Strategic Human Resources Plan
2008/2011

Trends in the Labour Market

Like any other organization, the Coast Guard will be impacted by both worldwide and domestic trends in the labour market and it will have to develop its strategies accordingly.

Worldwide Trends

It is predicted that, over the next 10 years, there will be a worldwide shortage of mariners including 10,000 officers, which represents 2% of the global workforce. The global marine labour market may impact Coast Guard's ability to recruit. It may also draw our trained mariners to opportunities in the private sector, here and in other countries. As a result, the Coast Guard will have to put far more emphasis on retention strategies than has been the case in the past.

In addition, the increasing use of technology aboard vessels is changing the skill profile required of the maritime workforce - there is a higher need for technical skills and abilities. This means that CCG will have to place more focus on training to develop and maintain the required skills.

Canadian Trends

Canada can expect a shortage of mariners due to a combination of declining enrolment in provincial marine schools and the impending retirement of the "baby boom" generation. The domestic marine industry is already competitive - certified Coast Guard personnel are highly attractive to private sector employers. Commercial maritime activity is expanding in Canada, so the CCG needs to expect and plan for more of its personnel opting to pursue private sector opportunities. While private sector compensation is generally higher, there will still be opportunities for CCG to attract trained mariners from Canada's private sector. We must promote the total employment package - salary, benefits, pension, learning and developmental opportunities, as well as the unique and engaging nature of public sector work.

Although Coast Guard attrition rates for seagoing employees are currently low, industry pressures and the addition of new CCG vessels at a time when higher numbers are eligible to retire mean we need to be prepared to recruit and train more mariners. In addition, training mariners in French is an ongoing challenge.

There are no widespread general labour shortages expected in Canada for most other occupational groups, but the labour market will become more competitive. The challenge for the Coast Guard will be attracting individuals to the maritime sector and maintaining a bilingual, diverse and certified workforce. There will also be increased competition for skilled occupations such as engineers.

It is projected that by 2011, all Canadian labour force growth will result from immigration¹. It is also estimated that labour market participation of Aboriginal peoples and members of visible minorities will increase significantly². To address its human resources needs, CCG will need to be far more proactive in recruiting from these sources of labour. A welcoming and supportive work environment that values diversity will be essential to both recruitment and retention. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to find all of the skilled people we need to maintain excellence in service delivery.

¹ Public Service Human Resources - Environmental Scan 2004-2005 - Key Findings, consulted on January 2, 2008.

² Canada 2017 - Serving Canada's Multicultural Population for the Future, Canadian Heritage, consulted on January 2, 2008.