Why we’re calling for a review of reciprocal arrangements

 

 

We’re supporting a non-partisan petition asking the federal government to review reciprocal arrangements under the Canada Shipping Act and pause further expansion while that review takes place.

Reciprocal arrangements allow foreign-certified mariners to work in Canada without completing the full Canadian certification process.

These arrangements can help address immediate labour shortages, but aren’t a substitute for long-term investment in marine training, certification pathways and workforce development here at home.

Canada’s marine sector is facing serious workforce pressures. Thousands of new seafarers will be needed in the coming years and Canada’s marine training institutions are under strain and can’t keep up. Marine labour shortages affect more than ferry operations. They reduce economic output, constrain exports, increase transportation pressure and contribute to slow growth in coastal industries.

Workers currently operating under reciprocal arrangements are valued members of our workforce and our union. But we need to challenge a system that allows employers and government to rely on external labour while not doing enough to train, certify and support mariners here in Canada.

The petition asks the federal government to establish a more transparent and accountable framework, one that supports Canadian workforce development, training capacity, safety and marine sovereignty.

The union believes reciprocal arrangements should supplement workforce needs during shortages, not replace long-term investment in Canada’s marine workforce.

Any future changes to the system must be fair, transparent and include appropriate transition measures for workers already employed under valid reciprocal arrangements.

Add your name to the petition here.