OTTAWA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CUPE 8111 President Isabelle Paquette made the following statement regarding layoffs at Canadian North:
“We are deeply concerned about the potential layoffs of 13 flight attendants across in Edmonton, Calgary, and Ottawa. It is especially devastating for our members to face such uncertainty so close to the holiday season.
“We are actively working with the company to explore every possible option to minimize job losses and to provide meaningful support to affected flight attendants during this difficult time.
“Our flight attendants are deeply passionate about their work, the North, and the passengers they serve. Our members hold strong personal connections with the communities and travelers they support, making the impact of these potential job losses especially profound.
“The recent hiring of a new class of flight attendants had offered hope for renewed growth at our airline, making this news especially disheartening.
“As we approach the busy holiday season, adequate staffing is a concern to ensure flights operate without delays. Understaffing could negatively affect passengers at a time when fatigue, weather related delays, and seasonal illnesses are common challenges during this period.
“While these layoffs affect staffing at Canadian North’s southern bases for now, these reductions could have an impact across all bases.
“Many of our flight attendants have dedicated the majority of their careers to Canadian North. The uncertainty our members are experiencing threatens the sense of stability within our workforce and risks driving experienced employees to seek opportunities elsewhere.
“This is a difficult time for all flight attendants at Canadian North. Our coworkers become like family in a group as tight knit as ours. We will continue to advocate for and support all our flight attendants through this challenging time.”
OTTAWA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CUPE 8111, which represents 196 cabin crew at Canadian North, is concerned and disappointed about the decision by the company to proceed with permanent layoffs at its Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton bases. Thirteen cabin crew positions will be affected.
“We are working tirelessly to minimize the impact this has on our members and we have proposed several measures – including improved retirement options and shared or reduced blocks – to prevent job losses,” said Isabelle Paquette, President of CUPE 8111.
“We remain focused on exploring all avenues to defend the livelihoods and the wellbeing of our members.”
On August 5, 2025, a long-standing chapter in Canadian North’s history came to a close as we operated the last flight on our Montreal-Kuujjuaq route. While will continue seamlessly for the community with Air Inuit becoming the route carrier, this transition marks a meaningful moment for Canadian North and for many others connected to this route.
This route transfer follows the sale of Canadian North by Makivvik Corporation and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation to Exchange Income Corporation earlier this year. Air Inuit, owned by Makivvik, will now carry the legacy forward.
To mark the occasion, we hosted intimate commemorative events in both Kuujjuaq and Montreal, celebrating the history and impact of the route and expressing our continued commitment to Kuujjuaq. While this route may be changing hands, our presence in Kuujjuaq remains strong, with ongoing weekly service through Ottawa and enduring partnerships within the community.
For Canadian North, the route represents decades of connection, service, and relationships — a legacy that holds deep meaning for our President and CEO, Shelly DeCaria.
Born and raised in Kuujjuaq, Shelly’s connection to the region has shaped her leadership and continues to guide Canadian North’s commitment to long-term investment in the communities we serve.
Ottawa, ON, April 2, 2025 – Canadian North President and Chief Executive Officer Shelly De Caria was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal in a ceremony on April 2, 2025. The medal is a Canadian honour recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community.
Shelly has led Canadian North as its President & CEO since 2023 with a focus on enhancing the reliability of air service across the communities Canadian North serves. Born and raised in Kuujjuaq, Québec, with Inuktitut as her second language, Shelly became Canadian North’s first Inuk President and CEO in 2023. She has led partnerships with Inuit and other Indigenous organizations to make positive contributions to the health, education and emotional well-being of the communities served by Canadian North.
Shelly was nominated for the King Charles III Coronation Medal by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national organization protecting and advancing the rights and interests of Inuit in Canada.
“I am deeply honoured by this award,” Shelly says. “My journey has only just begun. I will continue to advocate for the critical infrastructure investments necessary to ensure the longer-term viability of Northern aviation – ensuring that the communities we serve have the lifeline that they need and deserve.”
