to more than 71,000, along with adding more than 250 new employers. These are the strongest four-year organizing results our District has ever achieved, and they happened because Local Unions across Canada embraced the challenge and worked together towards a common vision.
We also expanded our District Education programs and resources so training can be delivered to Local Union Officers and members faster than ever before. By investing in member education, leadership development, and practical support for our Local Unions today, we help secure a stronger tomorrow for the IBEW in Canada.
As we have grown our membership and employer network and invested in the ongoing education of our members and Local Union leaders, we have also invested in our political activism strategy to build out a robust and dedicated Government Relations team. The team was expanded to include two dedicated International Representatives and, rather than allocating resources to third-party ‘think tanks’, we sourced a professional lobby firm to help us deliver real results for the IBEW. Today, those decisions have given the IBEW a stronger voice with governments and decision-makers, helping to ensure our members have a seat at the table where policies, investments, and projects are being shaped.
But this election is not only about the record we have built. It is about keeping that momentum going so the IBEW can flourish. We must continue to build our strength and influence through organizing. Continue strengthening our Local Unions through member training and collaboration.
My last communication touched on Canada’s future becoming increasingly electrical. We are entering a period of enormous infrastructure investment. The opportunity is coming. The question is whether the IBEW will capitalize on it. Now, more than ever before, we need an experienced and influential leader to speak at every table where our members’ future is being decided.
We have built the structure, the relationships, and the momentum. Now is not the time to start over.
We promised to build a stronger IBEW. Together, we did. Now, let’s keep building.
At the 41st International Convention in San Diego, I respectfully ask for your support and your vote to continue serving as your International Vice President for the First District – Canada.
I wish all of you a very happy Labour Day weekend. Please enjoy the company of your loved ones and take time to honour those in the labour movement that came before us.
In solidarity,
Russ Shewchuk
International Vice President – First District Canada
Campaign Number – (204) 481-7331
Proven Leadership. Proven Results. Ready for What’s Next.