The CUSW Spotlight Podcast

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...

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 have to face. Instead of turning away and feeling angry, Rob chose to speak up. For the past t...

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, hosting hundreds of career discovery events over the years, creating scalable workforce solutio...

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 and Wellness Committee. Since stepping into the role in 2020, David has become a powerful voice for...

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 r...

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 psychological safety, inclusion, and respectful workplaces, this episode highlights the work happening...

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 Hydro, worked maintenance at Chrysler plants in Windsor and Brampton, and served in countless lead...

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’s in the workplace, on a committee, or at a national level. Nathan also reflects on mo...

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 about drinking the Kool-Aid! In this fun and inspiring conversation, Pauline shares how she got he...

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 honesty and strength, James reflects on what it means to live fully, to struggle openly, and ...

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 conversation moves between personal and professional, from changing roles in her household and ...

In this episode of The CUSW Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Shawn Campbell, a dedicated union leader whose journey from student apprentice to national health and safety advocate is nothing short of inspiring. Shawn’s story begins in 2014 as an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) student, working with a small contractor before joining the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW) in 2016. His passion for creating safer and more inclusive workplaces was recognized when he was no...

In our inaugural episode of The CUSW Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with John Wabb to discuss the evolution of CUSW from its humble beginnings in 1999 to the thriving, member-driven organization it is today. John shares his insights on leadership, mentorship, and the power of participation in shaping the future of our union. We dive into the many moving parts that keep CUSW running, the importance of engaging members, and the vision for the years ahead. Whether you're a long-tim...