The Seaspan Accessibility Plan, May 2026 is also available as a PDF.
GENERAL
About Seaspan ULC
Seaspan ULC is a British Columbian company that operates a federally regulated tugboat and barge services business on Canada’s West Coast.
Seaspan ULC is also affiliated with several companies and partnerships that provide a wide range of other marine services in British Columbia, namely:
- Seaspan Ferries Corporation, which provides commercial ferry services.
- Marine Petrobulk Limited Partnership, which provides marine fuel bunkering services.
- HaiSea Marine Limited Partnership, which will provide ship escort and docking services to vessels calling at the LNG Canada Project in Kitimat, BC. Together with Seaspan’s tug and barge business, Seaspan Ferries Corporation, Marine Petrobulk Limited Partnership and HaiSea Marine Limited Partnership make up a group of businesses we call the Seaspan Marine Group.
- Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd., Victoria Shipyards Co. Ltd. and Vancouver Drydock Company Limited Partnership, which provide ship building, repair and refit services collectively under the banner of Seaspan Shipyards.
As a point of clarification, this Accessibility Plan specifically applies to:
- Seaspan ULC employees – both mariners and office personnel – who work within Seaspan ULC’s tug and barge business, employees who work at the HaiSea Marine location; and
- Seaspan ULC employees who provide services to the broader Seaspan Marine Group (including executive management, finance and accounting, human resources, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality, legal and general administrative
services).
It does not apply to the affiliated entities listed above.[1] Therefore, Seaspan ULC is henceforth referred to in this document as Seaspan Marine to distinguish it from the affiliated businesses to which this plan does not apply.
As a long-standing and proud member of British Columbia’s maritime community, we are guided by our core values of Safety, Care, Efficiency and Accountability. We are committed to supporting causes where we live and work and safeguarding our rivers and coastal waters. We believe it is our responsibility to provide a safe and barrier-free environment for our employees and customers.
Requirements
As a federally regulated company in the transportation sector, Seaspan Marine is governed by the Accessible Canada Act (ACA).
The ACA is a federal law enacted by the Canadian government in 2019 to promote and ensure equal access and inclusion for persons with disabilities. The ACA applies to all federally regulated entities, including companies, organizations, and government agencies.
Per the ACA, all federally regulated entities with more than nine employees must:
- Prepare and publish an initial Accessibility Plan
- Establish an accessibility feedback process
- Report annually on the progress towards the plan and address any feedback received
Our Accessibility Plan must be reviewed in its entirety and published every three years.
Overall, the Accessible Canada Act represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible society for all Canadians, including those with disabilities. By complying with these requirements, Seaspan Marine can help ensure that we are providing equal access and opportunities to all members of society.
Executive Summary
At Seaspan Marine, we recognize the importance of providing employees and customers with equal access to our workplace, programs and services. While we have made advancements in our overall diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, we are still at the beginning of our accessibility journey.
We are committed to advancing our systems and processes to ensure inclusion for everyone. The following table provides an overview of our commitments over the next three years:
Table 1.
Executive Summary: Seaspan Marine’s Accessibility Plan 2026-2029.
