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Tag: Canadian North

  • Canadian North Announces Leadership Transition

    Shelly De Caria Named as Interim President & CEO,
    The First Inuk to Lead Canadian North

    OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 16, 2023 /CNW/ – Canadian North, an Inuit-owned airline, today announced a strategic leadership transition to further reflect its enduring mission to serve in our remote and northern communities in Canada’s Arctic. Effective immediately, Shelly De Caria, current VP for Sales, Marketing & Distribution, will assume the role of Interim President & CEO, marking a historic milestone as the first Inuk to lead Canadian North. Shelly will continue to lead her VP portfolio alongside this new appointment, ensuring a seamless transition and continued focus on improving and delivering service to our communities.

    Born and raised in Kuujjuaq, Québec, Shelly embodies Canadian North’s core values and commitment to community engagement. Before joining Canadian North, she contributed at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, advancing the rights and interests of Canada’s Inuit population. At Canadian North, Shelly has been instrumental in developing a range of community investment programs impacting education, sport, nutrition, and mental health. Her leadership, built over a decade of experience, reflects a dedication to the communities we serve and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in our regions.

    Gratitude is extended to Michael Rodyniuk for his dedication and contributions to Canadian North. Our enduring mission of providing essential services to our remote and northern communities in Canada’s Arctic remains steadfast. The transition to Shelly’s leadership reinforces our commitment to community engagement, service improvement, and adaptability to new challenges, keeping our communities at the heart of our values.

    “We are navigating this leadership transition with a continued focus on community engagement and operational improvement,” said Johnny Adams, Canadian North’s Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Shelly’s extensive experience, notably her pivotal role in community investment, aligns seamlessly with our mission, ensuring our communities continue to be well-served and supported. The Board of Directors and the Executive Team extend their full support to Shelly in her new role as Interim President & CEO.”

    Amidst this leadership transition, we remain fully committed to strategic goals and the well-being of the communities we serve. Further details regarding the leadership transition, including the process and timeline for selecting a new CEO, will be shared as they become available.

    “I am deeply honoured and humbled to step into the role of Interim President & CEO at such a pivotal time for Canadian North. I extend my gratitude to Michael Rodyniuk for his dedication and contributions,” said Shelly De Caria, Canadian North’s Interim President & CEO. “As an Inuk, I am immensely proud to lead an organization that is deeply rooted in community and committed to serving the unique needs in our regions. With the unwavering support of our talented team, I am confident that we will continue to uphold our mission and make a positive impact in the communities we serve. Our enhanced operational focus will ensure timely delivery of scheduled services for passengers and robust cargo operations.”

    About Shelly De Caria

    Canadian North is proud to have Shelly De Caria as its Interim President & CEO, while she continues her role as VP of Sales, Marketing & Distribution. Born and raised in Kuujjuaq, Québec, with Inuktitut as her second language, Shelly exemplifies Canadian North’s core values and unwavering commitment to its Inuit roots and community engagement.

    Prior to joining Canadian North, Shelly made contributions at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, advancing the rights and interests of Canada’s Inuit population. At Canadian North, she has been instrumental in developing a range of community investment programs spanning education, sport, nutrition, and mental health, embodying a holistic approach towards community betterment.

    As VP of Sales, Marketing & Distribution, Shelly has fortified Canadian North’s relationships with stakeholders and customers alike. Her appointment as Interim President & CEO marks a historic milestone as the first Inuk woman to lead Canadian North, reflecting Canadian North’s enduring mission to serve in our remote and northern communities in Canada’s Arctic.

    With over a decade of experience, Shelly’s leadership is a testament to Canadian North’s dedication to serving the unique needs of our regions. As she navigates Canadian North through this strategic leadership transition, her blend of community understanding, and operational expertise ensures Canadian North continues to soar while staying rooted in its mission.

    On a personal note, Shelly cherishes her role as a mother to two amazing children and as a wife, which further enriches her perspective and dedication to community-oriented initiatives.

    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, as well as Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary – 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.

  • Canadian North – Northwest Territories Wildfire Update

    August 17, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – As wildfires continue to threaten the Northwest Territories, Canadian North is unwavering in its commitment to the affected communities. Our immediate focus is on supporting the safety and well-being of these residents. While some airlines have chosen to suspend services, Canadian North has been actively conducting evacuation flights since Monday. Our staff, especially the staff that have stayed behind to assist, have been instrumental in ensuring the safety of these residents.

    Given the current emergency situation in Yellowknife, Canadian North is prioritizing evacuation flights and making necessary adjustments to our regular flight schedules. We appreciate your understanding and patience. All changes to existing flight bookings due to the wildfire situation are being made at no additional fees to our passengers.

    Flights to/from YZF are being cancelled starting tomorrow. Aircraft will be reassigned to other GNWT evacuation efforts.

