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 his experience as a 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, his time working directly with the union during a capacity-building rotation, and his current role training the next generation of apprentices.

His passion for supporting fellow members, improving safety culture, and helping others grow is evident in every role he takes on, from national committees and bargaining involvement to guiding apprentices as they begin their careers.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that CUSW is more than a workplace; it’s a member-driven community built on mentorship, shared responsibility, and supporting each other.

Steve’s story highlights the impact one member can have when they choose to get involved, give back, and help ensure every worker has a voice. If you want to get in touch with Steve, reach out to him at 𝘀𝗺𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿@𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘄.𝗰𝗮

Make sure you also 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 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!

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 into the electrical trade later in life, and finding his place within the CUSW family, Glen reflects on the chapters that shaped who he is today.

Together, Dan and Glen talk openly about career pivots, lifelong learning, stepping into union leadership roles, and the responsibility and privilege of being there when someone needs help.

The conversation also dives into mental health, the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world, and how the culture around speaking up and supporting one another has evolved in the trades. Woven throughout is Glen’s passion for music, creativity, and storytelling, culminating in a special live moment that brings the heart of CUSW full circle.

This episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to start a new chapter, raise your hand, or use your voice, whether at work or in life.

Want to connect with Glen? Feel free to reach out to him directly at glenmacneil@live.ca, and make sure you check out his music at https://www.youtube.com/@GlenMacNeil

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!

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'kmaq woman and Sixties Scoop survivor, and speaks openly about the importance of community, lifelong learning, and building relationships based on trust, sincerity, and shared responsibility. She reflects on ISEAD’s longstanding partnership with CUSW, describing it as an unwavering relationship rooted in mutual respect, support, and a genuine sense of family.

Together, Val and Dan explore reconciliation as a personal journey, not a checklist. Reconciliation is a daily practice that shapes how we learn, work, and show up for one another. They discuss mentorship, culture, safety, the ripple effect of leadership decisions, and the importance of creating psychologically safe spaces where people can grow, heal, and contribute in meaningful ways.

This conversation is honest, warm, and deeply human. It highlights what is possible when organizations come together with aligned values, open hearts, and a shared vision for long-term positive impact in communities across Canada.

Want to connect with Val and learn more about ISEAD? Feel free to reach out to her directly at vvanderwyk@isead.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!