As Chair of the NAV CANADA Advisory Committee (NCAC), I am honored to provide an update on the key achievements of the past year and outline our priorities for the year ahead.
Reflecting on 2024
The past year was pivotal for NAV CANADA as it navigated critical priorities. Focused efforts on recruitment, enhanced training programs, and advanced technologies are welcomed by the committee and we anticipate these efforts will contribute to increased safety and service levels for customers.
Sustainability took centre stage in 2024, with milestones such as NAV CANADA’s commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and active participation in Canada’s Aviation Climate Action Plan. These initiatives have reinforced the organization’s dedication to reducing aviation emissions, aligning with global sustainability benchmarks, and demonstrating leadership in environmental responsibility.
Technological modernization has also been a cornerstone of progress. Projects like the Vancouver Airspace Modernization and the implementation of digital aerodrome air traffic services (DAATS) in Kingston will redefine future operational capabilities.
Priorities for 2025
As we enter 2025, the NCAC remains focused on collaborating with NAV CANADA to address industry challenges and seize emerging opportunities. Our priorities center on three key themes:
1. People and Workforce Development
Addressing staffing needs and fostering a culture of innovation remain top priorities. NAV CANADA’s success depends on its people, and initiatives like the partnership between CAE and NAV CANADA and “Leaders of the Future” are essential for building a safe, resilient and skilled workforce.
2. Technological Innovation and Operational Resilience
The continued rollout of modernization initiatives, such as trajectory-based operations, space-based surveillance, and digital air traffic services, will drive operational efficiency and safety. The NCAC is committed to supporting these advancements by evaluating their impact, ensuring alignment with safety standards, and providing recommendations for their implementation.
3. Sustainability and Environmental Leadership
NAV CANADA’s commitment to environmental action continues to be critical. The NCAC will support ongoing efforts to optimize flight paths, leverage data-driven emission-reduction strategies, and align with global sustainability goals. These efforts reflect the organization’s pledge to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining operational excellence.
Collaborative Engagement
In 2025, the NCAC will continue its structured engagement plan with three key meetings: an in-person session during the AGM in Ottawa, a facility tour in Montreal in June, and an online session in alignment with the Board’s Safety Committee meeting in October. These engagements will ensure a consistent dialogue with the Board and NAV CANADA leadership, enabling us to adapt to the dynamic needs of the industry.
Commitment to Excellence
The NCAC remains dedicated to its mission of supporting NAV CANADA in achieving the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and innovation. On behalf of the NCAC, I thank NAV CANADA’s leadership and employees for their unwavering commitment to advancing the organization’s strategic objectives and positioning it as a global leader in air navigation.
We look forward to collaborating with the Board and stakeholders in the year ahead as we continue to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable skies for all.
Sincerely,
Anthony Norejko
Chairman
NAV CANADA Advisory Committee
Non-Commercial User Association
Anthony Norejko (Chair), Canadian Business Aviation Association
Regional Aviation Associations
Robert Astwood (Vice Chair), Manitoba Aviation Council
Heather Bell (Secretary), British Columbia Aviation Council
Doug Francoeur, Alberta Aviation Council
Bernard Gervais, Northern Air Transport Association
Jeff Halstrom, Saskatchewan Aviation Council
National Airports Association
Kathleen Henderson, Canadian Airports Council
Air Transport Association of Canada
Les Aalders, Air Transport Association of Canada
Foreign Air Operators Associations
Jeff Miller, International Air Transport Association
Jeff Rehaluk, Airlines for America
Commercial User Association
Capt. Rod Graham, National Airlines Council of Canada
National Helicopter Association
Trevor Mitchell, Helicopter Association of Canada
Professional Pilots Associations
Peter Black, Air Line Pilots Association, International
Capt. Daniel Cadieux, Air Canada Pilots Association
Recreational, Non-Commercial Aviation Association
James (Jim) Ferrier, Canadian Owners and Pilots Association
Regional Airports Associations
Duane Riddell, Airport Management Council of Ontario
Unions
Nick von Schoenberg, Canadian Air Traffic Controllers Association (CATCA), Unifor Local 5454
Paul Cameron, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 2228
Elizabeth O'Hurley, Air Traffic Specialists Association of Canada (ATSAC), Unifor Local 2245
Member-at-Large
William Stewart, Regional Community Airports of Canada