May/June 2008

Vision. What is it? Sometimes it is that thing which requires us to wear glasses when we start to age. And sometimes it is the kind of vision that comes from our heads and our hearts. The kind of vision that often requires us to take a leap of faith.

The decision of the Inuit of Nunavut and the Inuvialuit to acquire Canadian North ten years ago was the latter kind of vision. It took foresight and conviction to recognize the importance of Inuit playing a meaningful role in the economic well being of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut by acquiring an essential piece of transportation infrastructure. It was a bold and strategic move that acknowledged the vital importance of air transportation to the growth and development of the north. It also recognized that Inuit needed to control a major airline in order to maximize the employment and monetary return opportunities for many generations to come.

This same vision is now at work in the recent launch of our Dash 8 service between Iqaluit and Pangnirtung, Qikiqtarjuaq, Clyde River, Pond Inlet, Igloolik, Hall Beach and Cape Dorset with ongoing service to Rankin Inlet. This new service is another important milestone on what has been an exciting journey. We embarked on a Community Air Service strategy which began with the introduction of flights to the Kitikmeot in June of 2007. Now we will have the opportunity to service another significant constituency of our shareholders, providing superior service at reduced prices.

And while the vision is important, it takes the dedication and fortitude of many people to turn that vision into reality. For that we have the employees of Canadian North and our many contractors to thank. They have all worked tirelessly for many weeks to pull together the myriad of details necessary to bring safe and reliable air service to these communities. They should be very proud and they are to be applauded.

And finally, the last but by no means least important link in the chain is you, our passengers and customers. We hope that our new Qikiqtani flights will provide you with air service that is beneficial to your work and personal lives. Your unfailing support of Canadian North is truly gratifying and we thank you for your business.

Travel well.
Tracy Medve
President, Canadian North

President's Message Archives

• April 2008
• March 2008
• October 2007
• September/August 2007
• May/June 2007
• April 2007
• March 2007
• January/February 2007
• November/December 2006
• October 2006
• September 2006
• July/August 2006
• May/June 2006