Captain Christina Thomson ALPA Scholarship
This scholarship supports and empowers women leaders pursuing careers in aviation.
Who Was Captain Christina Thomson?
The scholarship honours the legacy of longtime ALPA volunteer Captain Christina Thomson, who tragically lost her life in December 2023.
Captain Thomson played an integral role in helping her pilot group secure representation with the Association in 2017. She served as the WestJet Master Executive Council’s (MEC) first secretary-treasurer and later transitioned to the MEC’s Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee, where she served as chair for the most recent round of contract negotiations. Prior to WestJet, Christina flew for Sunwest Aviation, Perimeter Aviation, and Jazz Aviation.
Following her death, a campaign was launched by her family in collaboration with the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) to create a scholarship that supports and empowers women leaders pursuing careers in aviation.
Requirements:
Applicants are Canadian citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a post-secondary aviation (fixed-wing) program at a college, university, or flight school. Applicants must have an aviation Category One Medical certificate and have completed a solo flight.
Scholarship Amount:
Each recipient will receive up to CAD $5,000.
Renewal:
The scholarship is not automatically renewable, but the successful 2025 recipients may reapply for the 2026 and 2027 scholarships, along with other candidates.
Submission Deadline:
Please complete this online application form before midnight (EST) on January 31, 2026.
Selection Committee and Timeline:
The Selection Committee will be composed of Northern Lights Aero Foundation members, ALPA representatives, and the Thomson family. Successful applicants will be notified via email by March 15, 2026.
What Type of Personal Information Is Collected?
We collect name, address, email address, phone number, personal financial information, proof of Canadian citizenship/permanent residency, and an aviation Category One Medical certificate.
We also collect information on post-secondary studies.
Why Is This Personal Information Collected?
We need this information to:
- Identify you
- Contact you about the results of your application
- Keep a register of past applicants
- Demonstrate that you meet the financial need requirement
How Is This Personal Information Protected?
This information is stored in Northern Lights Aero Foundation systems with appropriate safeguards. Only the person receiving the applications will have access to all personal information. Selection Committee members are the only ones authorized to consult and use the information.
How Long Do We Retain This Information?
We retain all information for the duration of the selection process. Once the winners are selected, the information will be kept for one year in the event that a scholarship recipient discontinues their studies and we must select another candidate. The information will be deleted after one year.
For questions or technical issues please email scholarship@northernlightsaerofoundation.com.
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