Training begins this week through the renowned Be More Than a Bystander (BMTAB) program that will equip Mission Possible staff and other social organizations with practical skills to respond to incidences of harassment and violence, strengthen respectful workplace practices, and create safe environments for employees and the broader community.

This exciting collaboration reflects the BCMEA and its members’ dedication to violence prevention, respectful workplace education, and meaningful community partnerships. For more than two decades, the BCMEA has proudly supported Mission Possible and its employment and community initiatives, helping to strengthen a neighbourhood where many of its members operate — and where the Association’s head office and Dispatch Hall have been located for more than 50 years.

This partnership is grounded in a shared belief that strong and resilient neighbourhoods are built when individuals are empowered with opportunity, treated with respect, and supported with dignity. 

Guided by these same values, the BCMEA and its members made a milestone investment in 2021 to bring the BMTAB program to B.C.’s waterfront workforce through a partnership with EVA BC, the BC Lions, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, and the Government of Canada. The program provides gender-based violence and harassment prevention education and equips waterfront workers with practical bystander intervention skills. Recognizing the importance of this work, the BCMEA and its members became Presenting Partners of BMTAB, helping the program’s continued delivery to high schools across the province, where BC Lions players engage thousands of students in conversations about respect, healthy relationships, and violence prevention.

Building on this momentum, the BCMEA is now bringing BMTAB training to Mission Possible and other social organizations serving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Staff will participate in training designed to provide practical tools to support safe environments, including bystander intervention and de-escalation strategies.

“Through our valued relationships with EVA BC and Mission Possible, the BCMEA and our members recognized a natural opportunity to unite their expertise and shared commitment to creating safer, more inclusive communities.,” said Mike Leonard, BCMEA President and CEO. “This exciting new partnership bridges workplace education with community impact, so everyone feels safe, valued, supported, and empowered to act – at work and in their communities.”

“At Mission Possible, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in the workplace and in the community,” said Matthew Smedley, Chief Empowerment Officer, Mission Possible. “Partnering with BCMEA and Ending Violence Association of BC strengthens our ability to foster a culture of empathy, accountability, and care while equipping our teams with practical tools to support one another.”

Ending Violence BC welcomed the partnership as an important opportunity to broaden violence prevention education into new workplaces and communities.

“Long-term partnerships are essential to creating meaningful and lasting change,” said Ninu Kang, Executive Director, EVA BC. “We are proud to continue working with BCMEA and to see Be More Than a Bystander expand into community organizations like Mission Possible Vancouver that are deeply committed to creating respectful, safe, and inclusive spaces.”

Delivering BMTAB training to organizations serving some of the most vulnerable populations in B.C. reinforces the BCMEA and its members commitment to ensuring dignity, inclusion, and well-being for communities beyond the waterfront.  

About the BC Maritime �鶹 (BCMEA)
The BCMEA represents 48 maritime employers, including terminal operators, ocean carriers, and ship agents. The Association is responsible for the training, safety, dispatch, and administration of wages and benefits for 9,400 waterfront workers. Canada’s West Coast ports support the safe and efficient movement of approximately $1.1 billion worth of goods every day, moving nearly 50% of Canada’s total trade with partners beyond North America.

About Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC)
 The Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC) is a provincial organization that supports and strengthens survivor-serving anti-violence programs across BC. EVA BC leads coordination initiatives across sectors to improve responses to intimate partner violence and sexual violence. EVA BC also supports workplaces and organizations with training, education, consultation and resources to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

About Mission Possible
Mission Possible is a non-profit organization that helps individuals facing barriers to employment build confidence, stability, and independence through meaningful work, training, and supportive community programs.

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As we recognize Mental Health Month and the importance of supporting mental wellness, we’re proud to highlight a partnership helping make a meaningful difference for youth and families across the waterfront community and beyond. 

The BCMEA recently announced a three-year partnership as the Presenting Partner of the District of North Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society (DNV Fire Charity) , returning June 5, 2026, at the Maplewood Fire Rescue Centre.  After serving as the Presenting Partner for last year’s event and seeing the incredible impact of the organization and event, the BCMEA proudly renewed its commitment. 

Over the years, the Barn Burner has become a signature North Shore community event, bringing together firefighters, waterfront partners, local businesses, and community members to support important local causes through a legendary rock concert. This year proceeds from the event will support  and Family Services of the North Shore, helping expand access to youth mental health resources, education, and counselling programs. 

For BCMEA, supporting Buddy Check for Jesse is especially meaningful. Founded in memory of Jesse Short-Gershman, the organization was created to support youth athletes and encourage more open conversations around mental health and the concept of “buddy checking” your teammates and others in your life.  Buddy Check for Jesse recognizes the leadership role of coaches and the power of sport in the lives of our youth. 

The organization equips coaches with practical tools and resources to lead conversations about mental wellness within their teams, helping create safe, supportive environments where young people feel connected, supported, and comfortable asking for help. Coaches often occupy a uniquely trusted role in the lives of youth athletes, and Buddy Check for Jesse helps empower them to foster awareness, peer support, and meaningful dialogue around mental health.  

“The support we receive through events like the Barn Burner helps us continue delivering programs and creating safe spaces for young people to talk about mental health,” said Stu Gershman of Buddy Check for Jesse. “We are humbled and grateful to the BCMEA and the District of North Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society for coming together in support of our mission.” 

“Supporting youth mental health means strengthening communities,” said Mike Leonard, President and CEO of the BCMEA. “Through our partnership with the DNV Fire Charity and the Barn Burner event, we’re proud to support organizations like Buddy Check for Jesse as they continue their important work.” 

To date, the Barn Burner has raised more than $360,000 in support of youth mental health, education, and community resilience initiatives — a reflection of the incredible commitment shown by the North Shore waterfront community and its partners year after year. 

