New study claims there are urgent workforce gaps in Canada’s marine sector

The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation (CMCF) has released the "Canadian Seafarers Pathway Study", a report revealing labour and skills shortages in the country’s marine transportation sector.

The study identifies a need to attract and train new talent, with domestic vessel operators needing to hire 8,300 new workers to meet industry demand and replace retirees by 2029 —the equivalent of more than 30 per cent of its current workforce.

“Canada’s marine sector is vital to the national economy, not only for its direct contributions but also for the many industries and communities that rely on efficient marine transportation of passengers and cargo,” said Julia Fields, Executive Director of the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation.