Endorsements

Mark Cherney

Business Manager/Financial Secretary
IBEW Local 303

Matt and I go back to 2001. First day on the tools, working together on the Legends Golf Course in Niagara Falls. Same Local. Same job.

As Business Manager of Local 303 for 13 years, I've worked alongside a lot of people. I know what good leadership looks like, and I know what it doesn't. Matt Wayland is the real deal.

I watched him come up through this Local, as apprentice rep, Executive Board, President, before he ever went to the International. He didn't skip steps. He earned every one of them.

When IBEW needed someone to build a political presence in Ottawa, Matt built it. He got us access we didn't have before. He delivered results for members, for Locals, and across every sector. Matt has shown his ability to connect with new members and grow the IBEW in Canada. That's not something you can fake. That's twenty-five years of showing up and doing the work.

Now he's putting everything on the line to lead this District.

I've stood beside this man since day one. I'm proud to stand beside him today.

I'm endorsing Matt Wayland for International Vice President of the First District. He has my full support and my trust. Matt Wayland is a leader for our time. The time is now.

TIM BUNKER

Business Manager
President IBEW Local 1133

Matt Wayland is the type of person who will put in the work to earn the support, and trust of Local Leaders and the Members, instead of just demanding it. We need an IVP who will work with and for the Locals, instead of the Locals working for the IVP: I strongly believe Matt Wayland has shown everyone over the years that he will be that person!

jeff sweet

Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council, former Business Manager and still a proud member of IBEW 2038

I met Matt Wayland at my first Progress Meeting in Banff Alberta in 2013. Since then I’ve come to know him as someone with integrity and who is approachable and straightforward to deal with. Matt has a strong understanding of how the organization functions and how the decisions made by our leadership affects members across Canada. He also spent many years working effectively as our Government Relations representative in Ottawa, where his knowledge and ability to work constructively with a wide range of stakeholders served the organization well. Matt brings both practical experience and a clear commitment to representing the interests of all members, and I believe he would provide steady and thoughtful leadership as International Vice President for Canada.

As an employee of IBEW Local 773 since 2003 and a 5-term Business Manager for the past 14 years, I’ve witnessed many IVPs come and go. Unfortunately, the process for electing our leader was largely undermined by an inherent system of nepotism. We exercised our rights at the last International Convention and, in my opinion, made a terrible choice. We can now right a sinking ship that is void of structure, union values, and the ear our Business Managers and members need. Matt Wayland has vowed to correct the situation we have inherited, and we believe he is the man for the job.

IBEW Local 773 Delegates to the International Convention in San Diego, California, have unanimously endorsed Matt Wayland as our IVP in the 1st District.

Matt Wayland, IVP 2026!

Karl Lovett

Business Manager/Financial Secretary
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Local Union 773
Windsor Ontario Canada

Murray palmer

I met Matt at the 2022 Convention in Chicago, and we connected instantly. Right away, I could tell he was a genuine person. When you talk to Matt, he gives you his full attention, he listens, values your time, and sincerely cares about your concerns, your work, and your life.

Matt’s professionalism, respect for others, and dedication to improving our organization are exactly what we need in a leadership role. His reputation precedes him; every time I meet political or industry representatives and tell them I am IBEW, their first question is, “Do you know Matt?” That proves just how far his outreach and positive impact stretch across Canada.

Though I haven’t known him for decades, my most trusted adversaries all share the same conclusion I reached that day I met him. That consistency is a testament to his character and how proudly he represents us.

Business Manager/Financial Secretary
IBEW Local 529 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Jim Sponagle

Business Manager/Financial Secretary
IBEW Local 1928
Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

I am pleased to write this letter of endorsement for Matt Wayland and his campaign for International Vice President (1st District) of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. I’ve known Matt for more than 15 years. I’ve come to appreciate his hard work, dedication, and commitment to our organization, and the members he represents across the country.

As our political activist on Parliament Hill, Matt was absolutely impressive! Matt advocated for worker’s RIGHTS, prevailing WAGES, national ISSUES to advance IBEW values, keeping our members best interest in the forefront. Matt performed this role with a high level of integrity and professionalism, and represented our union proudly.

In his role in the District Membership Development Department, Matt was always available when we needed him. Matt’s leadership, guidance, and support has been an asset to our union, enhancing organizing initiatives throughout Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Our Local Union Organizer always appreciated the words of encouragement, and helpful advice he received from Matt on a regular basis.

I am confident he will continue to demonstrate the same dedication, leadership and commitment in any opportunity he pursues.

CHRIS JOHNSON

I have known Matt since the first All Canada Progress Meeting I attended as Business Manager where I met him at the Next Gen Caucus in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Through my membership on the NPAC I have been able to witness Matt’s dedication and hard work in Ottawa as our Political Action representative to improve and build the 1 st District’s relationship with our federal politicians. Matt is a representative who puts the members and what is best for our membership to the forefront. Not needing recognition or accolades, he worked behind the scenes building relationships with governments from the municipal level all the way up the line to Federal, arranging meetings between Local Unions and politicians to help them reach their goals. This was something I witnessed him do no matter the size of the Local or the level of government they needed to meet with. Matt has always just been a phone call, text, or email away and he would be there to work with you.

