This podcast dives into union members' experiences, stories, and insights while also spotlighting training opportunities, union initiatives, and essential information for skilled workers across Canada.
Each episode brings you closer to the people and projects driving CUSW forward, from personal stories and professional development to key topics on workplace safety, mental health, and union advocacy.ย
Hosted by Dan Plexman, this podcast connects you with the voices of CUSW, keeping you informed and engaged.
Tune in monthly for new episodes, and donโt forget to share your thoughts and let us know what topics matter most to you!
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ยฉ My Podcast Data ยท Independent project ยท Data from Apple & Spotify
Canada is Electrifying. The Future is Bright with Mark Chapeskie EHRC - Episode #33
Episode 33
Monday, September 14, 2026 โข Duration 34:35
Canada is facing a huge amount of work when it comes to electrification, infrastructure renewal and the future of the electricity grid. But do we have enough people to do it?
In this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, host Dan Plexman is having a discussion with Mark Chapeskie, Vice President, Programs at Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), to talk about the workforce challenges facing Canadaโs electricity sector.
Mark explains what EHRC does and why bringing employers, unions, post-secondary institutions and policymakers to the same table is so important. He also shares what the labour market data is telling us about the number of workers we have, the number we will need, and where those workers can come from.
Dan and Mark talk about attracting young people to the skilled trades, the importance of exposing students to career options earlier, the role of immigrants and workers transitioning from other industries, and the need to make the industry more accessible to people who have traditionally been underrepresented.
The conversation also takes a closer look at some very practical issues affecting women in the trades, from appropriate PPE to basic facilities on job sites, and why attracting workers is only part of the challenge. Retaining them matters just as much.
There is a lot of work ahead for Canada, but Mark is optimistic about what the electricity sector can offer and the opportunities that are coming with it.
This is a conversation about workers, skills, inclusion and whether Canada is ready for whatโs next.
Want to connect with Mark or learn more?ย Feel free to reach out to him directly at chapeskie@ehrc.ca
Donโt forget to visit www.cusw.ca to explore more opportunities and resources. If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic youโd like to hear on the podcast, email us at podcast@cusw.ca. And if you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues to help shine the spotlight on the incredible work happening at CUSW!ย
ย ๐ Mentioned in This Episodeย Want to explore more about what we talked about today? Below you'll find links and resources referenced in the episode.ย
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Hereย
๐ง Listen Anytime, Anywhere! โ Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
๐บ Watch the Podcast on YouTube! โ Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
๐ต Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.
Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!ย
The Point of No Return. Discussing Suicide Prevention with Craig Batty - Episode #32
Episode 32
Monday, August 31, 2026 โข Duration 41:29
This is a difficult conversation, but one that needs to happen.
Craig Batty has been a CUSW member since 2001 and has spent much of his career supporting members through the Power Sector Benefit Trust and the Member Family Assistance Program. He joins Dan for a very personal conversation about suicide, mental health, trauma and what it can look like when someone is struggling.
Craig and Dan both share parts of their own experiences with suicidal thoughts, depression and difficult times in their lives. They talk about what happened when they finally reached out for help, the importance of recognizing when things are starting to change, and why we shouldn't wait until we're at our lowest point before talking to someone.
They also talk about resilience, finding ways to get through difficult days, supporting other members, and using the resources available to CUSW members.
Craig has one message that comes through clearly: never be ashamed to ask for help. You are not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Resources and support information are available with this episode.
๐ปWorld Suicide Prevention Day - September 10 https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day/2026
If you have any questions or would like to connect with Craig, please email him directly at battycraig@hotmail.com.ย
If you have a story to share, want to suggest a guest, or have a topic you'd like to hear on the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, feel free to reach out to us at podcast@cusw.ca.ย
Weโd love to hear from you!ย
๐ป Learn More About CUSW ย
Discover who we are and what we stand for: ย
Labour Unites Us. Solidarity Defines Us- CCU Shawn Campbell CUSW - Episode #31
Episode 31
Monday, August 17, 2026 โข Duration 32:47
๐ฆ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐น๐น is back on the ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ช ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐น๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐, and this time there is a lot more to talk about.
Since his first appearance on the podcast, Shawn has taken on a new role as President of the ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ (๐๐๐จ) while continuing to support CUSW's growth and development.
The conversation looks at what brings independent Canadian unions from very different industries together, the history behind the CCU, and why Canadian workers having a voice in their own labour movement can make a difference.ย
Shawn and Dan also talk about the relationship between CUSW and the CCU, and the work being done to support members through training and education. They also discuss the pressures workers face, from the rising cost of living to challenges affecting communities across Canada.
For Shawn, being part of the labour movement isn't something separate from being a tradesperson. He brings the perspective of someone who has spent his career on the tools and now has the opportunity to help shape a bigger conversation about workers across Canada.
