Air Canada - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to elevating our workplace culture through diversity valuation and equitable representation at all organizational levels. We rise higher by creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and supports people from all backgrounds and lived experiences, nurturing a sense of belonging.
Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also essential for any organization that wants to attract and retain the best available talent. For an expanding global carrier such as Air Canada, it is vital that our diverse customer base sees itself reflected in our workforce and that diversity enables us to better accommodate our customers' needs and expectations.”
MICHAEL ROUSSEAU, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Our Strategy: Fostering a More Inclusive Workplace
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team established a strategic framework to make Air Canada a welcoming environment where differences are embraced. This strategy focuses on caring for employees, communities, and each other under the four pillars of CARE, a framework that pinpoints where the most impactful change can occur:
C - Community Outreach
Building bridges with communities across Canada to strengthen connections and foster inclusivity.
Learn more:
- Empowering local communities: We partner with local organizations to reach equity-seeking communities and create access to opportunities.
- Youth engagement and education: Through educational programs, scholarships, and initiatives, we aim to inspire the next generation and introduce them to different career paths within aviation.
- Celebrating diversity across Canada: We actively participate in community events and celebrations, acknowledging and embracing the diverse cultures that shape.
A - Accountability
Grounded in accountability, we drive real change through transparency and data-driven insights.
Learn more:
- Demonstrating accountability: We work together with internal and external partners to ensure our DEI goals are met with integrity.
- Governance framework: Our DEI structure includes an Executive Council, Steering Committee, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and a Champions program to uphold DEI commitments at every level.
R - Representation
Representation matters. We ensure diverse voices are heard and uplifted across our organization.
Learn more:
- Elevating diverse voices and perspectives: Through mentorship and our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), we empower employees from all backgrounds to grow and lead within Air Canada.
- Inclusive hiring practices: We prioritize equitable hiring processes to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. Visit our career.
E - Engagement and Workplace Belonging
Creating a workplace where every individual feels valued, supported, celebrated, and respected.
Learn more:
- Sensitization campaigns: We develop and introduce educational initiatives to cultivate understanding and respect among our employees.
- DEI Champions program: A dedicated team of champions fosters DEI efforts, promotes awareness, and encourages inclusivity across departments.
- Celebrating Canadian diversity: We proudly acknowledge Canada’s rich diversity, celebrating it with our employees and our customers.
Got questions or ideas about DEI at Air Canada?
Email us at diversity.diversite@aircanada.ca
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Air Canada
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups supported by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team that collaborate with various departments within the Company to foster a more diverse and inclusive work environment. They serve as a conduit for employee feedback on topics related to the identifying factor(s) behind the creation of the group. They typically focus on supporting members of underrepresented and marginalized groups within Air Canada, celebrate inclusion, foster allyship and help leadership understand how best to respond to employee concerns.
ACProud ERG
Misson statement:
Promoting inclusion, building community, and amplifying 2SLGBTQIA+ voices through Air Canada.
Asians in Aviation ERG
Misson statement:
Foster an inclusive and supportive environment for Asians at Air Canada while retaining talent through employee development and engagement and creating a safe space in our community.
Black ERG
Misson statement:
Lift each other up to reach the individual's potential.
Diverse Abilities ERG
Misson statement:
Providing a platform and united voice for all people with visible and invisible disabilities at Air Canada. We seek to reframe disability in the workplace through education and barrier reduction, in hopes to inspire, empower, recognize and advance each person to their fullest potential.
Expression ERG
Misson statement:
To encourage the use of French at work and promote a bilingual language culture (English and French) within the company. This group helps create meaningful connections between employees and mobilize them around the use of the French language and the celebration of francophone culture through various activities or events.
Indigenous ERG
Misson statement:
Promoting well-being, excellence, consultative relationships and participation amongst Indigenous employees and leadership at Air Canada.
Women's ERG
Misson statement:
Providing women of Air Canada with a forum to explore and learn about women in leadership roles by networking, exploring their own personal development, and guidance to establish individual career goals.
