PDF: Press Release Global Energy Efficiency
Mississauga, ON – July 23, 2020 – The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Canada welcomes the announcement from Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honorable Seamus O’Regan, that Canada is joining the Three Percent Club.
As Canada embraces a future in clean energy and works towards combating climate change, the IBEW stresses that the government ensure that workers are included in this effort and aren’t left behind. By investing in a greener economy and a clean energy future, we can work towards energy efficient solutions by putting people to work in quality, high-skilled, well-paying jobs.
In 2018, IBEW Canadian Director of Government Relations and Executive Assistant to the International Vice-President, Matt Wayland, was named to the federal government task force on “Just Transition” for Canadian coal workers and communities. “It was important to have a seat at the table, as many IBEW workers work in the coal-power sector,” stated Wayland. The government heard the concerns of the IBEW and understands that their commitment to supporting the shift of the natural resources sector to energy efficiency includes economic growth and job creation.
“The IBEW has a long history in providing well trained, highly skilled electrical workers,” said IBEW International Vice-President for the First District (Canada), Tom Reid.
“The IBEW, often dubbed ‘The Power Professionals’ has the skilled workforce to meet the industry needs for today and tomorrow. As we continue to take on climate change and work towards greener solutions, we can add ‘The Energy Efficient Power Professionals’ to our resume.”
As stated in the government press release, “By joining the Three Percent Club, Canada commits to working collaboratively with international partners, including 15 other countries, to increase energy efficiency, accelerate the clean energy transition and help meet climate change goals.” The name reflects the overall goal of a three percent annual improvement in energy efficiency.
Reid went on to say, “We understand that as the world changes, we must continue to the meet the changing demands. As Canada moves away from coal and into cleaner alternatives and solutions for better energy efficiency, we are ready to put our highly skilled members to work. IBEW members exhibit professionalism in all that they do and are ready to transition to building a cleaner, more energy efficient future for all Canadians.”
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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has been a proud part of the Canadian labour movement for over 120 years. Founded in 1891, we have built our union on our commitment to organize and represent workers; our membership and longevity is proof of that commitment. The IBEW represents over 775,000 workers and almost 70,000 workers in Canada. IBEW members can be found working in every province and territory and work in many different industries such as Manufacturing, Telecommunications, Voice Data Video, Utilities, Construction, Maintenance, Motor Shops, Sign Shops, CATV, Radio and Television, Sound and Alarm systems, Railroads, Shipyards, Pulp and Paper Mills, Mining, Tree Trimming, Health Care and Government. For more information please visit www.ibewcanada.org
Media Contact:
Matt Wayland
Matt_Wayland@ibew.org
647-465-6167