Social sustainability
Building community
As part of our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) leadership, social impact is a vital component of our decision making. Our airport is committed to taking action that improves the greater community.
We approach diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) with a simple and meaningful goal – to create an Airport for Everyone. This includes employees, passengers, airlines, business partners and everyone in our community. To learn about our DEI work, please click here.
As a leader in our community, we are taking action to underline our belief that diversity is a strength and creating an inclusive space is both a privilege and a responsibility.
We believe everyone should have a barrier-free and accessible travel experience at our airport. We continue to make significant strides to improve accessibility and make travel through YEG a better experience for everyone.
Investing in our community
Our Community Investment Program supports organizations, initiatives and events that build community spirit, provide long-term benefits and enhance the region’s quality of life.
One of the ways we support our community partners is through in-kind sponsorship. YEG is a prime location for community organizations to spread their messages to a large audience. We prioritize projects, groups, and events that focus on aviation education and heritage, as well as tourism and trade promotion.
We support nearly 100 charities each year, give tens of thousands of dollars to many important causes, invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in small business and provide in-kind support to community events.
Showcasing local talent
We take our tagline — we’ll move you — literally and figuratively. One of the ways we move people is through music and art.
Supporting community events and festivals
YEG provides financial and promotional support to community organizations and initiatives that help make our community a great place to live, work and play. With the support of our partners over the years, YEG has raised over $1.1 Million for local Edmonton and area charities through our annual Charity Golf Classic.
We have been long-time supporters and participants in many of Edmonton’s premier festivals and events, such as the Edmonton Heritage Festival, Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Taste of Edmonton and many others.
Sustainable procurement
We recognize the importance of our supply chain and look to use our purchasing power to buy what has the best value for the company, as well as eco and social consciousness. We are expanding our efforts in this space and aim to promote local businesses with diverse ownership.
Bolstering Indigenous tourism
In December 2022, Edmonton Airports signed a formal partnership with Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding outlining our commitment to bolstering the Indigenous tourism economy. This MOU solidifies our commitment to work together to bring Indigenous stories, traditions and truth to our region and beyond. Edmonton Airports and ITA agree to the common goals of growing the visitor economy, supporting the economic and cultural vitality of Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation through the development and marketing of Indigenous tourism experiences in Alberta. It will focus on partnerships and reconciliation, connections between the two organizations and associated businesses, and building awareness for Indigenous tourism opportunities.
Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre – first for airports in Canada
In November 2022, YEG welcomed a first for airports in Canada: an immersive Indigenous experience and retail space open year-round. The Indigenous Interpretative and Retail Centre demonstrates our commitment to cultural and economic reconciliation and being an Airport for Everyone. The Centre is located next to Gate 64 in the International/Domestic Departures Lounge and was authentically and thoughtfully designed and created, with the guidance of an Elders and Knowledge Keepers Circle, with representation from Treaties Six and Eight, the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Settlements General Council, the Dene Nation, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Inuit Communities in Edmonton.
Learn more about our ESG initiatives
Our community counts on Edmonton Airports to steward our assets sustainably and responsibly. ESG principles and practice help guide our decision-making and are interwoven with our mandate to generate economic prosperity for the region. Learn more about all of our ESG initiatives here.