The Aviation Inclusivity Summit is a national, first-of-its-kind forum dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across Canada's aviation industry. Taking place October 5 and 6, 2026 at NAV CANADA headquarters in Ottawa, the Summit is organized by Canadian Aviation Pride (CAP) alongside partner organizations Black Aviation Professionals Network (BAPN), Elevate Aviation, Northern Lights Aero Foundation (NLAF), and Urban Pilots and Professionals Network (UPN), with NAV CANADA serving as Presenting Sponsor and Host. This coalition of five national aviation organizations represents a collective commitment to building a more inclusive industry for everyone.

The Summit brings together aviation professionals, industry leaders, and advocates from across Canada for two days of dialogue, learning, and action. Attendees will span the full breadth of the industry, including pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers, AMEs, and executives, alongside students and emerging professionals just beginning their aviation journeys.

The Summit program is centred around the theme "Change Takes Courage, Community, and Commitment," and is structured around four thematic pillars that reflect the shared priorities of all partner organizations. Each pillar is grounded in the courage to name and confront systemic barriers, the community required to sustain that work across organizations and sectors, and the commitment to move beyond policy into action that is practical, measurable, and lasting.

Getting In the Door focuses on recruitment, pathways, and removing structural barriers to entry across underrepresented communities in Canadian aviation.

Turning Policy into Culture addresses retention, workplace culture, ERG effectiveness, and authentic inclusion that goes beyond tokenism.

Navigating Systems examines regulatory and institutional barriers, including medical examinations, licensing, and accreditation processes, that disproportionately affect equity-deserving groups.

Accountability and Action moves beyond policy commitments to measurable outcomes, industry benchmarking, and corporate accountability frameworks.

The Summit is a 1.5 day event, beginning Monday, October 5 at 1:00 PM and running through the evening of Tuesday, October 6. Programming includes keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and breakout sessions organized around the Summit's four pillars.

Day One - Monday, October 5:

The Summit opens in the afternoon with welcome remarks and a keynote address, followed by breakout sessions covering ERGs, student and early career pathways, diversity across aviation careers, and navigating microaggressions in the workplace. The day continues with a fireside chat on mental health and human factors, before closing remarks and an attendees only reception.

Day Two - Tuesday, October 6:

The day opens with a panel grounding the accountability conversation in real world examples, followed by a repeat of Monday's breakout sessions. After lunch and breakout report backs, a keynote address leads into an afternoon plenary, followed by the Trans Voices in Aviation panel. The Summit closes with final remarks and a reception with the wider aviation industry and government, taking place against the backdrop of a landmark week for Canadian aviation, with Aviation Day Canada set for October 8 in Ottawa.

The full agenda with exact times, session details, and confirmed speakers will be published on a rolling basis closer to the Summit.

Travelling in from outside the National Capital Region? Discounted hotel rooms and a reduced Air Canada fare have been arranged to make getting to Ottawa easier.

Flying In

Thanks to Air Canada, Summit attendees can save 10% to 18% off the best available fare, depending on class of service, using discount code GEVX6M31 when booking through aircanada.com or with Air Canada's reservations line.

Hotels

The Arlo Hotel - Book your room here
88 Albert Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5E9
Book by September 4 to receive the group rate

Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre - Book your room here
101 Lyon Street North, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 5T9
Book by September 4 to receive the group rate

The Aviation Inclusivity Summit is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.

Presenting Sponsor and Host

Tuesday Evening Reception Sponsor & Airline Partner

Sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations looking to support this national conversation on inclusion in Canadian aviation. For more information, please contact Fadi El Masry at [email protected].

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