In Québec, maritime human resources are one of the industry’s cornerstones, contributing to the province’s economic prosperity. Covering a wide range of trades/occupations, from port operations to navigation, this skilled workforce ensures that maritime activities run smoothly. Ongoing training programs and recruitment initiatives aim to maintain and develop the skills required to meet the sector’s evolving needs, thus maintaining its sustainability and competitiveness.
SODES is actively involved in the working group on COVID-19’s impact on maritime transport. Working closely with industry players, the group’s primary goal is to assess the pandemic’s impact on the maritime industry. This commitment goes beyond analyzing the challenges facing the shipping industry to include focussing on human resources issues.
The pandemic significantly disrupted human resources availability, working conditions and worker safety in the maritime sector. This working group seeks to propose innovative solutions to offset these impacts, while ensuring worker health, safety and well-being and guaranteeing uninterrupted maritime operations.
SODES sits on the maritime industry career promotion committee, where it contributes to creating and implementing initiatives aimed at promoting maritime-sector careers. The main goal is to raise awareness of career opportunities in the maritime industry among young people and potential workers, by highlighting the various trades/occupations, training courses available and career development prospects. Working with other maritime-sector players, SODES strives to meet the need for qualified workers and to encourage interest in maritime trades/ occupations, thereby helping strengthen the Québec maritime industry’s human capital.
Marie-France Daoust is Director of Corporate Affairs at the St.Lawrence Economic Development Council. With more than 15 years’ experience in entrepreneurship, 10 years in strategic management within the Quebec government and 5 years in public and government affairs, she stands out for her leadership and ability to bring people together. In her role, she is responsible for developing business growth strategy, forging strategic partnerships, and mobilizing maritime organizations around today’s major issues.