| Priority Area | Commitments |
|---|---|
| Employment | Commitment 1: Provide a clear and consistent approach to workplace accommodations |
| Commitment 2: Strengthen accessibility in onboarding and early employee experience | |
| Commitment 3: Build knowledge and consistency in accessible management practices | |
| Commitment 4: Improve accessibility across the employee experience | |
| Commitment 5: Use employee feedback to guide ongoing improvements | |
| Built Environment | Commitment 1: Identify and address accessibility barriers across the site |
| Commitment 2: Improve wayfinding and make accessible features easier to find and use | |
| Commitment 3: Address simple, high-impact accessibility barriers in day-to-day operations | |
| Commitment 4: Strengthen how accessibility is managed and reviewed over time | |
| Information & Communication Technology (ICT) | Commitment 1: Apply digital accessibility standards to systems and content |
| Commitment 2: Establish guidelines and tools for accessible digital content | |
| Commitment 3: Build staff knowledge in accessible digital practices | |
| Commitment 4: Embed accessibility into digital processes and workflows | |
| Communications, Other Than ICT | Commitment 1: Provide a process for requesting communication supports |
| Commitment 2: Ensure communication supports are planned and provided in advance | |
| Commitment 3: Build knowledge in accessible communication practices | |
| Procurement of Goods, Services, & Facilities | Commitment 1: Build accessibility into procurement processes |
| Commitment 2: Strengthen accessibility in vendor selection and purchasing decisions | |
| Commitment 3: Support employees in making accessible procurement decisions | |
| Commitment 4: Ensure accessibility in digital procurement and decision-making | |
| Commitment 5: Strengthen accountability and continuous improvement | |
| Design & Delivery of Programs & Services | Commitment 1: Establish a consistent approach to accessible design |
| Commitment 2: Provide tools and training for accessible service delivery | |
| Commitment 3: Review and improve accessibility in existing programs and services | |
| Commitment 4: Build accessibility into ongoing improvement processes | |
| Transportation | Commitment 1: Improve how transportation and site access information is shared |
| Commitment 2: Strengthen consistency and coordination in site access communication |
Accessibility Statement
Seaspan Marine is dedicated to identifying and addressing barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating as employees or customers of Seaspan Marine.
We will continue to engage with our community, our employees, and our customers to further advance our practices and ensure accessibility remains a priority.
Accessibility Committee
Seaspan Marine’s current Accessibility Plan project group includes:
Linda Wortman
Chief Financial Officer
Karen Obeck
Director, Corporate Facilities and Real Estate
Gina De Souza Sodder
Director, Terminal Operations
Sara Gilbert
Senior Manager, Vessel Dispatch and Integrated Services
Jessica McHaffie
Manager, Marine Personnel
Andrew Graham
HR Business Partner
Miles Martyniuk
Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality Coordinator
Donna Amador
Vessel Logistics Coordinator
The Accessibility Plan project group will hand off to Seaspan Marine’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, and the DEI Committee will work with departments to implement the Accessibility Plan and respond to feedback in a timely manner.
Feedback Process
Seaspan Marine is committed to providing an open and transparent feedback process. For more information, to provide feedback, or to request alternative formats of this Plan, please contact Seaspan Marine through one of the following methods:
Anonymous feedback form
Email: [email protected]
Direct mail: 10 Pemberton, North Vancouver, BC. V7P 2R1
Telephone: 778.729.0288
Alternative Formats
Seaspan Marine’s Accessibility Plan is available in the following formats:
- Large Print
- Electronic
- Audio
A braille copy of Seaspan Marine’s Accessibility Plan may be requested by email at [email protected] or by phone at 778-729-0288.
PRIORITY AREAS
Area 1: Employment
Our Accessibility Goal
Seaspan Marine works to foster a culture that is respectful, inclusive and reflective of all the people who live in our region. Each of our employees has different career needs and goals be it skills development, stability, variety, advancement or innovation, but share a commitment to safety and a passion for the marine industry.
We are committed to creating the same sense of safety and inclusion for people with disabilities as for all our employees.
Current Level of Accessibility
Seaspan Marine has a strong foundation in inclusive employment practices, with accessibility considered across recruitment, accommodations, performance management, and offboarding. Seaspan demonstrates alignment with its Duty to Accommodate obligations and a clear commitment to supporting employees when needs are identified. This creates a solid starting point to continue strengthening accessibility across the employee experience.
Building on this foundation, since the launch of the 2023 to 2026 Accessibility Plan, Seaspan has:
- Expanded recruitment reach by partnering with accessible job boards and community organizations, helping connect with a more diverse pool of candidates, including persons with disabilities
- Built in clear opportunities for candidates to request accommodations at all stages of the recruitment and interview process, supported by updated application language and processes
- Strengthened onboarding by introducing more structured ways for new employees to request accommodations or confidentially disclose disabilities, including updated forms and integration into digital systems
- Increased employee awareness by launching an accessibility intranet hub, sharing resources and updates, and promoting learning through ongoing communication and a DEI learning series
- Taken steps to support employee engagement by establishing an Accessibility Resource Group to help guide and strengthen accessibility efforts across the organization
Actions
Commitment 1: Provide a clear and consistent approach to workplace accommodations by:
- Creating and documenting a workplace accommodation process that explains how employees can request support, how requests are reviewed, and expected timelines (e.g., request steps, roles and responsibilities, response timelines) by December 2026.
