From sailing cargo ships that bring us goods we need, to crewing ferries that bring us to where we need to go, Canadians rely on seafarers to contribute to a successful economy that works for everyone. With an estimated 70 to 80 per cent of the goods Canadians use daily transported by ship, we are committed to encouraging more trained and qualified people to work in the marine industry.
Today, on the International Day of the Seafarer, the Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra, announced that Canada has signed agreements with Georgia, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom to allow their certified seafarers to work onboard Canadian vessels. These countries now join Australia, France, Norway, and Ukraine as participants in Canada's Reciprocal Arrangement Program.
Launched in 2019, the Reciprocal Arrangement Program allows highly qualified workers to quickly gain employment in the Canadian marine sector. This means that once a foreign seafarer meets the requirements for work, Canadian companies can sponsor them to fill critical gaps in their workforce.
This builds on an additional investment of $29.8 million through Canada's Oceans Protection Plan, to extend the Marine Training Program for four additional years. This program delivers marine training opportunities for underrepresented groups in Canada, such as Indigenous Peoples, Northerners, and women, to prepare them for jobs in the marine industry.
Through programs like these we are making sure Canada's marine sector remains world-leading.
