BC Maritime Employers Association

BC Maritime Employers Association The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) is the multi-employer waterfront organiza

In a first-of-its-kind partnership, the BCMEA, Ending Violence Association of British Columbia , and Mission Possible ar...
09/03/2026

In a first-of-its-kind partnership, the BCMEA, Ending Violence Association of British Columbia , and Mission Possible are expanding the Be More Than a Bystander program into workplaces across Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

For more than two decades, the BCMEA and our members have proudly supported Mission Possible’s employment and community programs. This new initiative equips frontline staff and employment trainers with practical skills in de-escalation, bystander intervention, and harassment response, helping create safer, more respectful, and supportive environments where everyone can thrive.

Building strong workplace cultures extends beyond the waterfront. By investing in the communities where our members operate, we are working together to foster greater dignity, safety, and inclusion for all.

🔗 Read the full joint announcement at the link in bio.

Do you have plans this weekend? Come visit BCMEA at Port of Vancouver - Port de Vancouver Port Day, a free, fun-filled e...
08/28/2026

Do you have plans this weekend? Come visit BCMEA at Port of Vancouver - Port de Vancouver Port Day, a free, fun-filled event happening this Saturday, August 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Canada Place!

Thanks to our members, the BCMEA is proud to return as sponsor of the Waterfront Community Zone, where you can explore interactive booths, enjoy live performances, and learn more about the people and work that keep B.C.’s waterfront moving.

Bring your family and friends and spend the day celebrating B.C.’s vibrant maritime community - we’d love to see you there!

08/27/2026

West Coast ports connect Canadian businesses and communities to global markets.

In 2025, they moved $409 billion in cargo, with an average of $1.1 billion flowing through B.C. ports every day.

They also handled nearly 50% of Canada’s trade with partners outside of North America, underscoring the pivotal role these gateways play in connecting Canada to global markets.

From critical minerals to lumber, steel and household necessities that Canadians rely on, the impact reaches far beyond the waterfront.

Read the full Economic Impact of Canada’s West Coast Ports 2025 study at the link in our bio.

West Coast ports are powering the future of Canada's trade. Today, we’re proud to share the new Economic Impact of Canad...
08/26/2026

West Coast ports are powering the future of Canada's trade.

Today, we’re proud to share the new Economic Impact of Canada’s West Coast Ports Study, developed by InterVISTAS in partnership with the Port of Vancouver - Port de Vancouver , Prince Rupert Port Authority, Port of Nanaimo BCMEA and BC Marine Terminal Operators Association.

In 2025, Canada’s West Coast ports:

⚓ Moved $409 billion in goods
🌎 Handled more than $1.1 billion in goods every day
👷 Supported 152,100 jobs across Canada
📈 Contributed nearly $25 billion to Canada’s GDP

And with nearly 50% of Canada’s trade outside North America moving through B.C.'s ports, the Pacific Gateway will be critical as Canada works to diversify trade and expand its reach into global markets.

The numbers tell a powerful story about the people, businesses and communities connected by Canada’s West Coast ports — and their growing importance to Canada’s economic future.

The full report is now live. Visit the link in our bio to explore the findings.

Creating a safe workplace means more than preventing physical injuries. It means fostering a culture of respect, inclusi...
08/10/2026

Creating a safe workplace means more than preventing physical injuries. It means fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability.

Built on the BC Lions Be More Than a Bystander initiative, the BCMEA's Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Program (WPHVP) equips waterfront workers with the tools and confidence to safely intervene, challenge harmful behaviour, and support one another.

Since 2021, nearly 10,000 workers have received training, and in 2025, following curriculum refresh, 2,667 longshore workers completed the updated training, which now includes an expanded focus on de-escalation, mental health, and supporting vulnerable workers.

Swipe through to learn how this program is helping shape a safer, more respectful culture on B.C.'s waterfront. ➡️

Training on B.C.'s waterfront never stops.From specialized cargo handling programs to heavy equipment certifications, wo...
08/06/2026

Training on B.C.'s waterfront never stops.

From specialized cargo handling programs to heavy equipment certifications, workers build new skills throughout their careers to stay safe and meet the demands of Canada's supply chain.

In partnership with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, the BCMEA delivers world-class training on everything from dock gantry cranes and lift trucks to tractor-trailers and excavators, helping ensure workers have the knowledge and experience to operate safely and efficiently.

Swipe through to learn more about the training programs and equipment that power B.C.'s waterfront. ➡️

We're proud to return as a partner of the Waterfront Community Zone at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Port Day, happeni...
08/05/2026

We're proud to return as a partner of the Waterfront Community Zone at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Port Day, happening Saturday, Aug 29 at Canada Place.

Port Day is a family-fun celebration of Vancouver's vibrant maritime community and an opportunity for the community to discover the people, careers and organizations that keep Canada's West Coast ports moving.

We're excited to help showcase the essential role our member terminal operators, ocean carriers and ship agents play in connecting Canada to global markets and supporting communities across the country.

Join us to explore interactive exhibits, meet maritime professionals, enjoy live demonstrations and discover the exciting opportunities that exist on B.C.'s waterfront.

We hope to see you there!

Learn more: https://www.portvancouver.com/article/port-day-showcases-vancouvers-maritime-industry-canada-place

British Columbia joined Confederation in 1871 with one defining promise: a railway connecting the province to the rest o...
08/03/2026

British Columbia joined Confederation in 1871 with one defining promise: a railway connecting the province to the rest of Canada. More than 150 years later, that legacy lives on as B.C.'s railways, ports, and waterfront workers keep Canada connected to the world.

Today, B.C. is Canada's largest trade gateway, moving the goods that power our economy and strengthen our nation. As Canada expands trade with global partners, stable and reliable West Coast ports matter more than ever.

This B.C. Day, we celebrate the people, history, and industry that keeps Canada connected—and continues to keep our country strong.

Celebrating Vancouver Pride Weekend! 🌈We recognize the importance of diversity, inclusion, and belonging in building str...
08/01/2026

Celebrating Vancouver Pride Weekend! 🌈

We recognize the importance of diversity, inclusion, and belonging in building strong communities and workplaces. The BCMEA stands with our members and partners in supporting inclusive, respectful environments across the waterfront and in celebrating Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQAI+ community.

Welcome to Your Questions Answered, a series that takes you behind the scenes of B.C.'s waterfront operations.First up: ...
07/16/2026

Welcome to Your Questions Answered, a series that takes you behind the scenes of B.C.'s waterfront operations.

First up: Safety & Training.

Through the delivery of comprehensive training programs in collaboration with member employers and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), the BCMEA is responsible for waterfront training for Canada's West Coast ports. In partnership with the ILWU trainers, we delivered nearly 40,000 paid training days in 2025, helping ensure workers have the skills, and experience needed to operate B.C.’s ports safely.

Swipe through to learn how waterfront workers are trained and why safety remains a top priority. ➡️

Address

500-349 Railway Street
Vancouver, BC
V6A1A4

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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