- Sharing this process with employees and People Leaders through onboarding materials and internal resources (e.g., intranet, employee handbook) by March 2027.
- Checking in on accommodations regularly (e.g., during performance check-ins or role changes) to make sure they are still working well and updating the process based on feedback.
Commitment 2: Strengthen accessibility in onboarding and early employee experience by:
- Reviewing onboarding materials and processes to identify accessibility gaps (e.g., forms, training materials, orientation sessions) by December 2026.
- Updating onboarding materials so they are accessible and include clear information about accommodations and supports (e.g., how to request support, who to contact) by June 2027.
- Including a discussion about accessibility and available supports as part of onboarding (e.g., onboarding meetings, orientation sessions) so new employees know what is available from the start.
Commitment 3: Build knowledge and consistency in accessible management practices by:
- Providing accessibility training for People Leaders and employees, with a focus on accommodations, inclusive communication, and day-to-day support (e.g., responding to requests, supporting different communication needs), starting June 2027.
- Creating and sharing practical guidance for People Leaders on topics like communication, running inclusive meetings, and supporting employees with disabilities (e.g., conversation guides, quick reference tools) by December 2027.
- Reinforcing these practices through leadership programs, team conversations, and regular updates.
Commitment 4: Improve accessibility across the employee experience by:
- Setting clear expectations for accessible meetings (e.g., sharing materials in advance, using accessible formats, enabling captions, supporting both in-person and virtual participation) by June 2027.
- Reviewing performance management and career development processes to identify accessibility gaps (e.g., goal setting, feedback conversations, promotion processes) by December 2027.
- Updating these processes so goals, feedback, evaluations, and advancement opportunities are accessible and applied consistently through 2028-2029.
Commitment 5: Use employee feedback to guide ongoing improvements by:
- Introducing ways to gather employee feedback on accessibility (e.g., surveys, check-ins, exit interviews) starting in 2027.
- Using this feedback to identify barriers and make improvements across the employee experience (e.g., onboarding, management practices, career development) through 2028-2029.
Area 2: Built Environment
Our Accessibility Goal
Seaspan has made recent upgrades throughout our facilities that promote a barrier-free environment. We recognize that the work is not done and are committed to continuing our efforts to provide employees with an accessible workplace that fits their needs.
Current Level of Accessibility
Seaspan has a strong foundation in improving the accessibility of its built environment, with enhancements made to common areas and wayfinding across its facilities. Accessibility is being considered in ongoing planning efforts, and several features are in place to support employees and visitors. This provides a solid starting point to continue improving how people access and move through Seaspan spaces. Building on this progress, Seaspan has:
- Improved wayfinding across facilities by introducing large, high contrast signage to support easier navigation for employees and visitors
- Engaged employees, including those with lived experience, to gather input on signage and accessibility needs and help guide improvements
- Explored the implementation of universal design features such as tactile and braille signage, including working with consultants and assessing feasibility and costs
- Identified opportunities to improve accessibility in common spaces and developed potential upgrade plans, including options to support better physical access
- Continued to align accessibility improvements with broader planning efforts while balancing operational priorities
Actions
Commitment 1: Identify and address accessibility barriers across the site by:
- Conducting a targeted review of all areas under Seaspan’s control (e.g., entrances, pathways, work areas, washrooms, break areas) to identify accessibility gaps by December 2026.
- Working with LNGC to identify and address barriers related to site entry, transportation, and movement across shared areas by June 2027.
- Making targeted improvements to address priority barriers and improve consistency (e.g., access points, pathways, shared spaces) where feasible through 2028-2029.
Commitment 2: Improve wayfinding and make accessible features easier to find and use by:
- Reviewing current signage and wayfinding to identify gaps (e.g., unclear routes, missing signage, inconsistent labelling) by December 2026.