Acquisition Expands EIC’s Essential Air Services Business Across Canada’s Arctic
WINNIPEG, Manitoba – February 24, 2025 – Exchange Income Corporation (TSX: EIF) (“EIC” or the “Corporation”), a diversified, acquisition-oriented company focused on opportunities in the Aerospace & Aviation and Manufacturing segments, announced today it has signed a binding purchase agreement to acquire Bradley Air Services Limited, operating as Canadian North, for a purchase price of $205 million, subject to adjustments. The purchase price will be funded through the issuance of $10 million of EIC common shares to the vendors and cash in the amount of $195 million from the Corporation’s credit facility. The acquisition of Canadian North provides EIC with a unique opportunity to acquire a Northern airline that operates in adjacent regions and on highly complementary routes to those serviced by EIC.
Canadian North provides essential passenger and cargo services to 24 remote Canadian Arctic communities in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, from its southern gateways in Ottawa and Edmonton. This represents two-thirds of its revenues. Canadian North also provides dedicated charters to resource customers in northern Alberta and British Columbia. These services are delivered with a fleet of 737 jets and ATR turboprops, which are a mix of owned and leased aircraft. Canadian North has significant infrastructure with hangars in Iqaluit, Yellowknife, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Calgary. The acquisition excludes the Montreal to Kuujjuaq route, which will be maintained by one of the vendors, Makivik Corporation (“Makivvik”).
The business operations of Canadian North and EIC are highly complementary. Canadian North provides passenger and cargo services in the eastern and western regions in Nunavut, while EIC’s subsidiary Calm Air services the central region. Canadian North is also active in the Northwest Territories, where EIC has no passenger or cargo presence. This investment also provides EIC passenger and cargo jet service and infrastructure in the North to provide opportunities for our other aviation companies. The acquisition of Canadian North will enable EIC to service all regions in the far north for the first time. As an experienced operator who is dedicated to Northern aviation, EIC will provide its customers in these regions with stable and efficient service.
Air travel in this region is truly an essential service. There is no road access to Nunavut from the rest of Canada and the introduction of roads will be highly unlikely in the foreseeable future. EIC has the core expertise in Northern aviation and we have always been incredibly proud of the services we provide to our community partners. EIC looks forward to building on the work Canadian North has done in servicing the communities, whether it be through community infrastructure investments, training programs such as the Atik Mason Indigenous Pilot Pathway program, enhanced employment opportunities and general investment in the communities.
Mike Pyle stated, “We love the North and have become a leading operator in this unique region over many years, which started with our very first acquisition, Perimeter Aviation. We have spent decades understanding, investing and building relationships in northern Canada. Canadian North is a major provider of these services outside of EIC, operating in markets that we don’t currently serve. Canadian North will be a natural fit with our other northern air operators. Combining our aviation resources, knowledge, and assets with the team at Canadian North, will lead to increased efficiency and enhanced service levels in the region. This is what we know, what we do, and we do it well.”
Carmele Peter, EIC’s President stated, “EIC’s success in the North has been no accident. We understandwhat makes business in the North successful: the customers. It is important to understand the uniqueness of the environment and the essential nature of the services we offer to the constituents in these regions. We know this understanding is at the foundation of a successful airline in the North and that’s why we work relentlessly to forge relationships with our customers. We have a longstanding positive relationship with the Government of Nunavut and will look to further enhance our relationship as the preeminent provider of this valuable service throughout the entire region. Relationships were also very important to this transaction, and we would like to thank the current shareholders of Canadian North, Makivvik and Inuvialuit Development Corporation, for their stewardship of the business and their efforts in working with EIC in bringing this transaction to a successful announcement today. We are all aligned that it is in the best interests of the constituents to have stable and reliable air transportation services in this region. The combination of the legacy that Canadian North has achieved, fuelled by its dedicated employees, and EIC’s scale and aviation experience, will build a more resilient airline to seamlessly provide an enhanced level of service throughout the region.”
