On Watch August 3, 2022 Edition

August 3, 2022

On Watch Newsletter Edition August 3, 2022

CMISA Updates
In the Spotlight
Marine Sector News
Upcoming Events
Procurement Opportunities
Marine Careers

Build / Support / Sustain

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From Colin's Desk

Colin Cooke

Hello everyone,

We hope that our members and readers are enjoying the pleasant weather at the height of our always-too-brief Canadian summer! I am just back from a week’s vacation along the St Lawrence just north of Quebec City and by the looks of things in that region, it’s a busy season indeed. If you are reading On Watch for the first time thanks to it being passed along to you, you are welcome to sign up for future editions here – it’s free and we never share your emails with anyone.

In this edition we decided to be reflective and feature our own association with an interview with Sandra Houle. Sandra has been working with CMISA for some time since and has been instrumental in helping the association grow and develop over the past few years. These are exciting times indeed to be in the shipbuilding industry, and we at CMISA are privileged to be at the heart of the sector and to be able to share your success stories, promote Canadian innovation and facilitate industry-wide discussions and connections.

Finally, as always, please take note of our Job Board and a) take advantage of it if your company has an opening and b) send links to friends and family so that we can attract new people into our sector. We all need the help!

Stay safe and I am looking forward to seeing you soon,

Colin Cooke

President and CEO

Team Spotlight

Sandra Houle Canadian Marine Industries and Shipbuilding Association

Photo of Sandra Houle

After over three years at the Canadian Marine Industries and Shipbuilding Association, Sandra Houle has found her “home”. Responsible for Member Services and Continuous Improvement, she feels fortunate to have seen the association and the industry grow and adapt over these past few years. With a background in administrative services, Sandra jumped around between industries but felt the need to delve deeper into one specific industry. When she joined the marine sector, something special happened and she quickly realized that our sector is very different than other industries and that it is like a big family. For many people who work in shipbuilding, the work is personal. Many have deep family and community connections to shipbuilding, which was very attractive to Sandra. As she puts it, “I really feel like I was adopted by people in the marine industry. Shipbuilding runs in their blood and I feel privileged to be ‘adopted’ as an outsider”.

Customer service has always been part of Sandra’s background, and the ability to help people and support them makes the job valuable for her. Her viewpoint of the industry is comprehensive as CMISA keeps growing. A great advantage of being part of the association is the “feeling of greatness and all of us working together towards common goals”. Being at the heart of the sector through the association is something that Sandra values, and she has seen the organization grow from having a handful of members to representing a broad range of industries, many shipyards and a diverse supply chain in all corners of our country.

Something that Sandra finds fascinating is the way that the marine sector in Canada has been changing. As she says, “the new technology era that is being developed right before our very eyes is so interesting, and it’s great to experience this first-hand at CMISA. We often see new developments as they emerge through the news stories we share and the insights we gain from our members. It is an honour to get this early knowledge and to promote Canadian innovation.”

Sandra has also noticed how many more women are working at all levels of the industry in Canada. Women are truly part of the shipbuilding story in Canada, and the broader participation in the workforce means that there is a bright future in the industry for everyone with many different types of jobs. Part of the value of CMISA, according to Sandra, is that it is a place for all members of the industry to meet, to share insights and to collectively grow together and achieve great things.

Website Here

Recent News

Heddle Shipyards Receives Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Life Extension Contract

The Canadian Coast Guard announced the award of a $36.14 million vessel life extension contract to Heddle Shipyards to be dry-docked and enter an extended maintenance period designed to increase its operational life.

On Watch Newsletter August 3, 2022

On Watch August 3, 2022 Edition

Build / Support / Sustain

From Colin's Desk

Colin Cooke

Team Spotlight

Sandra Houle Canadian Marine Industries and Shipbuilding Association

Recent News

Coming Soon

Current Procurement Opportunities

Current Jobs

`On Watch Newsletter August 3, 2022`