BCMEA is honoured to continue supporting this important effort and looks forward to another sold-out evening dedicated to organizations making a lasting impact in our communities. 

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March 9, 2026 – North Vancouver, BC — The BC Maritime �鶹 (BCMEA), on behalf of its member companies, is proud to announce a three year partnership with the District of North Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society (DNV Fire Charity) that will see the BCMEA serve as the Presenting Partner of the annual Barn Burner fundraising concert. 

Hosted each year at the Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre in North Vancouver, B.C., the Barn Burner delivers an unforgettable evening of live music and charitable giving. This high-energy concert brings together community members, sponsors, and legendary musicians in support of critical local initiatives focused on kids’ education, youth mental health and community resilience.  

Proceeds for this year’s event will support  a�Ի� , helping to expand access to youth mental health resources, education, and counselling programs. Funds will also be used to support high school scholarships, help Sherwood Park Elementary School’s PAC rebuild its playground, and contribute to the DNV Firefighters Emergency Relief Fund, which assists vulnerable community members in times of crisis.   

To date, the Barn Burner event has raised more than $360,000 in support of youth mental health, education and community resilience initiatives — a testament to the dedication of the DNV Fire Charity and the generosity of the North Shore waterfront and its community partners.  

“This partnership reflects our enduring commitment to strengthen the communities where our members and the workforce operate,” said Mike Leonard, BCMEA President and CEO, “On the North Shore, BCMEA member companies are deeply rooted in the community, and investing in youth mental health and resilience reflects our shared responsibility to support the long term well-being of the region.” 

“We are thrilled to welcome the BCMEA as our Presenting Partner of our annual Barn Burner for the next three years,” said Kyle Burdett, Executive Director, DNV Fire Charity. “Their investment and leadership will help us continue to grow the Barn Burner and expand our charitable impact on the North Shore and beyond.” 

The BCMEA is proud to support this event alongside member companies Neptune Terminals, Global Container Terminals, Pembina – Vancouver Wharves, and SSA Marine, further demonstrating the maritime industry’s shared commitment to strengthening local communities.  

This partnership also underscores the industry’s focus on safety across the North Shore waterfront. The BCMEA and its members work closely with local fire departments to enhance emergency preparedness, support coordinated response and ensure safe, reliable operations – helping to protect the workforce, waterfront terminals and the surrounding community.  

The 2026 Barn Burner will take place on June 5, 2026, at the Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre. Tickets will go on sale on April 2, 2026.  

For more information about the Barn Burner, sponsorship opportunities, or ticket sales, please visit .  

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(Vancouver) – The BC Maritime �鶹 (BCMEA) and the BC Lions are proud to announce a renewal of their partnership for the Be More Than a Bystander program. Since its inception in 2011, the program continues to grow and evolve, expanding its reach from classrooms to communities and workplaces across British Columbia.

A powerful collaboration between the BC Lions and the Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC), Be More Than a Bystander equips youth and adults with the tools and confidence to speak up against gender-based violence, harassment, and bullying. Going on for 15 productive years, this program has reached thousands of students through hundreds of school visits, creating meaningful conversations around leadership and respect.

Since joining as the program’s corporate partner in 2022, BCMEA has played a pivotal role in expanding Be More Than a Bystander into the workplace, helping train nearly 10,000 waterfront workers in one of the most comprehensive workplace violence and harassment prevention efforts ever undertaken in Canada’s federal sector.

“This program works because it’s about action,” said BCMEA president and CEO Mike Leonard.

“Whether it’s a classroom, on the waterfront, or online, we all have a role to play in ending bullying, harassment, and gender-based violence. Our continued partnership with the BC Lions reflects our shared commitment to building safer, more respectful workplaces and communities.”

This year, Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke served as the program’s main ambassador, teaming up with several of his teammates to visit 25 schools and thousands of students across the province. Together, they helped deliver the message that leadership means more than just performance on the field—it means standing up for others and helping create safe, inclusive spaces for everyone.

 “It’s incredible to see how far this program has come,” said Lions’ director of community partnerships Jamie Taras.

“Fifteen years ago, we set out to create real change by giving youth the confidence to speak up. With partners like BCMEA, this message has grown far beyond the field, reaching workplaces and communities across the province.”

With strong support from employers, unions, and civic leaders, Be More Than a Bystander continues to inspire true leadership and positive peer influence in all areas of life.

“With the support of strong partners like BCMEA, this program continues to evolve and deepen its impact,” said EVA BC executive director Ninu Kang.

 “From students to �鶹, we’re seeing people across BC step up and become part of the solution.”

About the BC Maritime �鶹

The BCMEA represents 48 maritime employers, from terminal operators to ocean carriers and ship agents, and is responsible for the training, safety, recruitment, dispatch, and administration of wages and benefits of 9,400 waterfront workers. Canada’s West Coast ports are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of approximately $800 million worth of cargo per day, totalling 25 percent of Canada’s total traded goods.  

About the Ending Violence Association of BC

The Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC) works to coordinate and support the efforts of victim-serving and anti-violence programs throughout British Columbia. EVA BC collaborates with communities, service providers, and institutions to improve prevention and response systems that support individuals affected by gender-based violence, harassment, and hate.

About Be More Than a Bystander

Created in 2011 by the BC Lions and EVA BC, Be More Than a Bystander is a province-wide initiative that aims to break the silence surrounding gender-based violence by educating youth and adults alike on how to safely speak up and take action. The program includes in-person and virtual school presentations, workplace training, public appearances, and multimedia awareness campaigns.

In 2025, the program is proudly presented in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, the BC Maritime �鶹, with additional support from the BC Federation of Labour and Teck �鶹.  

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