WHO WE ARE
Ensuring a skilled workforce is on deck to safely move critical cargo through Canada鈥檚 West Coast ports
From Ship to Shore
Serving B.C.鈥檚 Waterfront Employers
The BCMEA is a shared service provider that optimizes our members鈥� operations by delivering in training, recruitment, health & safety, labour relations and data analytics for B.C.鈥檚 waterfront.
The heart of our business is people. We help our members by managing B.C.’s waterfront workforce鈥攑roviding support in labour relations, safety enhancements and training to ensure skilled workers can safely and efficiently move cargo that Canadians and the world rely on.
Together with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), we make sure trained waterfront workers are in 蜜豆视频 place, with 蜜豆视频 skills, at 蜜豆视频 time.
Growing Canada’s Economy
Critical Links In Canada’s Supply Chain
Our members are key contributors to B.C. and Canada鈥檚 economies and are a mainstay of our coastal communities 鈥� supporting 96,000 jobs across B.C. and tens of thousands more across Canada.
Every day, Canada鈥檚 West Coast ports handle the movement of $800 million worth of cargo, contributing $2.7 billion to the national GDP and handling 25% of Canada鈥檚 total traded goods annually.
B.C.鈥檚 maritime employers are integral to keeping port operations efficient, the supply chain resilient and the Canadian economy competitive. They are a vital link in the global supply chain and significant generators in the economic engine of Canada.
Serving B.C.鈥檚 Ports
Member Services
Serving B.C. Maritime Employers
Our Origin
TRACING THE EVOLUTION OF B.C.鈥橲 WATERFRONT
Early in the 20th century, when vessel calls were sporadic, maritime employers needed a shared service organization to train, recruit and dispatch longshore labour when required. Originally founded as the Shipping Federation of British Columbia in 1912, the BCMEA has evolved to provide comprehensive services to member employers. For over 65 years, the BCMEA has historically worked with labour partners like the International Longshore鈥檚 Association, and most recently, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union of Canada.
Today, B.C.鈥檚 economy is closely tied to the waterfront. The maritime industry has transformed dramatically from a few ports before WWII to a network of innovative, high-tech terminals. This evolution highlights our ongoing maritime heritage and its pivotal role in shaping B.C.鈥檚 development.
Our Dedicated Team
Meet Our People
Get to know the skilled professionals who drive our mission forward. Their expertise and commitment ensure we lead the way in maritime excellence.
