Elevate Aviation is Creating Change, Advancing Women, and Educating the Aviation Industry with a New Project and $460,776 in Contribution Funding

March 14, 2022 – EDMONTON – Elevate Aviation, a not-for-profit organization based out of Edmonton, AB will support a feminist response and recovery from the current impacts of COVID-19, through systemic change in the aviation industry. 

“The aviation industry took a huge hit during the pandemic. Through this funding, we will be able to help industry partners continue to put EDI at the forefront, while furthering our mission of helping women and underrepresented groups thrive and succeed through careers in aviation,” said Kendra Kincade, Elevate Aviation President and CEO.

Their project, “Allies in the Workplace” will take place over 26 months. The project team will develop tools to effectively assess the current Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) status of companies within the aviation industry, develop a cohesive plan for employers to implement in their workplaces to improve their EDI policies and procedures, and provide training to all levels of their staff. 

“Elevate Aviation introduces thousands of women and youth across Canada to various careers in aviation,” said Nova Andrews, Director of the Elevate Aviation Learning Centre. “This project gives us the opportunity to work closely with aviation companies to create physically, emotionally and psychologically safe workplaces for women to ensure equal opportunities for advancement throughout their careers.” 

The assessment tools and training program will be piloted by two industry companies: Canadian North Airlines and the Winnipeg Airports Authority. “Canadian North is honoured to be a part of this project. Ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace is fundamentally important for everyone. Supporting this initiative was an easy decision as it fits seamlessly with our values: Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation, Service Excellence, Community, and Respect. Helping us to take further steps to look after our employees and continue to create a safe space for everyone within the workplace.” – Madeleine Allakariallak, Director, Inuit Employment and Talent Strategies, Canadian North Airlines.

This project is one of 237 to receive contribution funding through Women and Gender Equality Canada’s Women’s Program, Feminist Response and Recovery funding.  

“Allies in the workplace play an important role in the advancement of women’s careers. This is particularly true in the aviation industry where women are experiencing systemic barriers. Projects that focus on inclusive policies and practices in all sectors, such as the one we’re announcing today from Elevate Aviation, are a key part of building an inclusive Canada.”

– The Honourable Marci Ien, P.C., M.P., Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth 

For more information on the project please visit, www.elevateaviation.ca/allies

-30-