Canadian North

New Owners, New Government Contract, New Negotiations

The pilots of Canadian North had a busy 2025, which began with Exchange Income Corporation (EIC) announcing it was entering into an agreement to acquire the airline. The deal closed in July, resulting in Canadian North becoming the seventh EIC aviation property with ALPA-represented pilots.

During a spring Master Executive Council (MEC) meeting, pilot leaders updated the group’s strategic plan to prepare for the next round of contract negotiations later in the year.

In July, the pilots welcomed the good news that the government of Nunavut had signed a 10-year contract with the company for air transport services that include duty travel, medical travel, and cargo carriage. The agreement, which has an option for an additional five years, provides stability for the airline and ensures the continuity of services for Nunavut’s residents.

In September, ALPA sent management a Notice to Bargain that initiated negotiations for the pilot group’s seventh collective agreement. Canadian North pilots embrace the unique technical skillset to operate in the challenging weather conditions and terrain of the Canadian Arctic. The MEC is confident a collaborative agreement with management can be reached that delivers industry-standard wages and supports long-term pilot retention.

From COVID-19 lockdowns, travel restrictions, and the rapidly changing economic reality of our industry, our JNC undertook the mammoth task of evaluating and comparing existing agreements and expectations to create a new collective agreement that is industry-leading and will benefit all pilots of the new, unified group.

Canadian North MEC