“We are more than just a mode of transportation; we are a lifeline connecting families, we facilitate critical commerce and trade for the nation, and we support the unique needs of the North”, shared Shelly De Caria, President & CEO of Canadian North. “That’s what drives us – it’s why our team gets up every morning. I am from the North; I believe in the potential of the North and I recognize that the North is critical to the future of our country. Having a strong parent company with roots in Northern aviation is critical to our success. We are looking forward to being part of the EIC family, knowing they are committed to investing in Canadian North to deliver exceptional services and to further grow our business. We are excited to continue the Canadian North story and this acquisition will allow us to enhance our commitment to the communities we serve and to expand our services to meet the evolving needs of the North, our customers, and the Canadian economy. I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous relationship we have enjoyed with our current shareholders, Makivvik and Inuvialuit Development Corporation. Over the past few years, with their support, we have come together as one Canadian North.”
“Demand in the North is steady based on the essential nature of the service. Prospects for growth are high as there are a multitude of factors, such as Arctic sovereignty and resource development, that will drive considerable economic opportunities in the Far North over the next few decades to expand and enhance services to the region,” noted Adam Terwin, CCDO at EIC. “The acquisition is largely supported by its asset backing across aircraft and infrastructure, however the returns on capital will be below our expectations in the first year of ownership. This return will grow steadily based on our operating scope, capability, and knowledge to increase the efficiency of the airline and we expect to achieve our targeted return on capital by the end of the second year of ownership.”
Closing of the transaction is subject to obtaining required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to occur later this year.
About Exchange Income Corporation
Exchange Income Corporation is a diversified acquisition-oriented company, focused in two segments: Aerospace & Aviation and Manufacturing. The Corporation uses a disciplined acquisition strategy to identify already profitable, well-established companies that have strong management teams, generate steady cash flow, operate in niche markets and have opportunities for organic growth. For more information on the Corporation, please visit www.ExchangeIncomeCorp.ca.
About Canadian North
Canadian North is an airline that connects people and delivers essential goods throughout Northern communities in Canada. With a versatile fleet of Boeing 737s and ATRs, it connects 24 communities within Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, as well as Southern hubs in Ottawa and Edmonton. Canadian North is also the premier provider of air charter services.
KANATA, ON, July 19, 2024 /CNW/ – Canadian North has officially unveiled its state-of-the-art CAE 7000XR Boeing 737NG Full-Flight Simulator (FFS), located within its new 30,000 square foot training facility at Edmonton International Airport.
Simulator exterior – Canadian North unveils new CAE 7000XR Boeing 737NG Full-Flight Simulator – Edmonton International Airport – Wednesday, July 17, 2024 (CNW Group/Canadian North)
At a grand-opening reception on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Canadian North’s Vice-President, Flight Operations Aaron Speer and Chief Financial Officer Nick Purich were joined by representatives from Edmonton International Airport, CAE and EFC Developments. Also in attendance to celebrate the opening of this facility were the Honourable Nate Glubish, Alberta Minister of Technology and Innovation, the Honourable Rick Wilson, Alberta Minister of Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Mike Lake, P.C., M.P., Edmonton-Wetaskiwin, Glenn Belozer, Deputy Mayor of Leduc County and many other key government and industry stakeholders. Reflecting Canadian North’s 100% Inuit ownership structure, respected elder Maina Manniapik lit a ceremonial Qulliq and provided a blessing for the new facility.
The addition of this new flight simulator is positive news for the Canadian aviation industry, adding essential B737NG training capacity to meet the increased demand for pilots.This new, cutting-edge Canadian North facility with the latest-generation CAE-built 737NG FFS will enable pilots to earn and maintain their proficiency in-country and ensures reliable access for pilots to invaluable training sessions closer to home. From mastering flight deck procedures, including emergency checklists, to performing a variety of flying scenarios, this simulator serves as an indispensable tool for pilots to develop and hone their skills.
Simulator flight deck – Canadian North unveils new CAE 7000XR Boeing 737NG Full-Flight Simulator – Edmonton International Airport – Wednesday, July 17, 2024 (CNW Group/Canadian North)
The addition of a new aviation-industry training facility is also a positive development for the diversifying economies of Alberta and the Edmonton Region. Looking ahead, there is potential and a vision to grow this facility further, with ample space available for additional aviation training infrastructure.
