I am pleased to report that the International Sailors’ Society Canada (ISSC) continues to advance its mission of supporting seafarers across the country. The Board’s dedication and hard work continue to drive our progress, helping ensure that seafarer welfare remains visible and valued within the wider maritime community.
For 2025/26, I can report that the ISSC successfully delivered on all strategic initiatives outlined in the 2025/26 Annual Goal Achievement Report. This reporting framework—now firmly embedded in our governance practice—again proved effective in capturing progress and strengthening our focus on measurable outcomes.
Specifically, we need to recognize the dedication and meaningful contributions of the ISSC Committees, whose work has been essential to this year’s achievements. The Grants Committee awarded $64,100 to ten (10) seafarer centres, upholding our national reach and impact. It is satisfying to hear that these funds supported the MTS Halifax in their recent capital upgrades to ensure they are fit-for-purpose now and in the future. The Grants and Award Committee awarded the Peter G. Bernard Volunteer Award to recognize Reverend Judith Alltree for her longstanding service to the Mission to Seafarers, Southern Ontario. Reverend Alltree was also recognized at the international level at the Mission to Seafarers gala in Singapore. The ISSC is pleased to have been able to provide additional financial support for Reverend Alltree to travel to Singapore to celebrate this international nomination for exemplary service.
The Awards Committee was very pleased to present the inaugural Captain Oscar G. Pinto Seafarer Welfare Excellence Award to its namesake, Capt. Pinto at the recent Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) 11th annual Dry Bulk & Commodities Conference on November 6, 2025 at the Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre. As Canada’s first endowed award dedicated to seafarer welfare, this award was established through the generous support of Capt. Shri Madiwal.
The Bursary Committee received a record twelve (12) applications from students across Canada, reflecting the strong national interest in maritime studies. The Committee awarded two $2,000 Sue Hanby Bursaries to William Lea‑Smith and Sebastian Slack. The Peak Challenge annual event held on June 23, 2025 reached new heights, selling out with 150 participants and generating over $20,000 in sponsorships and donations. The Peak Challenge has become an important event in the Vancouver maritime calendar for its contribution to raising awareness of seafarer welfare.
The ISSC continued to enhance its digital presence, with steady progress on updating website content and historical documentation. Most notably, the website is now fully bilingual, allowing the ISSC to present a truly national and inclusive online presence.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the continued dedication of this Board. Your leadership, collaboration, and commitment to seafarer welfare make this work possible. Thank you for another successful year as we look ahead to the opportunities before us.
Dena Rantz
International Sailors Society Canada, Chair