The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation (CMCF), in partnership with Master Mariners of Canada (MMC), will be hosting its inaugural IMAGINE MARINE CONFERENCE 2024 for the marine shipping industry from October 2-3, 2024, in Ottawa, Ontario. This national workforce development conference will bring together marine sector stakeholders, speakers and HR/EDI experts and resources to share best practices, inspire ideas and develop strategies and solutions to Elevate Marine’s Recruitment and Retention Game in the face of increasing talent shortages in Canada’s competitive labour marketplace.
This 1.5 Day Conference will:
- Share the latest marine workforce development research from across the country.
- Facilitate sharing of pilot projects, best practices, and resources on improving training, attraction and retention of talent on vessels, in ports, shipyards, government agencies, marine services and suppliers.
- Include sessions with external experts and speakers centered around better understanding the workforce needs of underrepresented groups and focused on sharing perspectives and learning practical steps, resources, and strategies.
- Help inform future workforce related programs for the marine sector.
- Provide networking and collaboration opportunities.
- Feature sponsorship exhibits
The conference welcomes attendees from all segments of the marine sector, including education and training organisations, vessel operators, ports, shipyards, government agencies, marine services and suppliers, along with workforce development experts and other stakeholders.
Conference Agenda
Please note that all sessions will be in English. Program and speaker details are subject to change. Please check for updates regularly.
Day 1: Wednesday, October 2nd
Day 1: Wednesday, October 2nd
08:00 AM
Conference Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 – 9:10 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks from Julia Fields, Executive Director at the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation
9:10 – 9:30 AM
Keynote Address by Angela Splinter, CEO of Trucking HR Canada
As CEO of Trucking HR Canada, Angela Splinter is the steward of talent management best practices for the trucking and logistics sector. Under Angela’s leadership, Trucking HR Canada has become a national centre of excellence where stakeholders in commercial transportation, public policy, training and economic analysis work together to help trucking and logistics employers meet the growing demands of Canada’s freight economy. The organization has forged significant alliances and expanded its mandate to become a trusted delivery partner for federal and provincial labour related grants and contributions, as well as a source of industry workforce data and assessments through its Labour Market Information (LMI) initiative.
Convener, collaborator, spokesperson and champion for advancing the priorities of one of the country’s largest workforces – Angela’s tenure has spearheaded the development of the distinguished Women with Drive and Top Fleet Employers programs which recognize HR leaders and transportation companies for excellence in human resources and provide models for others to follow. These and other programs promote an environment where professionals share strategies, policies and practices that drive career-of-choice recognition and the industry’s success.
She looks forward to providing opening remarks at Imagine-Marine’s first conference.
Convener, collaborator, spokesperson and champion for advancing the priorities of one of the country’s largest workforces – Angela’s tenure has spearheaded the development of the distinguished Women with Drive and Top Fleet Employers programs which recognize HR leaders and transportation companies for excellence in human resources and provide models for others to follow. These and other programs promote an environment where professionals share strategies, policies and practices that drive career-of-choice recognition and the industry’s success.
She looks forward to providing opening remarks at Imagine-Marine’s first conference.
9:30 – 10:30 AM
Opening Panel
Leadership in Action: Confronting Marine Skills Shortages for a Sustainable Future
Leadership in Action: Confronting Marine Skills Shortages for a Sustainable Future
This panel will discuss how current shortages and the upcoming wave of retirements are impacting organizations’ abilities to provide services, expand, and/or decarbonize. Industry leaders will address the real-world costs for their organizations and the Canadian economy, the actions being taken, and the major barriers impeding progress in recruitment, training, and retention.
SPEAKERS:
Discussion to be moderated by Stéphanie Aubourg (Chief Human Resources Officer, CSL Group Inc. & CMCF Chair)
Mario Pelletier (Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard)
Gregg Ruhl (CEO, Algoma Central Corporation)
Julie Gascon (President & CEO, Montreal Port Authority)
Jon Booren (Director of Talent, Ontario Shipyards)
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Coffee Break/Networking
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Program 2
Moving the Needle on Advancing Gender Diversity at Sea and On Shore
Moving the Needle on Advancing Gender Diversity at Sea and On Shore
Exploring strategies and initiatives to increase the representation and advancement of women and gender diverse individuals in both seafaring and shoreside roles.
Speakers:
Speakers:
- Susanne Justesen (Director Human Sustainability, Global Maritime Forum)
- Lonita Judge (WISTA Canada; VP-Atlantic and Chief Operating Officer, Horizon Maritime)
- Mélanie Leblanc (Director, Institut maritime du Québec)
- Nathalie Sykora (Chief Marine and Digital Solutions Officer, CSL)
12:00 PM – 1 PM
Buffet Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Program 3 (Option A: Main Room)
Creating New Pathways into the Marine Sector
Creating New Pathways into the Marine Sector
This session highlights programs that have been developed to bring second career seekers and new entrants into the marine industry, as well as proposals for new initiatives that could be undertaken.
