As of this date, registration for the Progress Meeting and for the course on Monday, August 23, Protecting the Protectors, is lower than normal. You are reminded and encouraged to register immediately for both, if you have not yet done so.

We have invested considerable resources into developing and preparing the "Protecting the Protectors" course, and there is good reason for selecting this subject matter. The First District Office spends a lot of time dealing with issues that perhaps would not arise if the locals were better educated on "The role of union officials in today’s environment".

As reported in earlier correspondence, the Strategic Planning session that will be on the agenda will shape the future of the IBEW in Canada. Be part of the solution!

Also, please keep in mind that the cut off date for holding our block of rooms is July 21, 2004.

Many thanks to the delegates who attended the two recent organizing conferences presented in the West and the East, and also thanks to the First District Representatives who did all the background preparation. The feedback reflects that the Representatives from the Washington Office, Jan Schwingshakl, Ron Burke, Jim Rudicil and Rocky Clark did a great job with both the Construction and Industrial Courses. Now let’s put our new tools to work!

Phil Flemming

International Vice-President

Sponsored by IBEW Local 424/ECCA Electrical Industry Trust Fund of Alberta, this competition was held on June 5, 2004 with a barbeque, competition and banquet-dance and award presentation. The 1^st place winners for each term of apprenticeship receive $1000.00 and the 2^nd place winners receive $500.00.

The Alberta Provincial Skills Competition was held on May 11^th and 12^th in Edmonton. Local 424 apprentices were successful in Electrical Wiring with John Capatos, a 3^rd year apprentice working with King Electric Ltd., Lethbridge, placing 1^st to pick up the gold medal. Curtis Manning, 1^st year apprentice working with Automation & Controls in Edmonton, placed 1^st for gold. The two then went on to the 10^th Canadian Skills Competition in Winnipeg.

The 10th Canadian Skills Competition was held in Winnipeg from May 27^th to the 30^th. Once again Local Union 424’s John Capatos placed 1^st finishing with gold in the National Competition, in Electrical Wiring, George Kardaras from Local 586, Ottawa placed 4^th in this category and Curtis Manning finished in fifth in his category. John Capatos is qualified to attend the World Skill Competition in 2005 in Helsinki, Finland. The First District congratulates these winners.

Western Organizing Coordinator, International Representative Larry Schell reports that Western Canada has completed four Comet Train the Trainer sessions since January 1^st, 2004.

The Comet Train the Trainer schools were held in Victoria February 10^th to 13^th 2004, with trainers Vair Clendenning and Larry Schell. LU 213, 230, 993 and 1003 participated with 15 instructors certified.

Three other Comet Train the Trainer schools were held

March 30^th to April 2^nd 2004 – Edmonton, Alberta. LU

254, LU 424—17 Certified Instructors.

April 19^th to April 22^nd, 2004 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, LU 529, LU 2038, LU 2067—20 Certified Instructors.

May 17^th to May 20^th 2004 – Winnipeg, Manitoba. LU 2034, LU 2085—19 Certified Instructors.