Concurrent Technical Session 4C-1: Optimizing the Integration of International Talent in the Naval Industry – Legal Strategies and Regulatory Compliance with Exeo
Florence Beaulieu-Lavoie & Cristina Rogov

The naval industry, undergoing significant transformation, faces growing demands for specialized talent from various international pools such as Japan, Brazil, the United States, South Korea, and Finland. These talents are essential for companies to address the technical and strategic challenges posed by a constantly evolving sector. However, attracting, integrating, and retaining a qualified international workforce requires careful planning and mastery of local and international legal and regulatory frameworks. Exeo, a firm specializing in business immigration, offers an overview of the legal challenges and international immigration strategies tailored to the maritime industry. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of critical considerations and practical tools to ensure the success of their mobility projects.

Topics Covered:

• Recent Changes in Canadian Immigration and Their Impacts on the Naval Industry: An analysis of new regulations and their consequences for international mobility strategies. This section will include concrete examples and recommendations to help companies adapt their practices.
• Key Legal Elements to Consider Before Embarking on International Recruitment: Best practices for anticipating immigration challenges, structuring an effective mobility plan, and avoiding common pitfalls.
• Main Work Permit Categories in Canada: A detailed presentation of the types of permits best suited to the needs of naval companies, particularly technical and management positions. This section will also highlight selection criteria and associated procedures.
• Strategies for Ensuring Legal Compliance: Practical advice to guarantee long-term compliance, including steps related to permit renewals, compliance audits, and permanent residency applications, when applicable.

Participants will leave with a deep understanding of immigration laws applicable to the naval industry, strategies to attract and integrate international talent, and concrete tools to ensure regulatory compliance and long-term project success.

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Concurrent Technical Session 4C-2: The Canadian Seafarer Pathway Study:  A Roadmap to Stem Mariner Labour Shortages
Julia Fields

The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation will reveal the results of the national Seafarer Pathway Study and a roadmap of recommendations to tackle severe labour shortages of Canadian seafarers in both the private and public sector.  This study examines employer demand, assesses the capability and capacity of Canada's training system, and identifies roadblocks to attraction, training and retention along with recommendations for change.  For the first time, the marine sector will have robust labour market data to help stakeholders make informed investment decisions in training and workforce development.   Julia Fields, Executive Director, would be the speaker for this presentation. The CMCF is a national non-profit organization dedicated to tackling the marine sector's talent shortages by raising awareness of marine careers with students and second-career seekers, developing resources and tools to help employers improve attraction and retention, and providing decision-making labour market research and data.  It works with more than 50 partner organizations across the country.