Speakers:
Speakers:
- Discussion to be moderated by Paul Hilder (President, Council of Marine Carriers)
- Christy Griffin (Executive Director, Tall Ships Canada)
- Julia Murphy (Director of Seafarer Certification, Transport Canada)
- Dr. Terrah Keener (Dean for the School of Access, Education and Language, Nova Scotia Community College & Chair of the Irving Shipbuilding Centre of Excellence Steering Committee)
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Program 3 (Option B: Breakout Room)
Workplace Wellness
Workplace Wellness
Best practices and initiatives aimed at improving psychological safety, physical health, and mental health support in the marine work environment.
Speakers:
Speakers:
- Dr. Jason Zuidema, (Executive Director, North American Maritime Ministry Association)
- Patti Merrigan (Vice-President of Human Resources, Marine Atlantic)
- Manou Bernard (General Director, Comité sectoriel de main-d'oeuvre de l'industrie maritime)
- Dana Tremblay (Director, People Recruitment and Total Rewards, B.C. Ferries)
2:30 – 3:00 PM
Coffee Break/Networking
3:00 – 4:30 PM
Program 4
Level Up: Next Steps in Building a Vibrant Indigenous Marine Workforce
Level Up: Next Steps in Building a Vibrant Indigenous Marine Workforce
Introducing two new programs for training and transitioning Indigenous workers into the marine sector, along with practical strategies to enhance recruitment and retention.
Speakers:
Speakers:
- Sarah Thomas (Director of Indigenous Programs, Clear Seas)
- Tanna Pirie-Wilson (Director of Strategic Initiatives, Workforce Warriors)
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Reception for Delegates & Speakers
Day 2: Thursday, October 3rd
08:00 AM
Conference Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:45 AM – 8:55 AM
Day 2 Opening Remarks by Captain Ebenezer March, National President of Master Mariners of Canada
8:55 - 9:15 AM
Keynote Address by Nancy Andrews, Chief Engagement and Communications Officer at Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
A senior leader in communications, business development, and stakeholder relations, for more than 20 years Nancy has worked with organizations both in the public and private sectors in Eastern Canada to help build their brands, expand market reach, and manage stakeholder relationships. Currently the Chief Engagement and Communications Officer at Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Nancy plays an instrumental role in helping tell Canada’s ocean story to the world and building momentum behind it. This past year Marketing News Canada named Nancy one of Canada’s Top 25 Marketers to Watch on LinkedIn, and she was previously the recipient of the Communicator of the Year Award from IABC-NL. Nancy is a graduate from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and from Seneca at York University. She currently serves as Chair of the WRDC Board of Directors and lives in St. John’s with her husband Glenn and their sons.
9:20 – 10:30 AM
The Future Marine Worker
Examining the evolving skills and training required by employers and marine workers as the sector incorporates AI, machine learning, autonomous, and decarbonization technologies. How do we meet workforce expectations and integrate sustainability into future marine employment strategies?
Speakers:
Speakers:
- Dr. Sherry Scully, Director of Workforce Development at The PIER
- Donald Roussel (Founder and Board Member of the Intelligent Maritime Corridors International Council)
- Fred Varkaris (Dean, Owen Sound Campus & Centre for Marine Training and Research)
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Coffee Break/Networking
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Program 6 (Option A)
Level Up Workshop: Inclusive Recruitment, From Job Ad to Onboarding
Level Up Workshop: Inclusive Recruitment, From Job Ad to Onboarding
Natasha Jeshani, President & CEO of Career Contacts (a Fractional Recruitment and HR Consulting Firm) and the Founder of Training Arch (a Corporate Training Company)
How can the marine sector enhance recruitment to attract more equity-deserving groups? In order to effectively train managers and leaders in the art and skill of interviewing, leaders must first understand the importance of interviewing well, the impact it has on their employees, candidates and overall business culture and growth.
This two-part session* will transform your interview processes into a strategic advantage, equipping your team with the skills to navigate diverse candidate landscapes, leverage cutting-edge technology, and continuously enhance your organization's hiring practices for sustained success.
* Session participants will also be able to register for a free 60-minute follow-up workshop that will be held virtually at a later date.
This two-part session* will transform your interview processes into a strategic advantage, equipping your team with the skills to navigate diverse candidate landscapes, leverage cutting-edge technology, and continuously enhance your organization's hiring practices for sustained success.
* Session participants will also be able to register for a free 60-minute follow-up workshop that will be held virtually at a later date.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Program 6 (Option B)
Increasing Seafarer Training Capacity and Accessibility
Increasing Seafarer Training Capacity and Accessibility
Canada needs to hire 19,000 new seafarers in the next 10 years, but obstacles exist to increase the training of Canadian mariners. This session delves into these challenges and what solutions can be deployed to improve the ability to access training, including the required sea time for certification.
- Discussion to be moderated by Captain Jim Parsons of Master Mariners
- John M Schmidt (President, Federal Fleet Services Inc.)
- Barry Shepherd (Chief Operating Officer, Federal Fleet Services Inc.)
- Anthony Patterson (Managing Director, Training, Virtual Marine)
Special Hotel Conference Rate
Will you be travelling to Ottawa for the conference? Take advantage of our preferential conference rate through the link below at the DoubleTree by Hilton, conveniently located a 2 minute walk from the Shaw Centre in Downtown Ottawa.
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Imagine Marine, a CMCF Initiative. © 2024, Canadian Marine Careers Foundation, all rights reserved.
