Message from the President

At the SIU Canada, our strength lies in our unity. Every seafarer in our ranks stands up for fairness, safety, and respect at sea. We are the Union. Every member, every voice, every action makes us stronger. Together, we shape the future of our industry and raise the standard for all who work at sea.

For over 80 years, the SIU has fought to protect the rights of Canadian seafarers and to ensure that good, stable, union jobs remain in our country. Our history is one of struggle, resilience, and progress. We’ve stood firm through legislative challenges, unfair hiring practices, and the creeping threat of flag-of-convenience shipping on our coasts—and we’ve never backed down.

Today, the stakes are higher than ever. Foreign-flagged vessels and loopholes in enforcement threaten to undermine Canadian cabotage laws—laws that were designed to protect our coastal trade and ensure that Canadian ships are crewed by Canadian seafarers. We cannot allow those protections to be eroded. These jobs are not just livelihoods—they are the backbone of communities from coast to coast to coast.

That’s why we continue to push for stronger enforcement, better regulations, and a marine sector that puts Canadian workers first. Whether it’s through legislative advocacy, legal challenges, or public campaigns, SIU Canada remains on the front lines in the fight for fair employment in Canadian waters.

Our solidarity is our strength. From those just entering the ranks, to the seasoned mariner with decades at sea—every member plays a vital role. When we speak with one voice, we are impossible to ignore. When we act together, we win.

Thank you for standing with us, for carrying on this proud tradition, and for helping build a better future for the next generation of Canadian seafarers.

Chris Given, President, Seafarers’ International Union of Canada