- Installing or updating signage to clearly mark accessible routes, entrances, and key facilities (e.g., washrooms, break areas) by December 2028.
- Continuing to improve wayfinding as part of site updates and layout changes.
Commitment 3: Address simple, high-impact accessibility barriers as part of day-to-day operations by:
- Identifying and fixing common barriers (e.g., blocked walkways, unclear paths of travel, inconsistent access points) through regular daily routine inspections starting in 2026.
- Including accessibility considerations in routine maintenance and site upkeep (e.g., keeping pathways clear, maintaining accessible routes).
Commitment 4: Strengthen how accessibility is managed and reviewed over time by:
- Defining roles and responsibilities for accessibility in the built environment, including how Seaspan works with LNGC on shared areas, by March 2027.
- Setting up a regular process to review accessibility and track progress (e.g., periodic walkthroughs, tracking improvements) starting in 2027.
- Using findings from these reviews to plan and prioritize future improvements.
Area 3: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Our Accessibility Goal
Our goal is to provide barrier-free access to Information and Communication Technologies. We aim to identify ways to remove barriers in our existing ICT infrastructure and enable all employees and customers to engage fully with Seaspan Marine.
Current Level of Accessibility
Seaspan is making steady progress in improving accessibility across its digital tools and systems, with a growing focus on helping employees use available accessibility features. Clearer pathways are now in place for employees to request support when they encounter barriers, and internal resources are helping make accessibility tools and guidance easier to find and use. These efforts are strengthening awareness and supporting more inclusive day-to-day digital experiences. As part of these efforts, Seaspan has:
- Introduced a centralized process for employees to request ICT accessibility support, including a dedicated request form available through the OneSource IT support page
- Developed and expanded an inventory of accessibility features within commonly used tools, including Microsoft 365, and made this information available through internal resources
- Created and shared accessibility guidance materials, including quick reference guides, to help employees use built-in accessibility features in their day-to-day work
- Improved access to information by bringing together tools, resources, and guidance on internal platforms such as the DEI web page
- Continued to build awareness of available supports and tools through internal communications and ongoing promotion efforts
Actions
Commitment 1: Apply digital accessibility standards to new and updated systems and content by:
- Adopting recognized accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, CAN/ASC-EN 301 549) for all new and updated digital systems, content, and employee-facing platforms by December 2027.
- Including accessibility requirements in the design, development, and procurement of digital tools and platforms (e.g., websites, documents, forms, internal systems) starting in 2027.
- Continuing to apply these standards to all new content and updates moving forward.
Commitment 2: Establish clear guidelines and tools for accessible digital content by:
- Developing accessible content guidelines and templates (e.g., documents, presentations, web content, forms) by March 2027.
- Making these guidelines and templates available to staff through internal resources (e.g., intranet, shared tools) by June 2027.
- Updating and refining guidance over time as practices evolve.
Commitment 3: Build staff knowledge and confidence in accessible digital practices by:
- Providing accessibility training to staff involved in creating, managing, or publishing digital content (e.g., communications teams, HR, IT), starting June 2027.
- Including ongoing practical guidance in training (e.g., document formatting, alt text, headings, captions, accessible PDFs) to support day-to-day application.
- Reinforcing accessible practices through regular updates, tools, and support resources.
Commitment 4: Embed accessibility into digital processes and workflows by:
- Incorporating accessibility checks into content publishing, system updates, and design processes for new and updated materials by March 2028.
- Establishing simple review steps (e.g., accessibility checks before publishing or launch) to confirm content meets accessibility requirements.
- Continuing to build accessibility into regular digital workflows and update cycles.
Area 4: Communication, other than ICT
Our Accessibility Goal
We commit to making communication easier for everyone at Seaspan Marine. We aim to implement accessible communication design standards to ensure barrier-free information to our employees and customers.
