Local 258 IBEW Responds to Cam Tran Plant Closure, Calls for Action to Protect B.C. Jobs and Electrical Supply Chain

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Langley, B.C. – July 15, 2026 – Local 258 IBEW is deeply disappointed by the announcement that Cam Tran's manufacturing facility in Chilliwack will cease operations, resulting in the loss of 43 skilled manufacturing jobs.

For Local 258 IBEW, this closure is particularly significant. We proudly represented the employees at the facility from 1999 to 2019. Although the bargaining relationship ended in 2019, we have continued to recognize the dedication and craftsmanship of the workers who manufactured transformers that help power communities throughout British Columbia.

The closure comes after years of uncertainty for employees who persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic, only to now face the loss of their livelihoods following the company's acquisition by an American firm.

Cam Tran has long been a major supplier of transformers to BC Hydro. The closure represents more than the loss of 43 jobs. It also reduces British Columbia's domestic manufacturing capacity at a time when demand for electrical infrastructure is growing rapidly to support electrification, population growth, and economic development.

"The closure of Cam Tran's Chilliwack operations is extremely disappointing and raises serious concerns about BC Hydro's transformer supply chain. As British Columbia invests in electrification and expands its electrical infrastructure, a reliable supply of transformers is critical to delivering projects on time and maintaining a dependable electrical system. Any disruption could affect BC Hydro's ability to meet customer needs, support its employees in delivering critical work, and achieve the province's long-term energy goals," said Kevin Duchak, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of Local 258 IBEW.
"I have spoken with Minister Adrian Dix and offered Local 258's assistance in any way possible to help address this situation. We are committed to working collaboratively with government, BC Hydro, and industry partners to minimize the impact on British Columbia's electrical system and ensure the province can continue delivering the critical infrastructure projects British Columbians depend on."

Local 258 believes the loss of skilled manufacturing jobs should concern not only the affected workers and their families, but also governments, utilities, and the public. As investments in the province's electrical grid continue to accelerate, maintaining domestic manufacturing capacity is critical to strengthening supply chain resilience, supporting good-paying jobs, and ensuring essential equipment remains available when it is needed most.

"We are deeply disappointed by the decision for Cam Tran to withdraw its operations from Chilliwack, abandon those workers, and eliminate good-paying jobs. This decision undermines investment in our communities and the livelihoods of working families," said Marina Luporini, Assistant Business Manager responsible for Local 258's Manufacturing Sector.
"British Columbia cannot afford to lose strategic manufacturing capacity at a time when demand for electrical infrastructure is growing. We need to be supporting and growing domestic manufacturing, not watching it disappear."

The implications of the closure extend beyond manufacturers and utilities. British Columbia's electrical construction industry also relies on timely access to transformers and other critical electrical equipment to deliver infrastructure projects safely and efficiently.

"Protecting British Columbia's local supply chain reliability is important for the electricity system, B.C.'s electrical and line utility contractors, and the skilled tradespeople and construction professionals they employ. Far too often, projects are delayed or disrupted because of long lead times or a lack of available critical equipment. This closure is a concerning development that could add uncertainty at a time when British Columbia is working to strengthen its power grid and grow the economy," said Matt MacInnis, President of the Electrical Contractors Association of BC.

Local 258 IBEW believes the concerns raised by utilities, contractors, and industry partners reinforce the need to preserve strategic manufacturing capacity within British Columbia. A resilient domestic supply chain benefits workers, employers, utilities, and the public by helping ensure critical infrastructure projects can be delivered safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Media Contact
Kevin Duchak 
Business Manager & Financial Secretary
Local 258 IBEW
kduchak@ibew258.bc.ca 

Marina Luporini
Assistant Business Manager – Manufacturing
Local 258 IBEW
mluporini@ibew258.bc.ca  

Local 258 IBEW Responds to Cam Tran Plant Closure.pdf