. . . . CONT'D

and setting his own style of leadership was Ken Rose, an electrician from the railroad industry. Ken, known for his passionate speeches on behalf of the IBEW, was a true trade unionist and elected to the Vice President position in 1974, 1978, 1982, and again in 1986. Brother Rose, following a dispute between the building trades unions and the Canadian Labour Congress, was instrumental in forming the Canadian Federation of Labour in 1982. In 1987, Ken Woods became Vice President and remained as leader of the IBEW in Canada until October 1997. Ken had a passion for the IBEW and working people in Canada few leaders have matched. In 1997, Ken was instrumental in leading the IBEW and many of the building and construction trade unions back into Canadian Labour Congress after a 15-year absence.

Phil Flemming, our International Vice President, is presently the top IBEW Officer in Canada. Nominations and election for this position take place every five years by delegates from our Canadian locals at our International Convention. The Canadian representative to the International Executive Council is also elected at that time. Rick Dowling currently occupies that position.

Vice President Flemming convenes the IBEW national conference held every year in various areas of the country. These conferences are called the "IBEW All Canada Progress Meetings". Discussion, education, and debate form the nucleus of our Progress Meeting to better our industry and enhance the participation of our members and local unions in the Canadian labour movement and broader society.

IBEW Canada has put an emphasis on general union education, organizing, involvement in union benefit programs, and encouraging local unions to establish committees on political education, health and safety and training.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO, CLC

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