Canadian IBEW Members Press Parliament for Lineworker Appreciation Day

Lineworker

Oct 15, 2018

A push is on in Canada to designate July 10 as National Lineworker Appreciation Day there, and IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson is encouraging all Canadian members to help make it happen.

“Through snow, ice, wind and hail — day and night, 24/7 — Canada’s lineworkers are there, braving the elements, working hard to keep the lights on for schools, hospitals and businesses,” says Stephenson. “We all depend on the hard work of linemen and linewomen, and it’s time they get the appreciation that they truly deserve.”

At an October 2 event near Canada’s Parliament buildings in Ottawa, First District Vice President Tom Reid joined representatives from the Canadian Electricity Association in launching a campaign to convince Canada’s lawmakers to set July 10 as the official appreciation date. (Shown in photo: MP Brian May, and IBEW Rep Matthew Wayland.)

“Together with our industry partners,” Reid said, “we’re calling on the Government of Canada to recognize lineworkers and the essential work they do to build, repair, and maintain the infrastructure that powers our daily lives.”

You can help boost this effort by signing an online petition posted on the House of Commons website. The electronic petition is sponsored by Member of Parliament Daniel Blaikie, a member of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Local 2085.Over the years, various dates have been designated for honoring electrical workers’ contributions and sacrifices. But July 10 has particular significance to the IBEW, Reid noted: It’s the date in 1896 that Henry Miller, the union’s founder and first president, died on the job.

“At the time, half of all electrical workers were being killed on the job,” Reid said. “That’s why Miller fought for a union and apprenticeships, a fight we continue today.”

Reid said that taking a day to acknowledge the sacrifice and risk inherent in a lineworker’s job is the least we can do.

“There are nearly 70,000 IBEW members in Canada, many of whom face working in challenging weather and at heights, in addition to the risks of cuts and high-voltage burns,” Reid said. “These highly trained men and women work efficiently, safely, and collaboratively to keep the lights on across Canada.”

While only residents of Canada are eligible to sign the online petition, Stephenson encouraged anyone to join in the effort to get the issue trending on Facebook and Twitter by posting messages that includes the hashtag #LineworkerDay. Sign the petition here: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Sign/e-1809

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Collaboration at EFC’s 2025 Conference in Niagara

    Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Collaboration at EFC’s 2025 Conference in Niagara

    By Luc Rodier, Chair of the Board of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) The 2025 EFC Conference in Niagara was a landmark occasion—marking 30 years of innovation, collaboration, and collective progress in the Canadian electrical industry. Set against the symbolic backdrop of the Canadian-U.S. border, this year’s theme, Electrifying Connections, couldn’t have been more fitting. As President and… Read More…

  • Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    June 9, 2025 Introduction: With the multitude of options on the market, it can be difficult to decide whether you need a pin and sleeve wiring device or a plug and connector in your industrial plant or facility. You might find your head swirling with thoughts about which option is best. Or you may not… Read More…

  • Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada On June 3 and 4, a high-level delegation from Canada’s electrical and automation sector travelled to Montreal and Quebec City for a series of strategic meetings with Quebec government officials and key stakeholders. Organized by Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), this mission underscores the critical role the industry plays in advancing… Read More…

  • Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada This year’s Annual Industry Conference, held against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was a landmark event with more than 710 Electro-Federation Canada community members. More than just a celebration of our shared history, it was a launchpad for new ideas, future-based dialogue, and deeper connections.   The energy and… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Eaton and Siemens Energy Partner to Provide Power and Technology to Accelerate New Data Center Capacity

    Eaton and Siemens Energy Partner to Provide Power and Technology to Accelerate New Data Center Capacity

    June 13, 2025 Eaton, and Siemens Energy have announced a fast-track approach to building data centers with integrated onsite power. They will address urgent market needs by offering reliable grid-independent energy supplies and standardized modular systems to facilitate swift data center construction and deployment. The collaboration will enable simultaneous construction of data centers and associated… Read More…

  • Latest Social Media Challenge Puts Students at Risk of Electrical Shock

    Latest Social Media Challenge Puts Students at Risk of Electrical Shock

    June 13, 2025 The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is warning Ontarians that a shocking new social media trend is putting students at risk of serious electrical injury including shock, burns or even fires. A pair of dangerous social media trends have been gaining interest from students. One has kids “challenging” each other to stick a… Read More…

  • Plan Group Announce New VP of Electrical

    Plan Group Announce New VP of Electrical

    June 13, 2025 Plan Group are proud to announce the promotion of Dave Scott as Vice President of Electrical. Dave has been a key part of Plan Group’s success for the last 16 years, leading with drive, accountability, and a deep understanding of what it takes to get the job done right. He will now… Read More…

  • Electro-Federation Canada Announces New Chair and Board of Directors for 2025-26

    Electro-Federation Canada Announces New Chair and Board of Directors for 2025-26

    June 13, 2025 On Monday, May 26, 2025, Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) held its Annual General Meeting, which included an update on key initiatives, the welcoming of a new Chair, and the election of the 2025-2026 Board of Directors. EFC President & CEO Carol McGlogan shared key highlights from the past year and provided a summary of the… Read More…