“Our number one priority is to safely and reliably deliver essential passenger, cargo and charter services for our customers and communities,” said Shelly De Caria, President and CEO of Canadian North. “Our investment in this state-of-the-art Boeing 737NG Full Flight Simulator and training centre underscores our commitment to ensuring pilot proficiency and safety, for the benefit of everyone we serve.”
“Aviation is a collaborative and innovative industry. Welcoming Canadian North’s newest flight simulator and training facility right here at YEG will showcase the potential and unlock possibilities in our region,” said Myron Keehn, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport (YEG). “We’re proud to work alongside forward-thinking organizations like Canadian North and its partners to advance and strengthen the aviation industry.”
This new simulator is scheduled to enter service in August. Interested parties can reserve simulator training times through Canadian North’s official website or by reaching out via email at flightsim@canadiannorth.com.
Canadian North also operates a ‘Level D’ 737-300 Full-Flight Simulator at Edmonton International Airport.
About Canadian North Canadian North Airlines is a 100% Inuit-owned airline that connects people and delivers essential goods throughout Canada’s North – safely, reliably and always with friendly and caring customer service. Canadian North services 25 communities within the Northwest Territories, Nunavik and Nunavut, along with Ottawa, Montreal and Edmonton, with a versatile fleet of Boeing 737, ATR 42 and ATR 72 Freighter aircraft. Canadian North is also the premier charter services provider for large resource sector clients requiring dependable, efficient and economical fly-in/fly-out air service and it operates flights across North America and beyond for sports teams, cruise lines, tour operators and many others. Canadian North is wholly owned by Makivik Corporation and Inuvialuit Development Corporation.
KANATA, ON and NUUK, GREENLAND, May 17, 2024 /CNW/ – Get ready for an extraordinary journey like no other! Canadian North and Air Greenland are thrilled to announce a new travel experience that bridges culture, business, and tourism between Greenland and Canada.
Malik Hegelund Olsen – Executive Chairman, Air Greenland, Shelly De Caria – President & CEO, Canadian North, Jacob Nitter Sørensen – CEO Air Greenland, Johnny Adams – Executive Chairman, Canadian North (CNW Group/Canadian North)
This summer from June 26 to October 23, Air Greenland and Canadian North will offer direct interline flights every Wednesday between Nuuk, the capital of Greenland and Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut. Montreal, Kuujjuaq and Ottawa travellers will also enjoy same-day service to and from Nuuk via Iqaluit, making it easier than ever to reach the heart of Greenland’s charm.
While on board, passengers will experience the warm embrace of Arctic hospitality with exceptional inflight service:
Air Greenland Dash 8(Iqaluit ↔ Nuuk) – a complimentary fresh and delicious sandwich prepared by Kylling og Co., perfectly paired with coffee, tea and water.
Canadian North 737 (Ottawa ↔ Iqaluit / Montreal ↔ Iqaluit / Kuujjuaq ↔ Iqaluit) – complimentary hot meal and beverage service, topped off with a warm cookie and ‘special coffee’.
This exciting interline partnership between Canadian North and Air Greenland enables a seamless journey through Greenland, Southern Canada, Nunavut, and Nunavik, with just one ticket purchase.
The launch of this route is a continuation of the 2022 agreement between Nunavut and Greenland, to increase cooperation in the areas of culture, education, fisheries and green energy, and, to pave the way for better mobility. The latter is now becoming a reality. This route will enhances Arctic connectivity and allow passengers to travel between Northern Canada and Greenland without needing to travel south first.
“Our mission is to lift Greenland, and with the opening of the route to Iqaluit, we will greatly contribute to further opening up the country for cooperation with our cousins and neighbours to the west. The desire to visit each other in the Arctic region has increased since the last scheduled flight between the two capitals in 2014. We believe that the time and the local market are now right to resume the route”, says Malik Hegelund Olsen, Executive Chairman of Air Greenland.
“We’re excited to boost tourism, encourage regional and cultural collaboration, and drive economic development through this groundbreaking partnership,” says Shelly De Caria, President and CEO of Canadian North. “The launch of this route highlights Canadian North’s commitment to fostering connections between communities and deepening cultural ties.”
