ChrisBorgia.CA
Stand Together. Vote by June 26th, 2026
Chris Borgia for Vice President
Local 353
Condensed experience/quote/vision statement
About Me
Hello my name is Chris Borgia and I am running for Vice President,
From my humble beginnings as the shy guy at my first special called meeting, I have grown into the confident man I am today, thanks to my involvement with IBEW Local 353.
Joining our Local’s NextGen committee provided me a place to grow and learn. Throughout my 12 years as a member of IBEW Local 353, I learned that fundamentally; unions make positive changes for their members and the communities in which they are a part of. They are not self-serving, they serve the working class whether they belong to a union or are not yet part of a union, as the saying goes “a rising tide raises all ships”. I take this saying very seriously and wish to continue my education through involvement at all levels of Local 353.
I commit to serving my local and my community at every opportunity that I am able. I truly believe that the voice of younger members must be heard when it comes to the decisions that will be made as they will affect future generations more than they will those that are making those decisions today.
I have had the privilege to attend and speak at many conferences and conventions across North America on behalf of our union and the greater labour community of Ontario and Canada. I have learned many lessons that will last a lifetime.
My identity was built around being a young strong electrician, a work place incident took that away. I was left to redefine myself. With the help of my union and my union family I was able to do that.
I see a future for myself in helping to guide our Local. Local 353 will celebrate it’s 125th anniversary in 2028, I will carry on with the wins we have already celebrated and champion for changes that will better the lives of Local 353 members for the next 125 years.
As Vice President, I will continue the work I have started. Together with the membership, I will provide the training courses they want, such as Motorized Elevated Work Platform, Forklift Operator Training and Hoisting and Rigging. Together with the membership, I will resume the work to bridge the gap in our retirement benefits so that our members can retire with the dignity and respect they deserve. With the membership I will launch a project to make a 4 day work week as the regular work week for our members without having to take a hit on their pension and benefits contributions.
If we say we are the best of the best, then let’s deliver on it. By providing safe, skilled and highly trained electrical workers we can secure our market share which means steady employment for the members of Local 353.
This election Vote Chris Borgia for Vice President. Together, WE will make changes to better the lives of our members.
Vision
Education
The local states “We uphold the highest standards for training and education as well as workmanship quality in the electrical field.”
Let’s put our money where our mouth is.
I will put into action a plan to provide the highest standard of skilled, productive, and safe workers in the electrical field.
I will support the implementation of annual training and development for Executive Board members to strengthen governance capacity and to aid them in understanding their roles and responsibilities.
I will work to provide our representatives, organizers and staff with training and access to professional development.
Organization
The local has been lacking on internal organization for far too long.
I will take immediate action to organize all internal departments so that they work cohesively toward the common goal of better service to our membership, while fostering a future focused proactive union that is able to adapt to change
With proper internal organization we will be better equipped for external growth.
Representation
I will lead with integrity, continuing on the foundation of trust I have already built with our members. We are elected to work for our members advocating for dignity, respect, and fair compensation.
I will implement a 24 hour, 7 day a week, emergency number that will put you in contact with a union representative when you need them most.
No longer will our members feel unsupported by their union.
Experience
Education Coordinator, IBEW Local 353 – 2022 to Present
President, Durham Region Labour Council – 2022 to 2024
National NextGen Representative, First District (IBEW Canada) – 2023 to 2025
Examining Board, IBEW Local 353 – 2017 to 2023
Executive Vice President, Ontario Federation of Labour – 2019 to 2021
Member, National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO) – 2022 to Present
Instructor, Workers Health and Safety Centre – 2025 to Present
Recording Secretary, IBEW Local 353 NextGen Committee – 2017 to 2023
Member, Durham Region Labour Council – 2018 to Present
Organize and Deliver, NextGen/RENEW Conference – 2023
Organize and Deliver, NextGen Caucus at All Canada Progress Meeting – 2023 & 2024
Member, LU 353 NextGen Committee – 2016 to 2025
Chair, Ontario Federation of Labour Young Worker Committee – 2019 to 2021
Member, LU 353 Committee on Political Education – 2016 to present
Facility Manager, IBEW Local 353 – 2020 to 2022
Volunteer, Skills Ontario Comp – 2017 to Present
Instructor, Bystander Intervention Training – 2025 to Present
Shop Steward & Health and Safety Activist – 2016 to Present
Volunteer and participant at Local meetings, rallies, parades and events 2015 to present
Training
All District NextGen Representatives Training, International Office – 2023 & 2024
Workers Health and Safety Centre Instructor Training – 2025
Stewards Course – 2016
Construction Organizing Membership Education and Training – 2026
Occupational Health and Safety Certification Refresher – 2025
Running Effective Meetings – IBEW Canada – 2023
Code of Excellence Training – 2016
Master Electrician’s License – 2017
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program – 2014
Certificate of Qualification 309a Construction and Maintenance Electrician – 2012
WSIB Worker Advocate Training – 2016
Construction Project Regulations – 2016
Everyday Leadership – IBEW Canada – 2016
Bystander Intervention Instructor Training, Covenant House – 2025
Mental Health First Aid – 2024
Be More Than a Bystander – IBEW Canada – 2023
Delegate
National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO) Conference – 2024, 2025
All Canada Progress Meeting – 2024
NextGen/RENEW Conference – 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023
NextGen Canada Conference – 2018, 2020
Canadian Labour Congress Convention – 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024
Ontario Federation of Labour Convention – 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023
Ally, Canadian Women’s Conference – 2022
