Eastern Canada IVP Ed Power
Former Local 128 BM-ST helped expand tripartite effort
AFTER NEARLY EIGHT and a half years of service as International Vice President for Eastern Canada, Edward W. Power will retire effective July 1. The International Executive Council has voted not to fill the vacant office at this time, under the authority of Article 5.2 of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers’ Constitution. That provision allows the Executive Council, upon the recommendation of the International President, to eliminate the vacated office, realign territories, and redistribute the duties to one or more officers.
Western Canada IVP Joe Maloney will assume the duties of International Vice President across Canada.
Power began his career as a construction Boilermaker apprentice with Local 128 (Toronto) in September 1975 and graduated to mechanic in 1978. He went on to hold several local lodge offices and was elected to serve as BM-ST in 1998. He was appointed International Rep in the Construction Division in 2004, a position he held until his election to Eastern Canada IVP in 2006 to fill the unexpired term of Sandy McDonald, who had retired.
Power was re-elected by acclamation during the Boilermakers’ Consolidated Conventions in 2006 and 2011.
Among his achievements is the expansion and refinement of the Eastern Canadian Tripartite Conference, which is now in its 10th year. Modeled after Boilermaker tripartite conferences in the United States, the Eastern Canadian event brings together lodge leaders, contractors, and owners to address construction industry issues and build stronger relationships among the parties.
In a farewell message during the CSO conference, Power said, “I’ve had a great career with the Boilermakers, and I’ve had a wonderful time working with absolutely wonderful people like you guys. I appreciate everything this International organization has done for me and my family. I made some great friends over the years, and I know those friendships will continue.”
International President Newton B. Jones said, “One of Vice President Power’s great strengths is his ability to develop strong working relationships — with other International officers, with International staff, with local lodges, with members, and with our contractors, and owners. That is such an important asset for a leader. Ed has helped guide our Eastern Canadian section with determination and foresight. We will miss him, and we wish him a well-deserved retirement.”
IVP Joe Maloney stated, “Back in the early 1970s, we started our apprenticeship programs around the same time. Ed always showed an interest in supporting and defending the union and the membership, both on and off the job site. As he advanced his career, he always remembered where he came from and had the organization’s and the members’ interest at the forefront of every decision. His terrific personality and contagious laugh will be missed around the many tables we sat at. I wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement.”