“Canadian North and Air Greenland have been working towards connecting our two regions since January, 2020, when we signed a letter of intent. This work has continued despite being temporarily delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Johnny Adams, Executive Chairman of Canadian North. “We are very excited that this route is launching, connecting the circumpolar region.
“I am very pleased that we have succeeded in establishing a collaboration with Canadian North, so that travellers in the future can easily book tickets all the way to three additional destinations in the region. It will be exciting to follow the development, and we look forward to both sending residents westwards and receiving guests from both Nunavut, Nunavik and Canada”, says Air Greenland’s CEO, Jacob Nitter Sørensen.
Flights will be operated between Nuuk and Iqaluit with Air Greenland Dash 8 aircraft, with same-day connections to Ottawa, Kuujjuaq and Montreal by Canadian North 737 jets.
The flight time between Nuuk and Iqaluit is approximately 2 hours, with a 2-hour time zone difference.
Westbound flight departs Nuuk (GOH) at 14:55 (2:55 pm local) and arrives in Iqaluit (YFB) at 14:00 (2:00 pm local)
Eastbound flight departs Iqaluit (YFB) at 15:15 (3:15 pm local) and arrives in Nuuk (GOH) at 20:15 (8:15 pm local)
Canadian North is a 100% Inuit-owned airline that connects people and delivers essential goods throughout Canada’s North – safely, reliably and always with friendly and caring customer service. Canadian North Airlines services 25 communities within the Northwest Territories, Nunavik and Nunavut, along with Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, and now extending its service to Nuuk, Greenland through an interline partnership with Air Greenland – with a versatile fleet of Boeing 737, ATR 42 and ATR 72 Freighter aircraft. Canadian North is also the premier charter services provider for large resource sector clients requiring dependable, efficient and economical fly-in/fly-out air service and it operates flights across North America and beyond for sports teams, cruise lines, tour operators and many others. Canadian North is wholly owned by Makivik Corporation and Inuvialuit Development Corporation.
About Air Greenland
Air Greenland, a fully Greenlandic-owned airline. Serving 65 destinations throughout Greenland, we offer international flights to Denmark, Iceland, and Canada with our versatile fleet of fixed-wing planes and helicopters. We operate year-round, serving passengers and delivering essential supplies and mail. To remote settlements and towns across our land, we are a lifeline. Our fleet and crews are specially designed and trained to handle the harsh Arctic conditions, ensuring safe and comfortable flights for every passenger. We remain dedicated to reducing environmental impact through fleet renewal, fuel efficiency, and CO2 reduction.
Fleet: 1 Airbus A330-800, 8 Dash 8 Q200, 7 Airbus H155, 4 Airbus H125, 7 Airbus AS350, 1 King Air, and 2 Airbus H225.
Ensuring our customers and their cargo arrive safely at their destination is the cornerstone of Canadian North customer service. With the resurgence of travel and heightened demand, we have experienced a significant surge in passengers wishing to carry on and check multiple bags. This trend has resulted in bumped baggage, flight delays and even fewer available seats.
As a 100% Inuit-owned airline, we understand that a lack of access to affordable products in the North sometimes means transporting extra items up via passenger flight. Unfortunately, because of capacity and weight regulations, that has meant not all bags reach their destination when their owners do. Our priority is to right-size the amount of checked bags we check in relation to our actual aircraft capacity.
With this in mind, we will be updating our checked baggage policies:
Revised checked baggage allowances for our Flex and Super-Flex fares.
Updated fees for excess, oversized and overweight baggage.
New process for passengers to prioritize their most important checked baggage items.
Maximum of 3 bags that can be checked in at the counter.
Additional bags must be transported separately as cargo.
Revised checked baggage benefits for Aurora Concierge members.
Unlike the checked baggage policies of other airlines, our lowest-price Saver fare will continue to include one free checked bag.*
These changes, like those implemented by other airlines, will also help keep fare prices down in the face of rising operational, fuel, staffing costs, as well as overall inflation.
