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PCs receive endorsement from local union representing electrical workers

Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives have won the endorsement of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Pictured: Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/Facebook. 

The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party has received an election endorsement from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which represents over 18,000 electrical workers across Ontario. 

The IBEW is an umbrella organization that represents 11 different local unions, including Local 303 in Niagara. 

“I am honoured to have the support of the more than 18,000 hardworking women and men who belong to IBEW and who are so critical to our province’s success,” said PC Leader Doug Ford. “With the support of Ontario workers and a strong, stable mandate for the next four years, our Ontario PC team will continue to invest in the skilled trades, create new jobs and opportunities, and protect Ontario.” 

James Barry, President of the IBEW Construction Council of Ontario, issued a statement in announcing the endorsement.

“On behalf of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Construction Council of Ontario, which represents 11 local Unions and 18,000 members across Ontario, I would like to announce our continued endorsement for Premier Doug Ford and Minister David Piccini,” said Barry. “Throughout my personal leadership career spanning more than three decades, no provincial government or political party has done more for the electrical trade that our current government under the leadership of Doug Ford.”

“I look forward to working with both Doug and David in the months and years ahead to accomplish our shared common goals,” he continued. 

In a media release, the Ontario PCs highlighted a number of initiatives they have taken in government since 2018 to benefit the skilled trades.

Some of the highlights include giving $41 million to the IBEW and their local chapters through the Skills Development Fund, spending more than $63 million to help students and young people get experience to start a career in the skilled trades, creating a new 27-week job-protected long-term illness leave for workers with serious medical conditions, and waiving the fee for apprenticeships taking their first Certificate of Qualification exam. 

Upon receiving the IBEW’s endorsement, Ford recommitted to enforcing compulsory certification in the electrical trade and ensuring all electrical workers in Ontario are registered apprentices or have a certificate of qualification.

Ford also picked up an endorsement from Unifor Local 1285 in Brampton over the weekend, which is a first-ever endorsement from Unifor for the PC Party. 

Ontario’s provincial election will be held on Feb. 27.

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