Transcript
[Joanna Manger, Director General of Marine Safety and Security, Transport Canada]
Canada has worked hard domestically and internationally to protect the health and safety of seafarers and continues to do so.
At home, we’ve established the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board to enhance and improve the welfare and well-being of seafarers.
Canada also established a program with several countries to allow their certified seafarers to work onboard Canadian vessels.
These agreements have been established with Australia, France, Georgia, Jamaica, Norway, Panama, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine, and negotiations with other countries are underway. This helps address labour shortages in the marine sector, while providing meaningful careers to certified seafarers.
Seafarers play a vital role in maintaining the flow of trade. Ensuring their health and safety is—and always will be—a key priority for us at the International Maritime Organization.