Stephen Bedard
Stephen Bedard received his MIR degree from the Centre for Industrial Relations in 1981 and started what has turned out to be a career-long affiliation with the federal jurisdiction, specifically with the telecommunications sector. From 1981 – 2000, he worked for Bell Canada in a variety of labour relations, human resource and operations jobs. When he left Bell, he was the Vice President – Industrial Relations. In July 2000 Steve became the Vice President – Labour Relations for TELUS Communications overseeing the staff responsible for all aspects of labour relations, respectful workplace, safety and environment issues.
Steve is the current Chair of FETCO (Federally-regulated employers in transportation and communication) which represents the majority of unionized private sector employers in the federal sector and has been a member of the executive committee for many years. FETCO is the employer partner of the Canadian Labour Congress at the federal level in tripartite dealings with federal departments and agencies. He is also on the executive board of the Canadian Employer’s Council (CEC), was its Chair from 2006-2009, an employer organization representing Canadian employers at the International Labour Organization (ILO). Steve has also been appointed on a number of advisory committees by federal labour ministries.
Following his MIR graduation in 1981, Steve taught labour relations through the Personnel and Industrial Relations (PIR) program at Woodsworth College, University of Toronto for a number of years.