The CUSW Spotlight Podcast

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 eve...

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...

Some people spend years searching for where they belong. For 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗸, 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 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝗻𝘆'𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲. Throughout the episode, he shares lessons learned t...

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, skille...

Some people join a union for a job. Others stay because they find a place where their voice can make a difference. For 𝗞𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗮𝘂, what started with answering a newspaper ad back in 1999 turned into more than two decades of involvement, leadership, mentorship, and helping build what 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 has become today.  From serving as Chief Steward at Darlington Nuclear to multiple terms on the National Exec...

In honour of the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, and those that lost their lives or were injured in the workplace, Dan has a difficult but important conversation with 𝗥𝗼𝗯 𝗘𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀, 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸, who shares the story of losing his 18-year-old son, 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱, in a preventable workplace accident on just his second day of work.  A moment that changed everything, and a loss that no family should ever hav...

In this episode, Dan is having a conversation with Mark Keyes , a long-time CUSW member who’s been involved at just about every level of the organization. From serving as a Unit Chair in Niagara Hamilton to working on national committees, conventions, and communications, this conversation gives a look into what it really means to step up and get involved. It’s not always easy, but it’s work that m...

In this episode, we’re joined by 𝗡𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺, 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺, a nationally recognized workforce strategist who is reshaping how Canada attracts, prepares, and retains talent across the skilled trades, STEM, and beyond. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of education, industry, and public policy, Nour has built Build a Dream into a national organization,...

What does it really take to keep the lights on? In this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, Dan talks with Journeyman Power Linesperson Chris Hibbert about what life is really like on the job. Chris describes climbing tall transmission towers, spending long periods away from home, and what the work asks of him physically, mentally, and personally. Chris talks about how he got started in the tra...

Before he became a Health, Safety and Wellness leader with CUSW, David Aviles spent nearly two decades roofing and building a business with his father, learning firsthand what hard work truly means. In this episode, David shares his journey from starting his construction career at an early age to becoming a Joint Health and Safety Representative at Hydro One and Chair of the CUSW Health, Safety an...

In this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, we shine the spotlight on 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗰𝗞𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿, a powerline technician, trainer, and dedicated union advocate whose journey reflects the 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪.  With ten years of involvement, Steve shares how a career change led him into the trades and opened the door to opportunities to serve, and help strengthen the union from within. Steve speaks about h...

In this episode of The CUSW Spotlight Podcast, host Dan sits down with a voice every listener knows, even if the face is new.  Glen MacNeil, the songwriter and narrator behind the CUSW Spotlight theme, steps into the spotlight to share his remarkable journey through the trades, union life, and creative expression. From growing up in Cape Breton to spending 30 years in a distillery, transitioning i...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, host Dan Plexman sits down with Valerie (Val) Vanderwyk , Executive Director of ISEAD - Indigenous Skills, Employment, Apprenticeship & Development - a national Indigenous not-for-profit committed to supporting Indigenous youth, communities, and their pathways into education, training, and the skilled trades. Val shares her personal story as a Mi'km...

As we wrap up 2025, the CUSW Spotlight Podcast turns the spotlight inward for a meaningful reflection on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. CUSW Chair John Wabb joins host Dan Plexman for a year-in-review conversation that explores the progress, challenges, and collective wins that shaped 2025. From expanded member participation and committee-driven initiatives to a growing emphasis on psych...

In this inspiring episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast , host Dan Plexman discusses with Michelle Holmes, Red Seal Electrician, Training Technician at Bruce Power, founding member of the CUSW National Tradeswomen Committee, and the 2025 WiN Canada Mentor of the Year . Michelle shares her 19-year journey in the trades, from her early apprenticeship days to becoming a respected leader, mentor, and...

On this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast , we’re going back to the beginning, to the stories, people, and ideas that built the𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀. Joining us is 𝗧𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻, a founding member of CUSW and the union’s National Business Development and Strategy Lead. Tom’s career spans nearly four decades in the labour movement. He started on the tools as an apprentice at Ontario H...

In this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast , host Dan Plexman is having a discussion with Shannon Veitch , an electrician and long-time CUSW member who co-chairs the CUSW National Health, Safety & Wellness Committee . Together, they explore the story and purpose behind CUSW’s annual Health, Safety & Wellness Conference, how it has grown into a space where members, and families, come tog...

From apprentice to leader, Nathan DeGagne’s journey with CUSW highlights the power of participation and opportunity.  In this episode, Nathan shares his experiences in the apprenticeship program, his role in supporting new members, and his thoughts on upcoming changes within the union.  He opens up about the importance of engagement, communication, and raising your hand to get involved, whether it...

We are back with another insightful conversation, this time with Kristopher Stevens, a dedicated community builder, sustainability leader, and long-time member of the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers.   Kris shares how his journey through renewable energy, affordable housing, and grassroots governance has shaped both his personal philosophy and CUSW’s future. From embedding values into decision-m...

On this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we’re shining the light on Pauline Cranston, a licensed 309A electrician, union leader, proud young mom, and a true force in the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers. Pauline doesn’t just “show up”. She is on the tools with Hydro One, chairs the North-East Unit, and sits on more CUSW committees than you can count… all while raising a young family. Talk a...

In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, Dan Plexman has an interesting conversation with 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻, CUSW’s Training and Education Representative, to reflect on his journey, experiences, and the importance of building an inclusive, skilled, and forward-thinking workforce. 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝘆 shares how he got started as a 309A electrical apprentice at the Saunders Dam, his work with Hydro One, and how thos...

In this deeply moving episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast , Dan speaks with James Duffield, a longtime union member, former Health & Safety Rep, and now Worker Representative, who shares his powerful story of resilience, vulnerability, and hope.  James has faced cancer more than once, and now, as he navigates his third and most difficult diagnosis, his message carries even more weight. With...

𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝘄𝗲𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻.  Owen is CUSW’s Recruitment Lead and a man whose career path is as diverse as it is inspiring.   From earning a Social Work degree and working in street outreach for Toronto’s Indigenous community, to scaffolding, parts management, and safety leadership at Bruce Power, Owen has brought compassion, resilience, and adaptability to every role he&apo...

In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Alina Murray. A dedicated member of the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW), a 5th-term 309A Electrical Apprentice, a mom, and the first female chair of the Southwest Unit.   Alina opens up about her decision to build a career with CUSW, the opportunities she has embraced, and the challenges she has overcome as a woman in the industry.   The conversa...

In this episode of 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we shine a light on 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀, a passionate advocate for health and safety and a key member of the CUSW since 2017.    Calvin worked as a certified health and safety representative in road building and utility installation before transitioning to CUSW.   Driven by a passion for creating safe and supportive workplaces, Calvin faced significant chall...