    All customers affected by these cancellations are eligible for complimentary rebooking, or a full refund to original form of payment. Affected itineraries will be fully cancelled, including connecting flights. Please contact your original booking channel to request rebooking or refund

    If you were on one of those flights, it is cancelled and you need to join the current evacuation process. For information on this process see https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety-1

    Flight numbers that will be canceled:

    Friday August 18, 2023

    • 656 – cancelled
    • 677 – cancelled
    • 658 – cancelled
    • 612/3 – cancelled
    • 238 – operating YEG-YZF only / YRT-YFB legs cancelled
    • 239 – cancelled

    Saturday, August 19, 2023

    • 244/5 – cancelled
    • 248 – cancelled
    • 656 – cancelled
    • 659 – cancelled

    Sunday, August 20, 2023:

    • 232 – cancelled
    • 244/5 – YZF legs only cancelled
    • 249 – cancelled
    • 656 – cancelled
    • 658/9 – cancelled
    • 612/3 – cancelled
    • 608/9 – cancelled

  • Canadian North NEW ROUTE: Arctic Capital Express Launching in June

    May 18, 2023, Kanata ON – Canadian North Airlines is launching a new route, its Arctic Capital Express on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

    The Arctic Capital Express will provide convenient same-day travel between Ottawa, Iqaluit, and Yellowknife in either direction every Tuesday and Thursday, with convenient connections in Edmonton and Calgary to Yellowknife.

    Canadian North passengers will be able to reach their destination in a single day on this direct express route, reducing the need for overnight stops. Enjoy our industry leading inflight hospitality, with complimentary meal and beverage service.

    “We’re focused on improving northern air service, it is our mission to make life better in the communities we serve,” said Michael Rodyniuk, President and CEO of Canadian North. “Our new Arctic Capital Express, will help streamline travel and shipping.”

    Our Arctic Capital Express will provide same-day travel between Ottawa, Iqaluit and Yellowknife. What’s more, this new express route offers a convenient connection to Edmonton and Calgary. 

    • Faster flight: no overnight connections
    • Complimentary meal and beverage service
    • Free checked bag
    No overnight connections
    Get to your destination in 1 day
    Complimentary meal and beverage service
    FREE checked bag

    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, as well as Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary – 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.

  • Canada’s First Female Inuk Jet Captain Pilots Spirit of Yellowknife’s Final Flight

    May 8, 2023 Yellowknife, NWT – It was the end of an era at Canadian North as we bid farewell to the iconic “Spirit of Yellowknife” 737-200 Combi aircraft. The ‘Spirit’ had served Northern communities faithfully and without missing a beat for five decades. The journey began in 1980 when Captain Cecil Hansen first received the aircraft from Boeing Field in Seattle. 

    On Saturday, May 6th, after carrying thousands of passengers and millions of kilos of cargo, the 737-200 completed its final flight from Yellowknife to Cambridge Bay. At the helm was Captain Hansen’s daughter, Captain Dawn MacFarlane. This full circle moment celebrating the “Spirit of Yellowknife” encapsulates the integral role this aircraft had in the Canadian North family. 

    As part of our final farewell to the “Spirit of Yellowknife”, we also celebrate the accomplishments of Dawn MacFarlane, the first female Inuk jet captain. Growing up with her father, Cecil, who was himself the first Inuk jet captain, Dawn was inspired to pursue aviation and later joined Canadian North. 

    Dawn is proud to be a positive example and role model in our Northern Inuit communities and to girl across Canada. “With hard work and determination, you can become whatever you want to be. Never be afraid to fly!” 

    Joining Capt. MacFarlane was Capt. Scott McClements, son of retired Capt. Cal McClements. Both Captains had their fathers on board for the flight, as they both have a history of flying this aircraft. 

    The aircraft landed in Yellowknife being welcomed back one last time with a water cannon salute from the Yellowknife Firefighter Department fit for any retiring crew member. 

    The 737-200 “Spirit of Yellowknife” has had a long, glorious career flying in the Arctic. Pilots will miss flying it; passengers will miss using this aircraft to see their families and friends. Join us in thanking this aircraft for its long-standing service in Arctic Aviation. 

    With the end of an era, we welcome a new beginning by serving our communities with more fuel-efficient ATR 300s. Canadian North will be able to offer a more efficient and reliable service with the newer aircraft, increasing the schedule to serve this community. 

    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, as well as Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton – and now Toronto – with a versatile fleet of Boeing 737 and ATR 42 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.

  • Canadian North fond farewell to our legendary 737-200 “Spirit of Yellowknife” 

    8 May 2023 – A fond farewell to our legendary 737-200 “Spirit of Yellowknife” as it retired on May 6th. With over 40 years of dedicated service to Northern communities, this aircraft has been a cornerstone of Canadian North’s history. 

