Air Canada Achieves Gold Mental Health Certification

Excellence Canada Honors Air Canada with Gold Award

Excellence Canada has awarded Air Canada Gold Level certification in the Mental Health at Work category. The airline is dedicated to changing the lives of its workers by offering the tools, instruction, and assistance required to increase mental health awareness.

"I am incredibly proud of Air Canada for achieving the Excellence Canada - Gold Level Certification. This recognition highlights our deep commitment to fostering a mentally healthy workplace culture where wellness is not just a program but an integral part of who we are and part of our daily lives. Through engagement and innovation, we can ensure that the mental and physical well-being of our employees and their families remain at the forefront of everything we do," said Dr. Jim Chung, Chief Medical Officer at Air Canada.

Unlock the Best in You (UBY) is a comprehensive health and wellness program that Air Canada offers its workers. Since the company started a Mental Health First Aid program in 2022, more than 900 staff members have obtained certifications, equipping them with the knowledge and abilities to help their coworkers in times of need.

Telemedicine and unrestricted, private counselling are available to all Canadian-based employees and their families, offering easy access to medical assistance. Additionally, Air Canada launched a Mental Health Champions program and a Mental Health 360 session for all coworkers.

The UBY team at Air Canada has also established resource centres in Montreal and Toronto where staff members may receive information on mental health resources as well as other programs and initiatives that are accessible to them. Additionally, the airline provides wellness centres for regular exercise to its employees in Winnipeg, Toronto, and Montreal.

Established in 1984, the Canada Awards for Excellence is a yearly awards program honouring exceptional accomplishments by businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits from coast to coast in Canada. To be eligible for an award, an organization must apply for certification of its practices, policies, and culture within Excellence Canada's progressive excellence frameworks—created in partnership with professionals and industry associations. Organizations that want to succeed must show that all stakeholders are involved in the program's progressive implementation and iteration. Air Canada took home the InsideOut award for Best Mental Health Program earlier this year.