Ontario Construction News staff writer
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1687, representing over 700 electrical workers across Northeastern Ontario, is the latest trade union to endorse the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party (PCs).
“The 700+ electricians in IBEW Local 1687 are key to constructing everything from long-term care homes to essential transmission lines and maintaining critical industries in our region,” local business manager Kevin Gaudaur said in a statement. “U.S. tariffs threaten many of these projects, putting the jobs of electricians, powerline workers, and apprentices at risk. We need a leader who understands these challenges and is committed to supporting fair trade.
“Doug Ford’s dedication to enforcing compulsory certifications in the electrical trade is why I proudly endorse him in the upcoming election. Thanks to his leadership, we’ve modernized our training facility and expanded opportunities for students to enter the skilled trades, providing them with access to the opportunities driven by infrastructure investments in the North.”
James Barry, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the IBEW Construction Council of Ontario, which represents 18,000 members across the province, also announced continued support.
“No provincial government has done more for the electrical trade than Doug Ford’s,” Barry said. “Their open and honest conversations, commitment to education, and support for maintaining the integrity of our trade are unparalleled. I look forward to continuing our work together to accomplish shared goals for all registered apprentices and licensed journeypersons across Ontario.”
Calling the election “untimely and unnecessary”, the United Steelworkers union (USW) endorsed Marit Stiles and the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP).
“Marit Stiles is the best choice for Premier,” said Kevon Stewart, USW District 6 Director (Ontario & Atlantic Canada). “Other party leaders put on hard hats and pretend they support workers, but only Marit Stiles truly has our backs.”
The following are some of the unions that have also endorsed Ford:
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
“We know Doug Ford and his team understand the importance of building a strong future for Ontario’s workers during this uncertain time,” said Jonathan White, Director of Construction Sector Operations Canada. “They’ve shown a real commitment to protecting Ontario jobs by investing in the industries and infrastructure projects that our members depend on every day. “Their focus on skilled trades, backed by their investments in the Skills Development Fund, has opened the door for more Boilermakers to secure solid, good-paying work.”
Carpenters’ Regional Council (CRC)
“Doug Ford’s steadfast commitment to investing in skilled tradespeople is exactly what Ontario needs,” said Jason Rowe, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Carpenters’ Regional Council. “Our members see firsthand how Doug Ford’s investments in building Ontario and promoting skilled trades create real opportunities– from the Ontario Line and the Bruce Power Nuclear Plant to the new TMU School of Medicine and Ottawa Civic Hospital. We trust his leadership to protect the jobs that build our communities and Ontario’s future.”
Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA)
“The OGCA stands firmly with Doug Ford and his vision for Ontario’s future. Our 200 member companies—some of the province’s safest and most innovative general contractors—are proud to support the PC government’s continued investment in construction, skilled trades training and building Ontario,” said Giovanni Cautillo, President, OGCA. “Doug Ford’s commitment is evident in initiatives like the Skills Development Fund, which is helping the OGCA train the next generation of project managers, site supervisors, and estimators and deliver our very successful Pathways to ICI program that is opening doors for new graduates, newcomers, and women to become project managers in construction.
“With our members delivering over $14 billion in construction annually across Ontario’s industrial, commercial and institutional sectors, we believe Ontario needs Doug Ford’s leadership now more than ever, especially amid significant economic challenges from the U.S.”
Unifor Local 47
“On behalf of Unifor Local 47, representing 115 skilled communications technicians, I’m proud to endorse Doug Ford and the Ontario PCs,” said Jeff Mark, President, Unifor Local 47. “Time and again, Doug Ford has stood shoulder to shoulder with workers, fighting for good-paying skilled trades jobs and making the bold decisions needed to protect Ontario workers. Under his leadership, we’re confident his government will continue to support our members and their families by continuing to build Ontario’s economy and invest in skilled trades training and career opportunities.”
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 46 (IUPAT DC46)
“We are proud to stand with Doug Ford and the Ontario PC Party. His proven record of investing in construction projects and training programs has given the skilled trades, including those represented by the IUPAT, the tools and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Bruno Mandic, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer, IUPAT DC46. “Doug Ford’s commitment to protecting workers and building a stronger, safer and more prosperous Ontario directly benefits our members and the communities we serve. With his leadership, Ontario’s workers are in capable hands.”
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1687
“The 700+ skilled electrical workers of IBEW Local 1687 are at the heart of building our northern communities, constructing everything from long-term care homes to essential transmission lines and building and maintaining the mines, mills, smelters, and steel plants in our area. U.S. tariffs will negatively affect many of these projects in Northeastern Ontario, putting the livelihoods of our electricians, powerline workers, network cabling specialists, and apprentices at risk,” said Kevin Gaudaur, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 1687. “We need a leader who understands these challenges and is committed to fighting for fair trade and supporting our members.
Since 2018, the Ontario PCs have invested heavily in the skilled trades, including:
- Nearly $2 million in the Skills Development Fund to IBEW Local 1687, supporting the redevelopment of their training facility and offering a range of training programs, from forklift operation to virtual reality training.
- Over $63 million to help students gain hands-on experience and prepare for careers in the skilled trades.
- Creation of a 27-week job-protected long-term illness leave for workers with serious medical conditions.
- Waiving the fee for apprentices taking their first Certificate of Qualification exam, saving them up to $570.
If re-elected, Ford has said the government will invest more than $200 billion in infrastructure projects including roads, highways, and transit, while dedicating $2.5 billion to train over one million people for skilled trades jobs.
