A snap provincial election has been called in British Columbia.
Steelworkers need stability and a strong voice during these uncertain economic times. Our jobs and industries are under threat from U.S. tariffs and trade actions that are hurting workers, driving up costs and creating uncertainty for our communities.
This election is our opportunity to get directly in front of candidates and make sure they understand our issues and what’s at stake for Steelworkers.
We will be asking candidates to stand up for USW priorities, including:
- Stand up for forestry workers and communities with a real stabilization plan, including considering public ownership or equity stakes to keep mills operating and workers employed.
- Grow B.C.’s mining and critical-minerals sector and keep more smelting, refining and processing, and the good union jobs they create here in B.C.
- Build BC Ferries in B.C. and use public procurement to create good union jobs here at home.
- Strengthen workers’ rights and collective bargaining, including exploring sectoral bargaining to raise standards across industries.
- Stand up to Donald Trump and U.S. trade attacks that threaten B.C. jobs, including keeping American liquor off B.C. shelves until there is a fair deal for Canadian families.
We need to get in front of candidates, engage our members and make sure Steelworkers have a strong, organized voice in this election.
Steelworkers Vote: October 14–24, 2026
We are calling on local unions to book off members from October 14–24 (including weekends) to participate in a newly revamped Steelworkers Vote program. This will not be our typical school. Participants will focus on meeting and building relationships with local candidates, member-to-member outreach and getting Steelworkers engaged and out to vote.
Our main base will be the USW District 3 office in Burnaby, with some teams potentially travelling to other parts of B.C. for several days at a time.
All costs will be covered by USW District 3.
Local unions are asked to recruit members and submit their names using the form below.
Special conditions for union leave:
- Participants must take part in all aspects of the program, including training, daytime activities, evening and weekend volunteering and member engagement.
- District 3 will reimburse locals for regularly scheduled lost-time wages, per diems and eligible expenses in accordance with the union’s expense policy.
- Lost-time and expense claims should be submitted to d3expenses@usw.ca.
- Participants must complete a Casual Employment Form (CEF) before the program.
This election is an important opportunity to make sure candidates hear directly from USW about what our members, industries and communities need.
Let’s make sure Steelworkers have a strong voice in this snap election.