After numerous discussions and experiences of racist events unfolding in our workplace, here in Canada and around the world, we would like to introduce you to the Air Canada Component Diversity Committee.

What is Diversity? In simple words, it is understanding that we are all unique individuals with individual differences. We can reap the benefits and unleash the power of Diversity only once we recognize our differences and respect and value one another, irrelevant of our backgrounds.

The Diversity committee will aim to illuminate the challenges and opportunities that arise when individuals from different backgrounds come together in the workplace. We will also highlight the experiences of disenfranchised populations as well as our cultural strengths in order to promote empowerment.

Moreover, we will encourage the employer to develop comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategies, including but not limited to cultural awareness campaigns, employee and leadership Diversity & Inclusion training, accessibility to development opportunities etc.

The Diversity Committee will be committed to supporting and helping our members to flourish within their role and to see themselves represented in the workplace.

Air Canada’s People, Culture and Communications branch has launched their first Diversity and inclusion survey that is intended to guide them in their efforts to foster an inclusive environment where our members of diverse backgrounds can thrive. We are hopeful that the feedback to the survey will help the company to find ways to ensure that they include the voices of our members who might otherwise be marginalized.

They will be analyzing the results across a wide spectrum of demographics, such as race/ethnicity, gender, age, religion etc.

We believe that this is a positive step in the right direction and strongly encourage you to participate as they are looking to gather as much feedback as they can about the collective experience of those working within the company. Your responses will remain confidential.
The survey was sent to all employees via their Air Canada email. Please check your inbox for the survey.  You can complete and submit your survey by 11:59 PM EST, Tuesday, November 10, 2020.

Our newly formed committee looks forward to what we can collectively accomplish. We will create a mandate that can stimulate meaningful change and respect for all members and to create a culture within our ranks that is built on respect for one another.

Please feel free to reach out to the Committee Chairperson, Dionne Solomon at diversity@accomponent.ca. I am very pleased to take on this role and hope that this committee can influence meaningful change within our workplace and beyond.

“Diversity is a reality created by individuals and groups from a broad spectrum of demographic and philosophical differences. Diversity, broadly defined, describes a range of personal experiences, values, and world views that arise from differences in culture and circumstance. These differences include race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and geographic region, among others. It is extremely important to support and protect diversity because by valuing individuals and groups free from prejudice and by fostering a climate where equity and mutual respect are intrinsic, we will create a success-oriented cooperative, and caring community that draws intellectual strength and produces innovative solutions from the synergy of our people.”
North Carolina State’s Diversity Definition as adopted on Nov. 12, 1997, by the Administrative Council

In Solidarity,

Your Component Diversity Committee