The CUSW Spotlight Podcast

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!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻 𝟭𝟭-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗼𝗹𝗱?
You get a conversation that's honest, thoughtful, and surprisingly refreshing.
In this episode, Dan sits down with 𝗘𝗹𝘆𝗮𝘀 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. 
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.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 CUSW Member & Family Assistance Program
 Scouts Canada
Haliburton Scout Reserve
Fashion Takes Action
🔻 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!

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. 
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 Carrie’s 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. 
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.  
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!

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. 
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.  
🎙️ Listen to James' first appearance on the CUSW Spotlight Podcast: Live to Love another Day
📖 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.  
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!

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?  Feel free to reach out to him directly at 𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗻@𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘄.𝗰𝗮

Make sure you 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 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!