The Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Coast Guard, and the Conference of Defence Associations (CDA) Institute are proud to announce the National Marine Workforce Development Conference, which will take place on October 16th, 2025 at the George Brown Waterfront Campus in Toronto, Ontario. This Conference will be followed by a reception aboard the HMCS Margaret Brooke which will be docked at Sugar Beach.
Canada’s marine sector faces a critical workforce shortage. Despite significant investments in shipbuilding through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), there is no parallel national strategy to develop the human capital necessary to operate and sustain maritime capabilities. This full-day event will convene leaders from government, industry, and education to chart a path forward and develop actionable recommendations for a National Marine Workforce Development Strategy.
A National Marine Workforce Development Strategy is essential for Canada’s security, prosperity, and sovereignty. This conference will serve as a crucial platform to foster collaboration and ensure a sustainable, skilled, and diverse marine workforce for the future.
Event Details
Date: October 16, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI), Toronto, ON
Reception: Networking reception aboard HMCS MARGARET BROOKE
What to Expect
The National Marine Workforce Development Conference is designed to address the critical workforce shortage in Canada’s marine sector. Through a dynamic format that includes plenary sessions, interactive breakout discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will have the chance to actively engage with leaders from government, industry, and education. These collaborative discussions will be focused on developing concrete, actionable recommendations to inform a national strategy for a sustainable, skilled, and diverse marine workforce.
Registration Process
The National Marine Workforce Development Conference is by invitation only. If you are interested in attending as a guest, please submit your statement of interest form.
Please note that filling out this declaration of interest does not guarantee a ticket to the event. Participation at the National Marine Workforce Development Conference is by invitation only, and submitting this form expresses your interest in being considered for an invitation. If you are selected, we will reach out to you by October 1st with a formal registration link.
By providing your personal information through this form, you agree and consent to CDA Institute’s collection and use of your personal information for the purpose of your registration for the Conference. You may request access to your personal information and ask us to correct if it is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading. At any time, you may also withdraw your consent and refuse the use of your personal information.