In all my years as Business Manager there has never been a Candidate for this position that I could endorse more.

President/Business Manager
IBEW Local 1131

Landon Walsh

I first met Matt when he was the apprentice representative on our Local Joint Apprenticeship Council. Even at that early stage in his career, it was clear that he had the qualities of a leader. As an apprentice representative, you’re expected to lead by example, support your fellow apprentices, and offer guidance when it’s needed—and Matt embraced that role with dedication and integrity.

Matt continued to step forward into leadership positions, serving on our Executive Board before later being elected President of the Local.

Throughout each role, he consistently challenged himself, took on greater responsibility, and remained committed to serving the membership.

What stands out most to me is Matt’s leadership style. He leads by listening. He takes the time to hear different perspectives, values the input of others, and makes thoughtful decisions based on what’s best for the membership. His willingness to listen, combined with his commitment to continuous growth, has made him an effective and respected leader.

I have no hesitation in endorsing Matt. He has demonstrated time and time again that he possesses the character, leadership, and dedication needed to represent our members with integrity and professionalism.

Matt Wayland for IVP !!

President
IBEW Local 303

john gibson

Matt will be a champion for our union at the local, provincial, and national level. He has demonstrated respect for the local system and acts with honesty and integrity in everything he does. IBEW Local 120 is proud to support Matt Wayland for IVP.

Business Manager/Financial Secretary
IBEW Local 120, London, ON

Craig Anderson

It is my pleasure to wholeheartedly endorse Matt Wayland for the position of IBEW International Vice President for the First District.

I first met Matt during a conference in Halifax in 2018 where he worked together and also discussed our political action committee. I was excited to hear about his role and the work he was doing on behalf of our members in Local 1928 and across Canada.

I really got to work closely with Matt through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conference in 2023. Both of these instances I saw firsthand his commitment to our members, his strong work ethic, and his ability to bring people together around common goals.

Matt is a thoughtful and principled leader who listens, values different perspectives, and isn't afraid to put in the work to achieve meaningful results. He approaches every responsibility with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine desire to strengthen our organization and support our members.

I am proud to support Matt for IVP and encourage you to give him your vote. I know he will be an outstanding representative and a leader our members can count on.

President / Assistant Business Manager
IBEW Local 1928

Jim DuMaresq

I’ve had the privilege of working with Matt since Local 120 had a part in building the Toyota Woodstock plant back in 2006. I can tell you that his integrity followed him as a worker, as president of his home local union, and in his roles as an International Representative for the First District.

We’ve also worked together starting political action committees in both our home local unions (Local 303, St. Catharines, and Local 120, London) where we developed ways to talk to our MPP’s and MP’s, along with building relationships with local municipal leaders. He saw the importance of engaging with politicians from every level of government.

Matt, has been a great representative for us at the IBEW First District office and has the ability to communicate with and listen to every member in the district no matter what part of the country they are from or what sector they work in.

I’m proud to call him my friend. Matt is my choice and he should be your choice for International Vice President for now and for a better future for our District.

President, 2013 - 2026 (retired June 2026)
IBEW Local 120, London, Ont.

jim bonnell

I’m honoured to support Brother Wayland in his candidacy for International Vice President.

I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Matt on several occasions throughout my 20-year career—first as tool partners, travelling and working together for a year and a half, and later as fellow IBEW officers during my tenure as Business Manager of IBEW Local Union 105.

Matt’s work ethic, communication skills, professionalism, and leadership have always stood out. He leads with integrity, earns the respect of those around him, and is committed to serving the membership. I believe he is exactly the kind of leader the First District needs, and I can think of no one better to help lead Canada’s IBEW local unions into the future.

I’m proud to support Brother Matt Wayland for International Vice President.

Business Manager/Financial Secretary (2023-2026)
IBEW Local Union 105, Hamilton, Ont.

Andrew McLean

Organizer IBEW Local 530 Sarnia, Ontario

Matt has built a reputation not only within the IBEW but also among elected officials and unions across Canada. His relationships outside the IBEW have been built through years of advocacy and credibility, giving our union a respected voice wherever decisions affecting our members are made.

I first met Matt during an organizing blitz when I was beginning my role as our Local's organizer. Throughout that campaign, Matt led by example, working shoulder to shoulder with organizers from across the province. This wasn't during an election year or when cameras were rolling. He wasn't there because it was politically advantageous; he was there because that's who Matt is.

Brother Wayland embodies what the IBEW should be. He is a leader of integrity, humility, and action. He is willing to sacrifice his own time, energy, and comfort to ensure the First District reaches its full potential and continues to grow stronger for generations to come.

I wholeheartedly endorse Brother Matt Wayland for International Vice President. I believe he is the leader the First District needs, and I encourage every delegate to support him.