The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation (CMCF) will host the second annual Imagine Marine Conference on October 7–8, 2025, at Ottawa’s Rogers Centre (formerly the Shaw Centre), with the theme Solutions & Actions: Building Our Future Marine Workforce. This event unites education leaders, vessel operators, ports, shipyards, government representatives, workforce experts, unions, and industry suppliers to confront critical labour shortages and develop collaborative strategies to keep Canada’s marine sector resilient and globally competitive.
Last year’s inaugural conference. Leaders from across the sector discuss the impact of labour shortages and upcoming retirements on the marine industry, and the actions needed to overcome recruitment and retention barriers. From left: 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; and Jon Booren, Director of Talent, Ontario Shipyards.
(Photo by Jeffrey Meyer)
Following a sold-out debut in 2024 that welcomed over 160 stakeholders from across the country, Imagine Marine 2025 will offer an expanded program focused on practical strategies. “Our sector is at a pivotal moment,” says Julia Fields, Executive Director of CMCF. “We need to move beyond conversations. We’re here to build real, scalable solutions that connect Canada’s diverse talent pool with exciting, long-term marine careers. Imagine Marine is where this action begins, and where leaders can come together to forge new pathways for innovation, inclusivity, and workforce resilience.”
The agenda includes a keynote address by Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee and a leadership panel highlighting workforce innovation in the sector. Breakout sessions such as Engaging the Next Generation of Workers will explore programs to recruit youth and raise career awareness, while Waves of Change: Advancing Inclusivity will provide actionable steps to foster diversity and equity in the marine workforce.
Additional sessions will cover conflict and harassment prevention, modernizing training to address barriers of entry and meet evolving needs, and an in-depth exploration of the ICE Pact’s impact on shipbuilding jobs. On day two, participants will collaborate in interactive workshops aimed at shaping future workforce initiatives. The conference will close with group recommendations to translate dialogue into sustainable action.
“The future of our sector depends on bold partnerships and a genuine commitment to transformation,” Fields emphasizes. For those dedicated to securing Canada’s position as a global marine leader, Imagine Marine Conference 2025 presents a rare opportunity to forge positive, action-driven change together.
