Running a local up here in the industrial north means you’re always dealing with a tough economic reality. Representing our members at Kap Paper in Kapuskasing hasn’t been easy; most folks know the mill has had to navigate some severe financial headwinds, volatile paper markets, and constant operational pressures just to keep the lights on and protect hundreds of good-paying jobs. When you’re fighting to keep an operation like that viable, you find out fast who rolls up their sleeves to help. Russ Shewchuk has been that kind of ally for us.
What sets Russ apart is his willingness to get into the trenches and put in the hard hours behind the scenes. When our local ran into critical funding crunches and regulatory walls, he stepped up directly, providing crucial lobbying muscle both provincially and federally to help push essential support across the finish line. He’s got a rare knack for navigating government bureaucracy and getting decision-makers to listen, which includes the high-level work he’s done alongside people like Mark Carney to secure major infrastructure backing and shape the National Electricity Strategy for our trades. Whenever our local has hit a roadblock with complex issues, Russ has always made sure we weren’t left hanging.
Losing that kind of momentum and political weight right now would be a major setback for our sector. Russ has a proven track record of delivering real results when it matters most, and he does it without needing to make a song and dance about it. I’m proud to support him because he genuinely understands what it takes to protect and advance the future of working people.
Gabriel Blouin
President/Business Manager
IBEW Local 1149
