Canadian North

Canadian North Pilots
A Canadian North B-737 takes off from Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. Photo: S. Potter

At A Glance

Pilots joined ALPA: 2008

Number of pilots/flightcrew members: 235

Pilot bases: Ottawa, Ont.; Yellowknife, N.W.T.; and Edmonton and Calgary, Alb.

Hubs/key markets: The Canadian Arctic and industrial charters for the oil and gas sector

Headquarters: Ottawa, Ont.

Operations: Canadian North operates scheduled passenger and cargo service throughout the Canadian Arctic, providing workforce transportation for the oil and gas industry and ad-hoc charters in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Fleet: B-737s and ATR 42s/72s


Following the merging of the First Air and Canadian North Master Executive Councils (MECs) in 2023, the focus of the Canadian North pilots has been creating a united pilot group. In January, the pilots elected new MEC officers. This was followed by elections for new local representatives in Local Executive Councils 222, 240, and 241. The new MEC has prioritized establishing committees and recruiting and training ALPA volunteers.

The MEC chose the identifier CNB to represent Canadian North and honor the history of Bradley Air Services Ltd., the company founded by Russ Bradley in 1946. For more than 77 years, Canadian North and Bradley Air Services have served as the leader in Arctic air transportation.

Over the past year, the MEC has enhanced its communication activities by establishing its social media presence, using ALPA’s DART system, and increasing pilot engagement through new tools like TextCaster and its “Contract Explained” marketing and internal communication campaign. Through DART, the pilots can send questions directly to the right person within the MEC. Additional pilot engagement activities are planned for the months ahead as the pilot group continues building unity. The MEC has also begun developing a strategic plan in preparation for the 2025 negotiations and anything that may arise sooner.

In December, Canadian North announced that Shelly De Caria had been appointed president and CEO, the first Inuk to hold this position. The MEC looks forward to working with her and building a productive relationship as the pilot group seeks to increase pilot compensation and improve quality of life.

A Canadian North B-737 in the sky over Calgary International Airport. Photo: Matthew E. Capina