Current Level of Accessibility
Seaspan has taken steps to improve accessibility in communication, including efforts to make information more accessible through meetings, internal platforms, and public-facing materials. These actions reflect a growing awareness of the importance of accessible communication and provide a strong foundation to build more inclusive practices across the organization. Seaspan is continuing to build consistency in how accessibility is applied across everyday communication. Since 2023, Seaspan has made progress by:
- Improving accessibility of meetings by enabling closed captioning for virtual sessions and providing recordings with captions for employees attending remotely
- Supporting more inclusive meetings by sharing materials in alternative formats and providing training to facilitators on accessible communication practices
- Strengthening internal communications by reviewing accessibility features within SharePoint and exploring ways to reduce barriers on the intranet
- Engaging employees, including those with lived experience, through listening sessions and feedback initiatives to better understand communication needs and priorities
- Taking steps to improve public-facing communications by adding alt text to website images and ensuring video content includes captions
Actions
Commitment 1: Provide a clear and consistent process for requesting communication supports by:
- Creating a simple process for employees to request communication supports (e.g., large print, audio formats, sign language interpretation) by June 2027.
- Sharing how to request support through internal communications and resources (e.g., intranet, onboarding materials) by September 2027.
Providing communication supports in a timely way (e.g., large print, audio formats, interpretation when requested) and continuing to improve the process based on feedback and usage.
Commitment 2: Ensure communication support is planned for and provided in advance by:
- Including accessibility steps in meeting and communication planning (e.g., sharing materials in advance, enabling captions, confirming support needs) by June 2027.
- Providing key information in advance of large group meetings, training sessions, and company-wide communications to support participation.
- Continuing to build these practices into regular communication and planning processes.
Commitment 3: Build knowledge and consistency in accessible communication practices by:
- Providing training and practical guidance to employees and People Leaders on accessible communication (e.g., plain language, formatting, accessible files) starting June 2027.
- Updating and expanding existing tools (e.g., communication guides, templates) to support consistent practices across teams by December 2027.
- Maintaining records of training and communication support requests to support compliance and continuous improvement.
Area 5: Procurement of Goods, Services, and Facilities
Our Accessibility Goal
At Seaspan Marine, we understand that creating a barrier-free Canada is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to making accessibility part of our assessment criteria when selecting and working with vendors.
Current Level of Accessibility
Seaspan has begun to incorporate accessibility into its procurement practices, with early steps taken to consider accessibility as part of supplier processes and broader DEI efforts. This reflects a growing awareness of the role procurement plays in supporting an accessible and inclusive workplace and provides a foundation to build more consistent practices over time.
Since the launch of the 2023 to 2026 Accessibility Plan, Seaspan has:
- Begun integrating accessibility into supplier intake processes, including adding accessibility-related considerations to supplier information and evaluation
- Explored ways to better capture and respond to accessibility-related needs within supplier relationships, including tracking responses from suppliers through our systems
- Continued to identify opportunities to strengthen accessibility within procurement practices as part of broader DEI efforts
Actions
Commitment 1: Build accessibility into Seaspan’s procurement processes by:
- Reviewing current procurement processes to identify where accessibility can be included (e.g., planning, purchasing steps, vendor interactions) by December 2027.
- Updating procurement documents to include accessibility requirements and expectations (e.g., specifications, evaluation criteria, vendor requirements) where applicable or where not already included by June 2028.
- Including accessibility as part of planning and budgeting discussions (e.g., identifying accessibility needs early in projects) moving forward.
Commitment 2: Strengthen how accessibility is considered in vendor selection and purchasing decisions by:
- Continue building awareness of accessible and inclusive suppliers and encouraging teams to consider these options when making purchasing decisions.
- Continuing to apply accessibility considerations consistently across procurement activities.
Commitment 3: Support employees in making accessible procurement decisions by:
- Delivering accessibility training for employees involved in purchasing, managing, or supporting digital tools and systems, starting June 2027.
- Providing refresher training and updates over time to support consistent application of accessibility requirements.
Commitment 4: Ensure accessibility is built into digital procurement and decision-making by:
- Working with our Information Communications (IT) and Business Technology Solutions (BTS) teams to include accessibility requirements (e.g., CAN/ASC-EN 301 549) in the procurement of new and updated digital products and services (e.g., websites, applications, documents) by December 2027.
