Newly launched foundation will promote Canada’s marine sector careers

The maritime shipping industry has joined forces with the Government of Canada to launch the Canadian Marine Industry Foundation (CMIF). Its mission is to help to alleviate labour shortages by promoting career opportunities in the marine sector.

Maritime workforce recruitment and retention have become an increasing challenge with positions unfilled both on ships and ashore. The marine sector’s workforce has been hit by a combination of factors that include retirees outnumbering new recruits, a shortage of people with the necessary skills, and a lack of public awareness regarding the rewarding careers available.

The CMIF is an initiative conceived and developed by Canada’s private and public sector marine stakeholders, including the Ottawa-based Chamber of Marine Commerce industry association, and the federal government under the direction of Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

Plans include expanding the membership to include private and public marine-related entities from all coasts in Canada. Membership will present opportunities for engagement, resource sharing, as well as direct financial contributions.

One of the CMIF’s first initiatives will be to launch a digital campaign to raise awareness of the industry so it can continue to attract the skilled labour, trades and accredited professionals required. The Imagine Marine campaign is being designed to spark the imagination of Canada’s youth to consider the careers in an industry with a tradition and future like no other. A new web-based career resource will be designed to inform, direct and support workforce candidates with academic and career information.