On November 13, 2024, the Canadian National Seafarers’ Welfare Board (CNSWB) convened during the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) meeting at the Rogers Shaw Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. This gathering underscored the commitment of industry, government, labour, and welfare organizations to improving the lives of seafarers working in Canadian waters, reflecting Canada’s obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2005. Transport Canada, which has played a vital role as the secretariat of the CNSWB, provided a framework for this unique forum. The day’s events were marked by in-depth discussions on seafarers’ welfare, policy developments, and the honouring of individuals dedicated to this critical work.
The day commenced with the CMAC Opening Plenary, which highlighted the significance of maritime workers and maritime to Canada’s economy. Following this, the CNSWB’s Standing Working Group convened, providing an opportunity for representatives to reflect on ongoing issues and lay groundwork for future initiatives. Discussions focused on the current challenges facing seafarers, including crew change obstacles, temporary visa policies, and sustainable funding mechanisms for seafarers’ welfare services. Some of these issues will not be easy to fix, but it is useful to share a few of the pain points that seafarers’ and seafarers’ welfare providers are facing.
A key highlight of the day was the memory of Elisabeth Bertrand, a long-serving Transport Canada employee, who played an instrumental role in establishing the CNSWB and advocating for seafarers’ rights, especially during the challenging COVID-19 period. In her memory, the Board introduced the Elisabeth Bertrand Humble Servant Award, an honor bestowed upon those who demonstrate extraordinary compassion and dedication to supporting seafarers. This year’s recipient, Patricia “Patty” Sarazen, Administrator of the Ministry to Seafarers in Montreal, exemplified this spirit through her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of maritime workers. The award ceremony celebrated Patty’s contributions and served as a poignant reminder of the meaningful impact that dedicated individuals can have in advancing the welfare of vulnerable seafarers.
In its 2024 review, the CNSWB emphasized two significant focal areas: visa policies and the sustainable funding of welfare missions. The former continues to be a pressing concern, as visa restrictions and the inability to conduct timely crew changes disrupt seafarers’ lives. In response, the CNSWB has initiated a working group dedicated to exploring the extent of the problem and engaging with the appropriate government offices who might have solutions. Funding for seafarers’ welfare, often tenuous and varied across Canadian ports, was another central topic. CNSWB has been actively working on suggesting a strengthened port levy that could help generate sustainable funding for welfare services, a proposal well-received by stakeholders and under review by several ports. This model promises a more stable financial foundation for the essential services that missions provide to seafarers.
Looking forward to 2025, the CNSWB has identified governance updates, improved communication strategies, and enhanced feedback for Transport Canada in policy development about topics in seafarers’ welfare for the International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) as top priorities. One of the board’s ambitions is to become a more useful forum where government entities seek early input on policy matters affecting seafarers globally. The board also wants to encourage participation of other interested parties not currently on the board, to participate in Board working groups which will build engagement and capacity to support seafarers and the board’s priorities.
The event concluded with a reception hosted by CNSWB, where board members, CMAC attendees, and invited guests gathered for an evening of camaraderie and reflection. The gathering featured holiday gift-packing for seafarers, led by Patty Sarazen, as a way to directly connect with and support seafarers during the holiday season. This gesture of goodwill encapsulated the spirit of the CNSWB and underscored the board’s dedication to fostering a supportive community.
Photo courtesy of CNSWB and NAMMA.
