Air Canada has announced that it has been awarded the Gold Level Certification by the Toronto-based nonprofit, Excellence Canada.
The award recognises the Airline’s extensive investment into Mental Health and Wellbeing strategies and initiatives, including their Unlock the Best in You (UBY) programme, as well as Mental First Aid programme. Initially created in the 2022, so far 900 employees have undertaken Mental First Aid programme, which offers employees training and certification in the skills needed to support colleagues in times of need.
Dr Jim Chung, Chief Medical Officer at Air Canada, said in a statement,
“I am incredibly proud of Air Canada for achieving the Excellence Canada – Gold Level Certification. This recognition highlights our deep commitment to fostering a mentally healthy workplace culture where wellness is not just a program but an integral part of who we are and part of our daily lives. Through engagement and innovation, we are able to ensure that the mental and physical well-being of our employees and their families remain at the forefront of everything we do.”
Staff, as well as their families, have access to unlimited confidential mental health support and advice. Meanwhile, the airline also offers a Mental Health 360 workshop, as well as promoting employees to ‘Mental Health Champions’.
The Unlock the Best in You programme has opened offices in Montreal and Toronto, where staff can receive guidance on Mental Health resources, as well as advice on any further initiatives and programmes that may also be of value to them. Meanwhile, along with Winnipeg, staff at Montreal and Toronto have access to a ‘physical wellness centre’ to also get physical support.
The Canada Awards for Excellence were formed in 1984, and recognises outstanding achievements by public, private and not-for-profit sectors. It is not the first award Air Canada have received this year, winning similar accolades at the InsideOut awards earlier this year.
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, as well as being the nation’s flag carrier. Air Canada is also a founding member of Star Alliance – along with Lufthansa, Thai Airways, and United Airlines. Star Alliance is now the largest airline alliance, making up 17.4% of the total market share, and now encompasses twenty five airlines across the world.
The Airline, with hubs based in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, offers direct flights to 180 destinations in North America and the rest of the world.
Alongside its standard passenger service, Air Canada operates, Air Canada Cargo, Express, and Jets (its private jet charter), along with Air Canada Rouge.
Do airlines winning awards like this influence your decision on booking with the carrier? Let us know in the comments below!
