Ocean Ambassador Program - Marie-Chantal Bélanger

What is your current role at Ocean Group?

As a business partner in human resources, labor relations are at the heart of my daily work. Helping to maintain a positive work climate and healthy relationships is one of my priorities. Taking the time to understand the day-to-day realities of our employees is an integral part of my role, so that everyone can work efficiently and feel proud to be part of the Ocean family. What's more, with the workforce challenges we're facing, it's essential for me to promote the Chantier maritime de Les Méchins, of which we are very proud.

Can you tell us about your career before joining Ocean Group?

I'm a genuine, dedicated professional specializing in organizational development, labour relations and accident prevention. My background in the mining and maritime sectors over the past 15 years has enabled me to manage and participate in a wide variety of projects, including collective agreement negotiations, skills development, green belt project management, implementation of safety standards, crisis management, and much more. Professional development, both my own and that of others, is at the heart of my career. I am passionate and dynamic about human resources.

Can you share with us a highlight of your career at Ocean Group?

One of the highlights of my career with Ocean Group took place in January 2024. We left Montreal to tow the BBC Georgia to Cap-Chat. On the way back, we towed the Maisonneuve 2 back to Montreal. The life on board, the close collaboration with the crew, and the lessons learned during this trip made a very good impression on me. But beyond the marine operations, what touched me the most was the support of the entire company when I was involved in the 2024 Olympic Games. Seeing all my colleagues pulling together to wish me luck showed me what a big family Ocean Group is.

What drew you to the marine industry, and Ocean Group in particular?

What attracted me to the position of Business Partner - Human Resources at Ocean Group was the opportunity to make a real difference in the transition brought about by the acquisition of Verreault Navigation. My proximity to operations means I can be on the front line for the deployment of various organizational health initiatives, and directly influence the quality of labor relations at the Les Méchins shipyard. I'm fortunate to be able to put to good use all the skills I've acquired over the past 15 years in my various roles as OHS Advisor, HR Advisor and Senior Organizational Development Advisor.

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