Earlier this year, Air Canada was named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (link: https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2018-03-02-Air-Canada-Named-One-of-Canadas-Best-Diversity-Employers-for-Third-Consecutive-YearExternal site which may not meet accessibility guidelines.) for the third straight year and that diversity was on full display this summer as the airline was involved in a number of Pride activities across the country.
Between June and early September, Air Canada participated in pride events in Toronto, Halifax, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary. Hundreds of employees from Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Vacations and Jazz marched together as one Air Canada in the parades held in each city.
Before the parade in Montreal, the pride flag was raised at the airline’s Montreal headquarters, a sign of its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and acceptance of everyone regardless of their origin, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
“At Air Canada, we see diversity and inclusivity as a strength, and that’s one of the many reasons that we’ve been named one of Canada’s top diversity employers,” said Arielle Meloul, Senior Vice President, People, Culture and Communications at Air Canada.
Air Canada works hard to make sure all employees feel like valued members of the Air Canada family, while ensuring our customers feel safe, comfortable, and respected when they choose to travel with us.
“I’ve been part of the AC family for almost 9 years and I can tell you that I’m very proud to work here. It’s a joy to be able to do your job without worrying about being discriminated or fired for just being who you are. I’m so lucky to be in an environment where diversity and respect for one another is just part of the company’s DNA,” said Mario Rendon, a Web Producer at Air Canada.
“As an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m proud that Air Canada participates in pride activities as it allows me to show my support for my colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+ and demonstrate that Air Canada is an inclusive and accepting place for everyone,” said Carole Park, a Media Manager at Air Canada.
One of the highlights of Air Canada’s involvement with the pride events was the participation of one of Montreal’s favourite drag queens, Madame Simone. She joined in at events across the country in a truly distinctive costume.
And in Montreal, Air Canada was recognized as the best corporate group at the parade this year.
Another important initiative at Air Canada is the environment, and we made sure involvement in the pride events is as green as possible. Electric vehicles were used for each contingent and rather than disposable plastic water bottles, Air Canada provided parade participants with reusable hydration bags.
Air Canada is also involved in a host of other initiatives in the community across the country, including the National Gay Pilots Association, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, Pride At Work, Fondation BBCM, Fondation Métropolis Bleu, Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, People with AIDS Toronto (Red Dress Ball & Bike Rally), Bonham Centre Awards Gala, Pride and Remembrance Run, Sherbourne Health Centre, Egale Canada - LGBTI Human Rights and Gratitude Gala Award.
For more information, go to aircanada.com/pride.