Resources mentioned in this episode: ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ (๐๐๐จ): https://ccu-csc.ca/ ๐๐๐จ ๐ก๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ: https://ccu-csc.ca/news/newsmagazine/
Want to connect with Shawn or learn more? ย Feel free to reach out to him directly at ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐@๐ฐ๐ฐ๐-๐ฐ๐๐ฐ.๐ฐ๐ฎ
Donโt forget to visit www.cusw.ca to explore more opportunities and resources. If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic youโd like to hear on the podcast, email us at podcast@cusw.ca.ย
And if you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues to help shine the spotlight on the incredible work happening at CUSW! ย
๐ป Learn More About CUSW ย
Young Man, Old Soul. Growing Up CUSW with Elyas - Episode #30
You get a conversation that's honest, thoughtful, and surprisingly refreshing.
In this episode, Dan sits down with ๐๐น๐๐ฎ๐ to talk about everything from bullying and kindness to Scouts, protecting the environment, and why it is a big deal to be part of the CUSW Union.ย
Elyas shares his thoughts with a level of curiosity and compassion that will leave you smiling and maybe even looking at the world a little differently.
Whether he's talking about standing up for someone who's being bullied, spending time with family, or why he doesn't want the world to become "a wasteland," Elyas reminds us that small actions can make a big difference.
If you have children, grandchildren, or simply enjoy hearing life through a different perspective, this is an episode worth sharing.
Trades and Training. TouchPoints Learning with Carrie Walker Boyd - Episode #29
Episode 29
Monday, July 20, 2026 โข Duration 39:41
Telling ain't training!
Good training should do more than fill a requirement. It should help people see where they fit, what they bring to the table, and how their strengths can support the work ahead.
Carrie Walker-Boyd of TouchPoints Learning & Innovation has spent the last decade working alongside CUSW leadership and members, helping shape learning that reflects the realities of the skilled trades and the needs of the Union.ย
In this conversation, she talks about knowing your learner and how curiosity and lifelong learning help people grow, adapt, and contribute in meaningful ways when they understand their own talents and the value they bring.
What makes Carrieโs story especially interesting is that she became an entrepreneur almost by accident. From that path to her work today with TouchPoints Learning, she brings a practical view of how learning, leadership, and participation all help a Union grow.ย
Whether you're just getting started or looking for a new way to get involved, this episode is a reminder that everyone has something to offer and that there are many ways to help build a stronger union.
If you have any questions or would like to connect with Carrie, please email her directly at carrie@touchpointslearning.ca. ย
If you have a story to share, want to suggest a guest, or have a topic you'd like to hear on the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, feel free to reach out to us at podcast@cusw.ca. ย
Do Something Hard. Do it Today with James Duffield - Episode #28
Episode 28
Monday, July 6, 2026 โข Duration 34:56
A year ago, James Duffield joined the CUSW Spotlight Podcast during one of the hardest chapters of his life. After being given just six months to live, he shared his story with honesty, courage, and a determination to keep moving forward, no matter what lay ahead.
Today, James is back.
This time, the conversation is filled with smiles, gratitude, and yes... a few happy tears. James reflects on everything that's happened since his first appearance, from returning to work, getting back on his motorcycle and golf course, to rediscovering hope in ways he never expected.ย
Along the way, he shares what helped him through the darkest days: accepting help, celebrating the small wins, and doing one hard thing every day.
Whether you've followed James' journey from the beginning or you're meeting him for the first time, this episode is a powerful reminder that hope can power you to keep going in the most difficult moments and that none of us walks through life alone.
If you have any questions or would like to connect with James, please email him directly at jduffield@cusw.ca. ย
๐๏ธ Listen to James' first appearance on the CUSW Spotlight Podcast: Live to Love another Day
๐ Book mentioned in this episode: Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven.
If you have a story to share, want to suggest a guest, or have a topic you'd like to hear on the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, feel free to reach out to us at podcast@cusw.ca. ย
CUSW. Connected by Trades - United by Purpose with Cody Quan - Episode #27
Episode 27
Monday, June 22, 2026 โข Duration 34:51
A union is at its best when people are pulling in the same direction.
As CUSW continues to grow across Canada, that becomes both more important and more challenging. Members in different regions face different realities, industries, and economic pressures, yet they are all connected by a common goal: building a stronger future for themselves, their families, and the communities they call home.
In this episode, Cody Quan returns to the Spotlight Podcast to talk about unity. The conversation explores the importance of listening, understanding regional perspectives, staying informed, and creating opportunities for members to be heard. From affordability concerns and workforce development to member engagement and leadership, Cody shares why communication and highlighting wins remain one of the most important tools a union can have.