- Establishing a process to review and confirm accessibility before purchasing or implementing new or updated digital tools (e.g., vendor confirmation, accessibility checks) by March 2028.
- Applying these requirements to all new purchases and updates moving forward.
Commitment 5: Strengthen accountability and continuous improvement in procurement by:
- Clarifying roles and responsibilities for accessible procurement across teams by March 2028.
- Setting up a simple process to review procurement practices and identify improvements (e.g., adding accessibility checks to existing reviews) starting in 2028.
- Maintaining records of accessibility training, assessments, and procurement activities to support compliance and continuous improvement.
Area 6: Design and Delivery of Programs and Services
Our Accessibility Goal
We aim to better understand the barriers that our customers may encounter when interacting with Seaspan Marine and ensure that we are creating opportunities to remove barriers wherever possible in our programs and services.
Current Level of Accessibility
Seaspan has taken steps to support accessibility in the design and delivery of its programs and services, with growing attention to understanding and addressing barriers for customers. Efforts to explore training opportunities and gather feedback reflect a commitment to improving how services are delivered and ensuring they are accessible to a wider range of users. These actions provide a strong starting point to further embed accessibility into program and service design. Building on this work, Seaspan has:
- Begun developing approaches to gather customer feedback on accessibility, including exploring survey tools to better understand barriers and improve service delivery
- Continued to explore training opportunities for customer-facing employees, with a focus on accessible communication and supporting customers with disabilities
- Identified key employee groups for accessibility training and expanded access to learning through platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, which includes content on inclusive design and accessibility
- Increased employee engagement in accessibility and inclusive design training, supporting greater awareness and application in day-to-day work
Actions
Commitment 1: Establish a consistent approach to accessible program and service design by:
- Developing and sharing clear guidelines for accessible program and service design across teams (e.g., plain language, accessible formats, flexible participation options) by June 2027.
- Adding accessibility steps into planning tools and templates (e.g., checklists, standard planning documents) by June 2027.
Using these guidelines and tools when designing new or updated programs and services moving forward.
Commitment 2: Provide employees with the tools and training to deliver accessible services by:
- Providing training for employees involved in program and service delivery, focused on practical application (e.g., communication, participation options, responding to accessibility needs), starting June 2027.
- Creating and sharing simple tools to support accessible delivery (e.g., templates, checklists, quick reference guides) by December 2027.
- Clarifying roles and responsibilities for accessibility in program and service delivery by December 2027.
Commitment 3: Review and improve accessibility in existing programs and services by:
- Reviewing existing programs and services, including areas in the built environment that are accessed by customers, to identify accessibility barriers by December 2027.
- Making practical updates based on findings (e.g., using plain language, sharing materials in advance, offering flexible participation options) through 2028-2029.
- Applying accessibility considerations when updating or revising programs and services.
Commitment 4: Build accessibility into ongoing program and service improvement by:
- Setting up a simple process to review accessibility as part of existing program and service review cycles (e.g., adding accessibility checks to regular reviews) starting in 2027.
- Using feedback from employees and service users to identify barriers and guide improvements.
- Continuing to refine programs and services over time to support more inclusive participation.
Area 7: Transportation
Our Accessibility Goal
Seaspan Marine understands the importance of providing accessible transportation. We are committed to a barrier-free future for our employees that provides ease of access for all.
Current Level of Accessibility
Seaspan provides transportation-related supports to help employees and visitors access the site, including maps, shuttle schedules, and onboarding information. These resources, along with expanded shuttle services, reflect a commitment to supporting access to the workplace and improving the overall transportation experience. Over the past reporting period, Seaspan has:
- Expanded employee shuttle services, including additional vehicles, routes, and Park and Ride options across the Lower Mainland
- Partnered with a transportation provider to offer shuttle services with features that support employee comfort and accessibility
- Continued to consider accessibility in future transportation planning, including evaluating accessible options as services evolve
Actions
Commitment 1: Improve how transportation and site access information is shared by:
- Identifying accessible parking areas, building entrances, drop-off locations, and public transportation options where available by December 2026.
- Developing and sharing clear information on how to access the site for employees, contractors, candidates, and visitors (e.g., parking, transit options, accessible entry points) by March 2027.
