Social sustainability
Building community
Our impact on the community is central in our decision making. In our dedication to sustainability, it’s important we take action that improves the greater regional community. We’re doing the right things right for our communities.
We approach diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) with a simple and meaningful goal – to create an Airport for Everyone. This includes employees, passengers, airlines and business partners – everyone in our community. To learn more specifically about our work on DEI please visit here.
As part of our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) leadership, our social commitment is crucial. Our facility aims to be accessible, and we celebrate diversity. 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 in our collaborative recovery. People should feel represented here at Edmonton International Airport. This is part of our long-term commitment to keep learning and improving together with our community, employees, passengers and partners. We look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Investing in our community
Our Community Investment Program supports organizations 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.
Prior to the pandemic, we supported nearly 100 charities each year. We give tens of thousands of dollars in donations to support many important causes, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in investments in small business and in-kind support to community events. Our impact on the community will continue to be central in our decision-making and ESG goals. We look forward to supporting more events in 2023 as the world returns to normal.
For more information, contact Community Investment
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 also 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.
YEG is a supporter and participant in many of Edmonton’s premier festivals and events. A few examples include:
- We are a long-time supporter of the Edmonton Heritage Festival and are pleased to be part of this culturally diverse event that represents over 60 countries
- We are very proud to support Canada’s Armed Services who are honoured every November 11 in YEG’s Remembrance Day ceremonies
- We celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with a cultural showcase featuring dance, music, speeches and a small Indigenous market
Sustainable procurement
We realize the importance of our supply chain. We 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.