At the heart of the discussion is a simple idea: when members understand one another, participate in the conversation, and work toward common goals, everyone benefits, not just the union, but the country as a whole.
Want to connect with Cody or learn more?ย Feel free to reach out to him directly at ๐ฐ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐ป@๐ฐ๐๐๐.๐ฐ๐ฎ
Make sure you visit https://www.cusw.ca/ to explore more opportunities and resources.ย
If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic youโd like to hear on the podcast, email us at ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐@๐ฐ๐๐๐.๐ฐ๐ฎ. And if you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues to help shine the spotlight on the incredible work happening at CUSW! ย
Inuk Champion to CUSW Apprentice with Johnny Issaluk - Episode #26
Episode 26
Monday, June 8, 2026 โข Duration 39:04
Some people spend years searching for where they belong. For ๐๐ผ๐ต๐ป๐ป๐ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐น๐๐ธ, that journey has taken him across the North, around the world as an Inuit Games athlete, and into a new career in the skilled trades.
What makes this conversation memorable is not the number of medals won or countries visited, it's ๐๐ผ๐ต๐ป๐ป๐'๐ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ป ๐น๐ถ๐ณ๐ฒ. Throughout the episode, he shares lessons learned through, family, culture, recovery, friendship, and work.ย The discussion explores the importance of ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ณ, the value of strong relationships, and how finding the place you fit in can change the direction of your life.
As an Inuk from Nunavut, Johnny also reflects on community, identity, and the experiences that shaped him into the person he is today. Whether he's talking about Inuit culture, learning new skills, or building a future in the trades, one message comes through clearly: ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐น๐ถ๐ณ๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐น ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ณ.
Want to connect with Johnny? Feel free to reach out to him directly at snurraq@gmail.com
If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic youโd like to hear on the podcast, email us at ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐@๐ฐ๐๐๐.๐ฐ๐ฎ.ย
And if you enjoyed this episode, like it, follow it, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help shine the spotlight on the incredible work happening at CUSW!ย
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: ย
Beyond Words. Reconciliation, Land Acknowledgment and Smudging with Daniel Deleary - Episode #25
Episode 25
Monday, May 25, 2026 โข Duration 55:46
Daniel Deleary brings a perspective that reaches far beyond the trades.
Rooted in Anishinaabe teachings, community, culture, and lifelong service to Indigenous people, Daniel shares a conversation centered on connection to the earth, to one another, and to the work of creating something better for future generations.
Throughout the episode, the discussion moves between Indigenous worldview, skilled trades, mental wellness, ceremony, purpose, environmental responsibility, and the importance of approaching life with respect and balance. What stands out most is the reminder that progress does not come from division or ego, but from people willing to listen, learn, and build together.
Daniel also reflects on the growing presence of Indigenous workers in the skilled trades through his work with ISEAD, and the importance of creating meaningful pathways, support systems, and opportunities that allow people and communities to thrive.
More than an interview, this episode feels like a shared perspective on humanity, responsibility, and the kind of world we leave behind for the next generation.
Want to connect with Daniel or learn more about ISEAD? Feel free to reach out to him directly at ddeleary@isead.ca
Visit https://www.cusw.ca/ to explore more opportunities and resources. If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic youโd like to hear on the podcast, email us at ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐@๐ฐ๐๐๐.๐ฐ๐ฎ.ย
And if you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues to help shine the spotlight on the incredible work happening at CUSW!ย
CUSW. Driven By Members, Powered By Participation with Kris Croteau - Episode #24
Episode 24
Monday, May 11, 2026 โข Duration 26:45
Some people join a union for a job. Others stay because they find a place where their voice can make a difference.
For ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐, what started with answering a newspaper ad back in 1999 turned into more than two decades of involvement, leadership, mentorship, and helping build what ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ช has become today.ย
From serving as Chief Steward at Darlington Nuclear to multiple terms on the National Executive Board, Kris has seen the union grow from a few hundred members to thousands across Canada.
In this episode, ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ reflects on the early days of ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ช, the value of member participation, and why the unionโs bottom-up approach continues to matter. The conversation touches on everything from working away from home and balancing family life, to mentorship, workplace safety, and the importance of simply talking to one another and staying informed.
More than anything, this episode is a reminder that unions are built by people through conversations, shared experiences, and members willing to step forward and help shape what comes next.
Want to connect with Kris or learn more? Feel free to reach out to him directly at ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐@๐ฐ๐๐๐.๐ฐ๐ฎย
Visit https://www.cusw.ca/ to explore more opportunities and resources. If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic youโd like to hear on the podcast, email us at ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐@๐ฐ๐๐๐.๐ฐ๐ฎ.ย
And if you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues to help shine the spotlight on the incredible work happening at CUSW!ย
