The CUSW Spotlight Podcast

In this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, Dan Plexman heads west for a conversation with Ben Loyens, a CUSW-BC Executive Board member and Representative.
Ben started his electrical apprenticeship at just 16 years old, signing up on his birthday at the kitchen table with his dad. 
From there, he built experience across residential, commercial and industrial work before becoming a licensed electrician and joining CUSW in 2014.
Since joining CUSW, Ben has taken on a number of roles, including Health and Safety Representative, Union Steward, Sub-Foreman, Foreman and General Foreman. 
Each opportunity brought new experiences and a chance to learn more about the union and the people he represents.
The conversation follows Ben’s move from Ontario to Grand Forks, BC, his decision to start his own electrical contracting company, and how he eventually became involved with the CUSW-BC Executive Board and took on the role of Representative.
Dan and Ben talk about the growth of CUSW in British Columbia, the opportunities ahead, the importance of member participation, and what it means to raise your hand even when you’re stepping into something new.
At the heart of the conversation is a simple message: if you want to get more involved, put your hand up. You may discover an opportunity you never knew was there.
Ben also shares what keeps him involved with CUSW and why the union’s family-oriented culture, support for members and commitment to health and safety continue to mean so much to him.
As Ben puts it, sometimes you just have to take that leap, put your hand up and go for it.
Want to connect with Ben or learn more?  Feel free to reach out to him directly at bloyens@cusw-bc.ca
Don’t 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 you’d 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! 
🔻 Learn More About CUSW  
Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are 
🔻 Stay Informed  
Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News 
🔻 Get in Touch  
Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page 
🔻 Get Involved  
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model 
🔻 Never Miss an Episode  
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here 
🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
🎵 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!

Truth and Reconciliation is a conversation that requires that we listen, learn and willing to look at things we may not have understood before.
In this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, Dan Plexman welcomes back Valerie Vanderwyk for a deeply personal conversation about Truth and Reconciliation.
Valerie is the Executive Director of Indigenous Skills, Employment, Apprenticeship, and Development (ISEAD), a national Indigenous not-for-profit organization that advocates for and supports Indigenous youth and communities in accessing education, training and employment in the skilled trades. 
Valerie is a survivor of the ’60s Scoop, an experience that has shaped her own journey of understanding her identity, her history and the impact of generational trauma.
Dan and Val talk about what truth means, why listening and education are so important, and why reconciliation cannot happen without first acknowledging the truth. They share personal experiences and discuss the impact of denial, the importance of believing people when they have the courage to tell their stories, and the responsibility each of us has to learn and reflect.
The conversation also looks at the experiences of Indigenous people in Canada, the residential schools and the ’60s Scoop, and how a lack of understanding can continue to shape attitudes and behaviours from one generation to the next.
This is an emotional and thought-provoking conversation about truth, courage, understanding and finding ways to move forward together.
And as Val reminds us at the end of the episode: 
“Believe in people. And be kind.”
Want to connect with Val and learn more about ISEAD?  Feel free to reach out to her directly at vvanderwyk@isead.ca
Want to reach out to Dan?  Email him directly at dplexman@cusw.ca
Don’t 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 you’d like to hear on the podcast, email Dan at podcast@cusw.ca. 
🔻 Learn More About CUSW  
Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are 
🔻 Stay Informed  
Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News 
🔻 Get in Touch  
Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page 
🔻 Get Involved  
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model 
🔻 Never Miss an Episode  
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here 
🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
🎵 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!

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 Canada’s 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 what’s next.
Want to connect with Mark or learn more?  Feel free to reach out to him directly at chapeskie@ehrc.ca
Don’t 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 you’d 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! 
 🔗 Mentioned in This Episode 
Want to explore more about what we talked about today? Below you'll find links and resources referenced in the episode. 
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom
The Ontario Human Rights Code and system
The Counselling Foundation of Canada
Abacus Data
🔻 Learn More About CUSW  
Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are 
🔻 Stay Informed  
Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News 
🔻 Get in Touch  
Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page 
🔻 Get Involved  
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model 
🔻 Never Miss an Episode  
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here 
🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
🎵 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!

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.

🔻 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲
https://988.ca
🔻 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
https://homewoodhealth.com
🔻Member Family Assistance Program 
https://www.psbt.ca/about-mfap 
🔻World 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. 
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. 

We’d love to hear from you! 
🔻 Learn More About CUSW  
Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are 
🔻 Stay Informed  
Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News 
🔻 Get in Touch  
Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page 
🔻 Get Involved  
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model 
🔻 Never Miss an Episode  
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here 
🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
🎵 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!

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝘄𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 is back on the 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 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 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝗖𝗖𝗨) 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. 

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.

𝗔 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲'𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝗖𝗖𝗨):
https://ccu-csc.ca/
𝗖𝗖𝗨 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗲:
https://ccu-csc.ca/news/newsmagazine/

Want to connect with Shawn or learn more?  
Feel free to reach out to him directly at 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁@𝗰𝗰𝘂-𝗰𝘀𝗰.𝗰𝗮

Don’t 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 you’d 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!  

🔻 Learn More About CUSW  
Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are 
🔻 Stay Informed  
Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News 
🔻 Get in Touch  
Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page 
🔻 Get Involved  
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model 
🔻 Never Miss an Episode  
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here 
🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
🎵 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!