IBEW Canada Applauds First Wave of Nation-Building Projects

September 15, 2025

Left Image: IBEW Canada’s IVP Shewchuk (center) stands with Hon. Patty Hajdu, Federal Minister of Jobs and Families (left) and Hon. John Zerucelli, Secretary of State – Labour (right). Right Image: IVP Shechuk (right) stands with Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney (left).

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Canada welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding the launch of five major nation-building projects that will be reviewed by the new Major Projects Office (MPO).

This announcement follows the passage of Bill C-5 in June 2025, which gives the federal government new authority to designate and fast-track projects of national interest, cutting red tape to move projects forward.

International Vice President Russ Shewchuk attended the announcement in Edmonton alongside government and labour leaders, highlighting the importance of these projects to Canadian workers and the skilled trades.

“Today’s announcement confirms that IBEW and fellow Canadian Building Trades Brothers and Sisters will be at the heart of building our country’s future,” said Shewchuk. “These projects will create tens of thousands of good jobs while ensuring fair wages, training opportunities, and strong protections for workers.”

Projects Announced

The first five projects launched under the MPO include:

• Expansion of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) export plant in Kitimat, B.C.
• Construction of the Darlington New Nuclear Project (small modular reactors) in Ontario
• Expansion of the Port of Montreal with a new container terminal
• Development of the McIlvenna Bay Foran copper mine in Saskatchewan
• Expansion of the Red Chris copper and gold mine in northern B.C.

These projects include energy exports, shipping, and mineral extraction, creating substantial opportunities for electricians and skilled construction workers across Canada.

Key Highlights for Canadian Workers

• High-Paying Careers and Job Growth: Tens of thousands of new, well-paying jobs will be created in sectors where IBEW members work.
• Prevailing Wage Standard: Projects will include Project Labour Agreements with prevailing wage clauses. Prevailing wages set pay rates based on union standards across the Canadian Building Trades. This ensures high-road contractors can provide fair, livable wages and long-term careers for workers. Keeping Jobs in Canada: These projects will benefit from federal tax credits tied to Canadian labour, ensuring work is done here at home by skilled Canadian tradespeople.
• Faster Approvals: With the MPO and the Building Canada Act (Bill C-5), national-interest projects will move forward more quickly with clear timelines and approvals.

IBEW Members at the Forefront

Major builds such as nuclear facilities, mine expansions, and port infrastructure will require extensive electrical, transmission and construction work, putting IBEW members on the front lines of this national effort. With a growing demand for skilled trades, IBEW’s continued advocacy for training and workforce investment will help meet Canada’s needs while delivering fair wages and safe workplaces.

“These projects show real support for Canadian labour and the skilled trades,” said Shewchuk. “We’re ready to get to work and help build a stronger future for everyone, and we look forward to seeing major transmission projects included in the next phase.”

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