Air Canada Diversity Equity and Inclusion Aviation Partners
Air Canada is proud to collaborate with key aviation partners to help build a more inclusive industry. By supporting events and initiatives that promote aviation careers—especially among underrepresented groups—we demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion. These partnerships not only strengthen the aviation sector but also highlight Air Canada as an employer that values equity and strives to create opportunities for all.
Black Aviation Professional Network
The Black Aviation Professional Network (BAPN) is a Canadian non-profit organization that advocates for Black aviation professionals and aims to address their underrepresentation in the aviation sector. It promotes diversity within the industry by breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive environment.
Elevate Aviation
Elevate Aviation is a Canadian non-profit organization that strives to increase gender diversity in the historically male-dominated aviation sector. By offering support, mentorship and educational programs, Elevate Aviation empowers women to pursue careers as pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers and more.
IATA - 25by2025
This is a global initiative led by IATA to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the aviation industry. Brought to life in 2019, 25by2025 emphasizes the significance of adopting best practices to foster greater DE&I and gender balance in the aviation sector.
Northern Lights Aero Foundation
The Northern Lights Aero Foundation (NLAF) is a Canadian non-profit organization that addresses the gender imbalance in the aviation and aerospace sectors by recognizing the significant contributions of women in these fields. The foundation promotes diversity and gender equality within the industry by showcasing accomplishments of women in various roles, from pilots and engineers to astronauts and executives.
Urban Pilots Network
The Urban Pilots Network (UPN) is a Canadian not-for-profit organization geared toward training, mentoring, entertaining and enhancing aviation awareness for young people and other participants of its programs. One of UPN's goals is to raise awareness of important visible minority contributions in aviation, not traditionally nurtured in current academic programs.
Air Canada DEI Community Relations Partnerships
Air Canada also partners with organizations outside the aviation sector that align with our values. These partnerships are designed to foster meaningful engagement, support professional growth for employees and community members, and create opportunities for networking and development beyond the workplace. Together, we build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Ascend Canada
Ascend Canada’s mission is to develop and advance Pan-Asian talent by building meaningful and engaging experiences which elevate their members while building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive Canada where Pan-Asian talent may achieve their full potential.
BlackNorth Initiative
This organization is committed to ending anti-Black systemic racism in Canada by bringing together businesses and leaders to take measurable actions and create positive change in the corporate world.
Catalyst
This organization drives change with preeminent thought leadership, actionable solutions, and a community of multinational corporation to accelerate and advance women into leadership.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) is a national charity with the mandate of building a more inclusive Canada. They envision a world where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources.
Indspire
Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada.
Onyx Initiative
Onyx Initiative is dedicated to expanding the recruitment pipeline by offering comprehensive career development resources and forging mutually beneficial corporate, educational and community partnerships to close the systemic gap in the hiring, retention and promotion of Black college and university students and recent graduates for roles in corporate Canada.
Pinball Foundation
The Pinball Foundation provides marginalized and racialized youth with educational resources and options to integrate into the mainstream of society. The ultimate goal is to see youth successfully entering the workforce and gainfully employed in careers they desire.
Pride at Work Canada
Through dialogue, education and thought leadership, Pride at Work empowers Canadian employers to build workplaces that celebrate all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
Prosperity Project
Prosperity Project’s mission is to identify and remove the systemic barriers and biases that impede the advancement of women in the economy, limiting their – and Canada’s – opportunity for increased prosperity.
Skills for Change
The mission of Skills for Change is to assume a leadership role to address policy issues and undertake public education and research on issues affecting immigrants and refugees. At the same time, they pioneered innovative service models specific to internationally trained professionals.
Women Initiative Foundation
The mission of the Women Initiative Foundation (WIF) is to promote women in business and the economy overall. WIF aims at advancing women at all levels of the company and breaking the glass ceiling, they face, in their income or their career.