We look forward to the improved checked baggage service we will be able to offer and expect to see an overall improvement to our on-time performance and customer service.
Please visit our website for a complete description of our new policies at canadiannorth.com/baggage.
KANATA, ON, May 10, 2024 /CNW/ – Canadian North proudly announces a significant stride in advancing pilot training in Canada. A state-of-the-art Boeing 737NG Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) will begin operations in August 2024 at our new training centre in Edmonton, Alberta.
The aviation industry in Canada faces a pressing challenge due to the increased demand for pilots and the simulator training they require. With many training facilities operating at near-maximum capacity, Canadian pilots must sometimes travel to alternate locations, including to the United States, to earn or maintain their proficiency.
Canadian North’s latest initiative addresses this critical gap head-on, adding essential pilot training capacity in-country. Housed in Canadian North’s new 30,000-square-foot training facility in Edmonton, our latest-generation 737NG FFS ensures reliable access for pilots to invaluable training sessions. From mastering flight deck procedures, including emergency checklists, to performing a variety of flying scenarios, this simulator serves as an indispensable tool for pilots to develop and hone their skills.
“Our investment in the latest Boeing 737NG Flight Simulator in Edmonton, underscores Canadian North’s unwavering commitment to pilot proficiency and safety,” said Shelly De Caria, Canadian North President & CEO. “With this cutting-edge facility, we empower our pilots with the tools they need to continue to safely deliver for our customers.”
“Everything in the aviation industry is done with safety and security top of mind, and increased pilot training is a key element to the success of the industry,” said Myron Keehn, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport (YEG). “This flight simulator and training centre is a huge milestone for not only the Edmonton Region, but also the industry as a whole, and we’re pleased to be part of this journey with Canadian North.”
With the addition of the new simulator, Canadian North will have the capacity to meet all its Boeing 737NG training requirements as the Company continues to upgrade and modernize its fleet. The facility will also have additional capacity to service other 737NG operators and airlines.
To reserve simulator training times, interested parties can make requests through Canadian North’s official website or by reaching out via email at flightsim@canadiannorth.com.
Canadian North is a 100% Inuit-owned airline that connects people and delivers essential goods throughout Canada’s North – safely, reliably and always with friendly and caring customer service. Canadian North Airlines services 25 communities within the Northwest Territories, Nunavik and Nunavut, along with Ottawa, Montreal and Edmonton, with a versatile fleet of Boeing 737, ATR 42 and ATR 72 Freighter aircraft. Canadian North is also the premier charter services provider for large resource sector clients requiring dependable, efficient and economical fly-in/fly-out air service and it operates flights across North America and beyond for sports teams, cruise lines, tour operators and many others. Canadian North is wholly owned by Makivik Corporation and Inuvialuit Development Corporation.
23 April 2024 – Canadian North Operations Update – Starting June 2nd, as part of our ongoing commitment to service the North and our National Fleet Renewal Strategy, we’re offering twice weekly jet service Montreal-Kuujjuaq-Iqaluit aboard our new 737-700! Experience a higher level of comfort and convenience with spacious seats, larger overhead bins, and in-seat power USB outlets.
We’re also offering complimentary food and beverage service, so you can experience the best of Canadian North’s hospitality as you travel from Montreal to Iqaluit in less than 4 hours!
About Canadian North
Canadian North is a 100% Inuit-owned airline that connects people and delivers essential goods throughout Canada’s North – safely, reliably and always with friendly and caring customer service. Canadian North Airlines services 25 communities within the Northwest Territories, Nunavik and Nunavut, along with Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, and now extending its service to Nuuk, Greenland through an interline partnership with Air Greenland – with a versatile fleet of Boeing 737, ATR 42 and ATR 72 Freighter aircraft. Canadian North is also the premier charter services provider for large resource sector clients requiring dependable, efficient and economical fly-in/fly-out air service and it operates flights across North America and beyond for sports teams, cruise lines, tour operators and many others. Canadian North is wholly owned by Makivik Corporation and Inuvialuit Development Corporation. canadiannorth.com