    Canadian North Photo from Facebook

    Our pilots and crew have countless stories from their time with the 737-200. Captain Richard de Aguayo recalls a time when waiting for takeoff in Las Vegas:

    “We often would be queried about the odd pipes hanging off our engines and the ski on the nose wheel while travelling to the US.

    One time that stands out was waiting for takeoff in a long line at Las Vegas, a fellow pilot with a good southern accent spoke up on the radio and said “hey Canadian, what’s that thing hanging off your nose wheel?” After a quick explanation (trying not to clog the frequency) we got the response “cool!””  (Richard de Aguayo YEG 737 Captain, Training ).

    Facebook Link

  • Government of Canada and Canadian North agree on new terms and conditions of airline merger

    Government of Canada and Canadian North agree on new terms and conditions of airline merger

    Transport Canada

    OTTAWA, ON, April 21, 2023 /CNW/ – From travelling to appointments to helping deliver essential necessities such as food, medicine and other goods, strong, financially stable northern air transportation providers are vital to support vibrant and sustainable communities in the North.

    In 2019, the Government of Canada approved the merger of First Air and Canadian North, subject to several terms and conditions meant to protect the public interest. Since then, the air transportation landscape has changed dramatically due to the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has had a lasting impact on Canadian North’s ability to comply with the existing conditions, while also providing service to northern communities. During the pandemic, Canadian North was exempted from its scheduling obligations, and received $138 million in direct funding from the Government of Canada.

    The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, today announced that the Government of Canada and Canadian North have agreed on new terms and conditions that will allow Canadian North to remain financially viable and sustainable, while continuing to provide required levels of service to rural and remote communities in Northern Canada.

    The Government of Canada and Canadian North have agreed on a profit cap, which will allow them to adjust fares and routes to remain viable without cutting off communities or placing a significant financial burden on northern travellers.

    Examples of the new terms and conditions include:

    • Ensuring that all communities it currently serves continue to receive at least one scheduled flight a week. Further, should the passenger load factors exceed 85 percent on average on any given route for a period of six consecutive months, Canadian North will be expected to adjust its capacity/schedules to be reflective of the increased demand.
    • Limiting average annual regional fare increases for both passenger and cargo transportation to 25 percent within a calendar year.
    • Limiting yearly net profit margins to no more than 10 percent on its scheduled passenger and cargo network (excluding the Edmonton-Yellowknife and Montreal-Kuujjuaq routes), while also allowing the airline to recoup past losses over a 3-year period.
    • Providing information for quarterly auditing by an independent monitor.

    The new agreement also includes regular oversight for the Minister to ensure that the public interest is maintained.

    Quote

    “Canadian North provides an important service to the North, and is the only true full network air carrier in much of the region. These new terms and conditions will ensure northern and remote communities have the access to the air services they need, while at the same time ensuring Canadian North remains a viable service provider.”

    The Honourable Omar Alghabra
    Minister of Transport

    Quick Facts

    • Canadian North is a 100% Inuit-owned airline.
    • Canadian North services 25 communities within the Northwest Territories, Nunavik and Nunavut, as well as Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton and Calgary.
    • All Canadian North aircraft are gravel and ice strip equipped for landing in remote locations.

    Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

  • First Air and Canadian North join forces to better serve Pan-Arctic communities

    OTTAWA, July 6, 2018 /CNW/ – Makivik Corporation (Makivik) and the Inuvialuit Corporate Group (ICG) today announced they have signed an agreement in principle to merge First Air and Canadian North in order to provide the best possible essential air services across the Arctic. Makivik took this initiative to begin the discussion under the new direction of Charlie Watt, Sr.

    Following execution of definitive agreements and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals needed to establish a strong new entity, the proposed Pan-Arctic airline will operate under the name “Canadian North” and aircraft will feature new First Air livery, including its Inukshuk logo. Headquarters for the proposed airline will be located in Ottawa. Both Makivik and IDC recognize the value and potential in the North and in the Alberta market and remain committed to supporting and growing the Alberta presence. The parties expect to complete the merger by the end of 2018.

    We expect this merger will:

    • Improve Arctic air services by offering customers greater reliability, better on-time service, and fewer interruptions;
    • Further enhance safety by enabling newer aircraft across the network, as well as specialization in maintenance of B737 and ATR aircraft;
    • Improve sustainability and efficiency of Arctic air services thus enabling us to more effectively meet demand across our vast service areas while addressing challenges related to pilot shortages; and
    • Contribute to Northern and Inuit economic development by creating a wholly Inuit-owned, new airline focused on Canada’s North.

    “Air service is not a luxury for Northerners; it is a vital lifeline which requires ongoing investment,” said Patrick Gruben, Chair of the Inuvialuit Development Corporation (IDC). “We are proud of Canadian North’s tremendous success while fulfilling its mandate to provide safe, stable air service to customers in Canada’s Northern regions and we look forward to further improving these services in partnership with Makivik Corporation.”

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