The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU Canada) has made a formal submission to Transport Canada expressing the Union’s strong opposition to a proposal currently under consideration that would provide “targeted flexibility during emergencies,” including allowing foreign vessels to temporarily operate in Canada’s domestic shipping industry without obtaining a coasting trade licence.
If implemented, the proposal would weaken Canada’s cabotage system, which exists to protect Canadian jobs, support domestic shipping operators, and ensure Canada maintains a strong and self-reliant marine transportation sector capable of serving the country during times of crisis.
In its submission, SIU Canada argues that the proposal is both unnecessary and contrary to the Government of Canada’s stated objectives of strengthening national sovereignty, securing supply chains, and reducing dependence on foreign interests.
The submission further highlights that countries around the world are strengthening, not weakening, their cabotage policies in response to recent global events and growing concerns surrounding economic security, supply chain resilience, and national sovereignty.
“Canada should be investing in and strengthening its domestic maritime capacity, not creating new pathways for foreign operators to enter our domestic shipping industry,” said SIU Canada President Chris Given. “The protections provided by cabotage are not a weakness. They are one of the key reasons Canada maintains a skilled maritime workforce and a strong domestic fleet capable of supporting the country when it is needed most.”
SIU Canada remains firmly opposed to any measures that would further erode Canada’s cabotage protections and is calling on the federal government to abandon the proposal and instead work with industry and labour stakeholders to strengthen the Canadian marine sector.
To read SIU Canada’s full submission, click here:
