September 30, 2025

If that expression, (actually an advertising slogan) rings a bell it’s because it has been around for decades. The company that uses the slogan “Our strength is people” is ArcelorMittal Dofasco, the Canadian steel manufacturer. Actually, the full (and iconic) motto, that has been in use since 1970, is “Our product is steel. Our strength is people”.

It’s a clever and memorable line and I think that same thinking could apply to the marine industry. We may be focused on the boats, the marinas and the wonderful experiences of boating, but it is the people in our industry who make it all work for our customers. That’s why Boating Industry Canada News Week has long supported and promoted the Employer of Choice Awards program. It’s a methodology for cultivating a better work environment and for encouraging our people to their best efforts. Many companies have participated in the Employer of Choice Awards program and we celebrate the companies who achieved Award levels this year.

We send our congratulations to CMP, Dometic, Freedom Marine and Gibbons Motor Toys. These four leading companies were announced and celebrated at the Toronto International Boat Show last January and we will be reaching out to them to share their stories and successes in the coming weeks.

On the other hand, in this edition of Boating Industry Canada News Week, we have a very concerning story from Boating Ontario about the urgent notice the association has sent out.

Georgian College has issued 54 Level 1 Apprentice Training offers (36 Marine/18 Small Engine) for the upcoming Marine & Small Engine Apprenticeship Training and as of September 25, only 9 apprentices have registered. 

We talk frequently about the urgent need for more technicians and in this part of Canada, it’s only Georgian College who is training the people we need. If they are unable to reach the minimum class size, this intake risks cancellation!

Please read the story (below) and reach out to all the young techs you know to encourage them. We just cannot afford to lose this critical training stream. If you know of an apprentice who may have received a Level 1 offer, please help them to register immediately.

Also, at this time of year, you can still participate in the Employer of Choice program to help support and encourage all of your people. It’s clearly explained at the Boating Industry Canada Employer of Choice website: https://www.biceoc.com

The line “Our strength is our people” is more than just a slogan, it’s something we should all be thinking about and working toward.

Andy Adams – Editor