Greetings,
As I reflect on the progress we have made together over the past four years, I am very proud of the investment we have made in developing the next generation of IBEW leaders.
When I became International Vice President in 2022, I committed to strengthening our Brotherhood through organizing, education, and political activism.
Together we have accomplished a great deal. Last month, the IBEW in Canada surpassed more than 71,000 members. Since 2022, we have welcomed over 9,000 net new members and added more than 250 new employers into our movement.
But maintaining that momentum will require more than looking at what we have accomplished. We must prepare for what comes next.
Our long-term success depends on members who are ready to carry this work forward. I have always believed that great unions do not inherit leaders, they develop them.
That belief has guided our approach to leadership development across Canada. We have expanded training opportunities and created new space for members to become even more involved through the Women’s, NextGen, and Veterans caucuses now held at the annual District Progress Meeting.
These changes are about more than education. They are about giving our members the tools, confidence and experience to step forward and become the leaders our Brotherhood will need in the years ahead.
Our goal should be to develop leaders at every level of the IBEW. Members who are prepared to organize, represent their fellow workers, lead their Local Unions, participate in our political and government relations efforts, and eventually take on greater responsibilities within our Brotherhood.
I believe our greatest responsibility as leaders is not simply to lead the IBEW today, but to leave it stronger and better prepared for tomorrow.
That means identifying potential leaders early, giving them opportunities to grow, and making leadership development and succession planning a priority in every Local Union.
The next generation of IBEW leadership is already within our Brotherhood. Our job is to find them, develop them, mentor them and give them the opportunity to lead.
That commitment to developing future leaders is also why I was so honoured last week to officially be announced as the Labour Ambassador for the Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance. This announcement is the first cornerstone of the work being done to shape the future of our industries, and the IBEW must remain at the centre of that work to ensure our members are prepared to lead in the opportunities ahead.
That is why I am asking for your support as I seek re-election as the International Vice President – Canada. Together, we can continue the work of organizing, educating, engaging politically, and preparing the next generation of IBEW leaders to carry our Brotherhood forward.
I look forward to seeing you in San Diego very soon!
In solidarity,
Russ Shewchuk
International Vice President, First District – Canada
Campaign number: (204) 481-7331
Proven Leadership. Proven Results, Building the Future.
PS. I want to express my sincere gratitude for the encouragement, conversations, and support I have received over these summer months. I am truly honoured by the confidence being shown in my campaign for re-election as International Vice President for the First District – Canada.
This week, I am pleased to share new endorsements from Railroad Local 2042 President/Delegate Lee Hooper and Local 993 Business Manager William Currams. Their support adds to the growing list of Local Unions and respected leaders from across Canada who have placed their trust in what we have built and share my belief that IBEW Canada is stronger when we work together.
Thank you for taking the time to review the attached statements. Your trust, encouragement, and continued support mean a great deal to me. I do not take it for granted. I look forward to continuing this work together.
As always, you can find every endorsement, along with our vision and plan for the next five years at www.russforivp.ca.
