Many people seem to be under the impression that it falls solely upon the In-Charge or the Captain to file reports for incidents on behalf of the entire crew, including but not limited to disruptive passengers.

Don’t assume that someone else has reported an incident that affects your health and safety or that of your colleagues.

Don’t assume that someone else’s report captures your specific experience, concerns and observations related to an incident. These might be crucial to avoiding repeat events!

Under SMS and the Canada Labour Code Part II, it is every employee’s responsibility to report matters of health and safety to the company. The company has a safety and reporting policy that is non-punitive,  except for cases of unlawfulness, gross negligence and willful intent (see your manual chapter 1).

Remember that at ML, your employee health and safety representatives are only copied on health and safety complaints and workplace injury illness e-reports. Other reports (CAB, DPAX etc…), may be provided but will be heavily de-identified, preventing any follow-up with you, the worker.

The SIMS/AQD reporting system can be accessed:

• Via the in-charge iPad AQD app (ML) – Ensure to identify who the actual reporter is in your report.
• By going to sims.aircanada.ca on any computer (ML)
• The e-reporting app (ML): ePub>Admin. Procedures>Cabin Mobility>iMenu>eReporting app
• By going to Aeronet>Safety>To submit a safety or security report (ML) or Aeronet> AQD portal  (Rouge)

The web-based system is often not compatible with mobile browsers. You should contact your base health and safety manager should you require further assistance, and never hesitate to reach out to the Union who can facilitate this connection.

Find it hard to remember how to contact the Union? Your Union Health and Safety Committee has taken note. We’re pleased to introduce an easy way to keep our contact information on hand using a tool you bring to work every day: your passport!

The Air Canada Component of CUPE passport cover is slim, water-resistant, and tear-resistant. It also blocks RFID signals.

We hope that you will enjoy this useful tool and use it to engage with the Union.

Here’s how to get a passport holder:
• We’ll be out and about in the airports handing them out to crews.
• Stop by your Union Local and Health and Safety offices to say hi!

Please join us in a moment of silence to honour our CUPE colleagues who lost their lives at work in 2023, as well as the thousands of workers from all industries who suffered workplace injuries or deaths while on the job.

Jennifer Doucette, CUPE Local 1630, Manitoba
Steven Seekins, CUPE Local 374, British Columbia.

The National Day of Mourning began as a CUPE initiative, led by Safety Director Colin Lambert who had worked as a steelworker and miner. It was passed at the National Convention in 1985, and by the Canada Labour Congress in 1986. The goals were simple: raise awareness of workers killed or injured on the job. In doing so, we are encouraged to improve health and safety legislation, raise awareness of worker rights, and improve working conditions.

In 1991 a private members bill was passed in the House of Commons officially marking April 28^th as a National Day of Mourning.

As workers in a safety-sensitive industry, we must never let our guard down. Never feel embarrassed, ashamed or afraid of asking questions or raising concerns. Workplace safety systems depend on this. It is our RIGHT and our RESPONSIBILITY.

As safety leaders, we regularly engage our colleagues in management on tough issues. We sometimes raise uncomfortable questions and challenge assumptions as well as established practices. Recognizing that excellence isn’t a finite goal but rather an ongoing journey is crucial to sustaining a culture of safety and continuous improvement in any organization.

You can learn more about the history of the National Day of Mourning and progress in workplace safety here:

CUPE Counterpoint article

CCOHS Day of Mourning page