Ottawa, ON — November 14, 2024 — The Canadian National Seafarers’ Welfare Board (CNSWB) is honored to announce Patricia “Patty” Sarazen, Administrator of the Ministry to Seafarers in Montreal, as the inaugural recipient of the Elisabeth Bertrand Humble Servant Award. Named in memory of Elisabeth Bertrand, a long-serving civil servant at Transport Canada who was dedicated to improving the lives of seafarers, this award recognizes those who exemplify Elisabeth’s spirit of compassion, commitment, and service.
Debbie Murray, Chair of the CNSWB, expressed her congratulations, saying, “As Chair of the Canadian National Seafarers’ Welfare Board, I am thrilled to recognize Patty Sarazen with the first Elisabeth Bertrand Humble Servant Award. This award honors the legacy of Elisabeth, who put her heart and energy into supporting seafarers through collaboration and a problem-solving spirit. Patty’s dedication to seafarers, especially during challenging times, truly reflects the qualities that Elisabeth stood for.”
The award was presented during the CNSWB meeting, held alongside the Canadian Maritime Advisory Council in Ottawa. Sarazen’s work with the Ministry to Seafarers in Montreal, in partnership with Mariner’s House and Stella Maris, has made a remarkable difference to the seafarers who rely on these services.
Prior to the the presentation of the award, the board read the full nomination forPatricia (Patty) Sarazen, Administrator, Ministry to Seafarers, Montreal:
“Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, several Ukrainian seafarers requesting asylum landed in Montreal and were fortunate enough to meet Patty at the seafarers’ centre. She immediately became involved in their lives and took responsibility for helping them reunite with their families, find homes, furniture, and friends in Quebec, as well as connecting with each other and the Montreal community.
Patty has assisted these seafarers with government paperwork in English and French, enabling them to register on a fast track with Transport Canada and work as seafarers in Canada. Whatever event we hold, whether it be a fundraising bicycle ride or a Christmas party, Patty ensures these men and their families are invited and welcomed.
When the COVID-19 vaccine became available, Patty negotiated with vaccination clinics to provide vaccines for all seafarers in Montreal, and, thanks largely to her efforts, over 2,000 seafarers were vaccinated. This was a challenging task, as the brand of previous vaccinations had to be matched with what was available here. She ensured that when chaplains and staff brought seafarers for vaccinations, the process was seamless, and she even followed up for seafarers who had not received their QR codes or proof of vaccination months later. At one point, Patty persuaded a team of nurses to come to the port and set up a vaccination center at a terminal.
Patty also takes responsibility for the contents of every Christmas parcel donated to seafarers—between 1,400 and 1,600 each year. She mobilizes supporters to create ‘ditty bags,’ which are sewn from spare material and painted by youth from schools, community groups, and churches whom Patty hosts and encourages to contribute. Patty also organizes special events, including wellness and games evenings, to bring joy to seafarers.
Patty is truly a humble servant, extending sympathy, empathy, and kindness to all. She is a cherished friend to the world’s seafarers, lightening their burdens and lifting their spirits.”
About the CNSWB:
The Canadian National Seafarers’ Welfare Board is a collaborative board of shipowners, seafarers’ welfare and labor representatives, port officials, and government representatives. The Board’s formation aligns with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), to advise the Government of Canada on seafarers’ welfare and improve welfare facilities and access to services across Canada.
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