The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU Canada) is announcing its decision to rejoin the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation (CMCF). This decision reaffirms the Union’s duty to ensure that the voices of Canadian seafarers help shape the future of Canada’s marine sector. The Union will be actively involved in all efforts that seek to address issues of recruitment, retention and training of seafarers within the industry.
Since stepping away from the organization in November 2024, the SIU Canada has engaged in constructive dialogue with the organization’s leadership and observed meaningful projects at the organization that have addressed the issues previously identified. Based on these developments, the Union is confident that the CMCF is now well positioned to fulfill its mandate and deliver tangible results for maritime sector workers, unions, employers and training institutions alike.
The CMCF plays an important role in creating a coordinated, cross-country strategy that allows the voices of all in the marine sector to come up with the best approach to help address the issues of workforce development, recruitment and training and skills development. The SIU Canada believes that participation in the CMCF is important to ensuring that our members have greater access to training opportunities, career pathways, and the resources needed to not only help maintain an adequate number of qualified national seafarers currently, but grow the marine sector to ensure it continues to thrive well into the future.
“Joining forces with the CMCF reflects the SIU Canada’s belief that progress is best achieved when we work together toward a common goal – a shared commitment to the marine industry and Canadian seafarers,” stated Chris Given, President, SIU Canada.
The Union’s focus remains on putting our members first and supporting initiatives that we are confident will help strengthen the future of the national maritime workforce.
The SIU Canada looks forward to working with the CMCF and its partners to help advance initiatives that promote careers at sea to all Canadians, while ensuring that the rights and interests of maritime workers remain central to these efforts.
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