Hello again,
As you know, I am seeking your support in my campaign for re-election as your International Vice President for District 1.
I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together over the past four years. During this term, we have strengthened our voice, expanded opportunities for our members, and positioned the IBEW in Canada for continued growth and success. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and remain committed to delivering results for our members and their families.
You have been elected to represent and serve your membership. As a former Business Manager, I understand the responsibility that comes with that role and appreciate the hard work, long hours, and dedication required to meet the needs of our members. It is that same commitment to service that I have brought to the office of IVP every day.
Canada is the largest geographic district in the entire IBEW and one of its most diverse and dynamic. Today, we proudly represent more than 70,000 members and their families across every region of the country. As our membership continues to grow, the decisions we make today will help shape the future of our Brotherhood for years to come.
At the International Convention in San Diego, I respectfully ask you to consider a simple question:
Who is best positioned to deliver real and meaningful results for every current and future IBEW member in Canada?
I believe my record demonstrates Proven Experience, Proven Leadership, and Proven Results. I encourage you to review the accomplishments of this past term, consider the challenges ahead, and cast your ballot accordingly.
Below you will find a brief summary of my experience, and I invite you to visit my About page and Resume page to learn more.
Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your consideration. I look forward to earning your support and continuing to serve the members of District 1.
In Solidarity,
Russ Shewchuk
International Vice President, District 1
Russ Shewchuk Professional Experience & Leadership Overview
2022 – Present
Elected International Vice President – IBEW Canada
Executive Board Member – Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)
Executive Board Member – Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU)
President – National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO)
Committee Member – Government of Canada Electrification Committee (appointed by Prime Minister Mark Carney)
Committee Member – Government of Canada AI Board Committee (appointed by Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli)
Labour Relations Liaison – Government of Canada Skilled Trades Initiative (appointed by Senator Hassan Yussuff)
2011 – 2022
Business Manager – IBEW Local 2085 (Inside/Outside Construction – Manitoba/Nunavut), elected and re-elected to 4 consecutive terms; longest-serving BM in Local 2085 history
Chair – Negotiation Committee for all Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)
Executive Council Member – Manitoba Building Trades (elected and re-elected)
Secretary Treasurer & Executive Negotiating Committee – Manitoba Hydro / Allied Hydro Council
Executive Board Member – Manitoba Federation of Labour (representing all IBEW Manitoba Locals: 435 Telecom,1405 Mining, 2002 Rail, 2034 MB Hydro, 2085 Construction)
Chairman – IBEW Western Canada Construction Caucus (elected by Western Canadian Business Managers)
Trustee & Chairman – Local 2085 Pension / Health & Welfare (11 years)
Trustee & Chairman – Local 2085 Market Recovery (Stab) Fund (11 years)
Trustee – Local 2085 Education and Training Fund (15 years)
Appointee – Provincial Electrical Board of Examiners (Manitoba; appointed by former NDP Labour Minister Jennifer Howard)
Appointee – Apprenticeship Stakeholders Committee (Manitoba; representing all trades)
2001-2011
Executive Board Member – IBEW Local 2085 (elected and re-elected)
Trustee – Local 2085 Pension, Health & Welfare Benefits
Organizer / Business Agent – IBEW Local 2085
Organized 40+ companies using bottom-up and top-down strategies
Grew LU 2085 membership from 500 to 1,400
Developed a Condo/Residential CBA model for Manitoba utilizing LU 353 Residential Organizing strategies, expanding work opportunities into a previously vacant sector
Union Engagement, Delegates & Education
Chief Steward – Large Industrial Projects
Instructor: Train the Trainer, COMET, Code of Excellence, New Member Orientation
Elected Delegate – IBEW International Conventions: 37th (Cleveland), 38th (Vancouver), 39th (St. Louis), 40th (Chicago)
Guest Speaker – University of Manitoba (Political Science: “Why Unions Need to Exist”)
Guest Speaker – Red River College & Assiniboine College (Union values, recruitment, and apprenticeship engagement)
Attended multiple decades worth of IBEW Educational Upgrading courses, Organizing Conferences, Progress Meetings, hosted by IBEW International
LU 2085 Volunteer for Charity events, Children’s Christmas parties, Annual Picnics, Golf tournaments, Organizing committees, Pin banquets, Hockey team
Salvation Army events
Graduate – Sisler High School, Winnipeg MB
Red Seal Journeyman Electrician – Red River College, Winnipeg MB
Political Science & Labour Studies – University of Manitoba
George Meany College (Silver Spring, Maryland, USA) – Strategic Organizing, Labour Studies, Critical Thinking
International Foundation (IF) Certified in Foundations of Trust Management Standards (FTMS) and Advanced Trust Management Standards (ATMS)
Personal Note
Proud to be part of three generations of IBEW Inside Wiremen
1st Generation – Peter Shewchuk, 45 year member of IBEW
2nd Generation – Russ Shewchuk, 36 year member of IBEW
3rd Generation – Brendon Shewchuk, 7 year member of the IBEW; Red Seal Journeyman at age 23 with honours at Red River College
Married to Katerina Shewchuk
Combined family of 4 children: Devon, Brendon, Elisa and Felice along with a golden doodle family dog named Buster.