- Ensuring this information is provided in advance through onboarding materials, visitor instructions, and other communications by June 2027, and continuing to refine and update it over time.
Commitment 2: Strengthen consistency and coordination in site access communication by:
- Creating a standard communication for new hires, candidates, and visitors that outlines how to access the site, including parking, transit options, and accessible entrances, by June 2027.
- Working with site partners to align and share consistent transportation and access information where feasible, starting in 2027.
- Continuing to refine communication based on feedback to ensure information remains clear and easy to follow.
CONSULTATIONS
Summary
The concept of Nothing Without Us supports the notion that persons with disabilities must be involved in the ideation of Seaspan Marine’s Accessibility Plan to support us in identifying opportunities to progress accessibility in our policies and procedures and built environment. We consulted the British Columbia Centre for Ability (BCCFA) in the development of our Accessibility Plan.
Consultation Process
We provided the BCCFA with a draft of our Plan as a Word document for their review in advance of the consultation session.
We followed this with a live session on May 20, 2026, to discuss the impact and significance of our goals towards creating an accessible workplace and experience for our employees, contractors, candidates, visitors, and service users.
The session was hosted virtually via Zoom. During the session, the draft Accessibility Plan commitments were reviewed by priority area, including employment, the built environment, information and communication technologies, communications, procurement, programs and services, and transportation.
Participants discussed whether the commitments were meaningful, clear, easy to understand, and written in a way that would be accessible to external readers. Seaspan Marine representatives also provided context on site operations, shared spaces, and areas within Seaspan Marine’s control.
Results
During the session, we reviewed each of Seaspan Marine’s Accessibility Commitments and gathered feedback from the BCCFA. Overall, BCCFA found the Plan to be clear, straightforward, and easy to understand. BCCFA noted that the commitments covered key areas of accessibility and reflected a thoughtful approach to improving accessibility across employment, communications, digital systems, procurement, programs and services, the built environment, and transportation.
BCCFA also identified several areas where additional clarity would make the commitments more meaningful for readers. This feedback was incorporated throughout the Plan by:
- Clarifying the frequency or intended timing of regular reviews, site checks, walkthroughs, and process reviews, including where the frequency will be confirmed or determined through existing operational processes.
- Adding clearer language to explain regular site checks and built environment reviews, including how accessibility considerations will be incorporated into routine maintenance and site upkeep.
- Providing additional context around roles and responsibilities for built environment accessibility, particularly where Seaspan Marine operates in shared spaces or areas not fully within its control.
- Clarifying that examples of communication support, such as large print, audio, sign language interpretation, text-to-speech, or magnified text, are examples and not an exhaustive list of available supports.
- Refining the scope of accessibility planning for meetings by distinguishing large group meetings, town halls, and training sessions from smaller one-on-one or informal meetings, while still recognizing that support may be provided when requested.
- Clarifying terminology such as shared access information so that readers understand it refers to sharing clear information about site access, including accessible parking, building entrances, drop-off locations, public transportation options, and visitor instructions.
- Reviewing wording related to programs and services, including the meaning of “high-use areas” and how employee and service-user feedback will guide ongoing improvements.
CONCLUSION
Seaspan Marine recognizes that accessibility is an ongoing responsibility and an important part of creating a safe, inclusive, and barrier-free workplace. This Plan builds on the progress made since 2023 and sets out practical commitments to improve accessibility across employment, the built environment, digital systems, communications, procurement, programs and services, and transportation. Seaspan Marine will continue to listen to feedback from employees, customers, service users, people with disabilities, and accessibility partners as we implement this Plan and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Through these actions, we remain committed to advancing accessibility and supporting the full participation of all people who interact with Seaspan Marine.
1Seaspan Ferries Corporation, Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd., Victoria Shipyards Co. Ltd. and Vancouver Drydock Limited Partnership are provincially-regulated businesses and thus are not subject to the Accessible Canada Act. Marine Petrobulk Limited Partnership and HaiSea Marine Limited Partnership will develop and implement Accessibility Plans for their employees in due course in accordance with the timelines required under the legislation. Return to text