Inaugural Canadian Airports Safety Week Gets Underway at Two Dozen Airports

OTTAWA, Aug. 24, 2015 /CNW/ - As part of the first-ever Canadian Airports Safety Week, two dozen of Canada's airports are joining forces this week to strengthen awareness of healthy and safe work practices among airport employees. The first program of its kind in the Canadian aviation industry, Canadian Airports Safety Week is an airport-led initiative championed by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and developed in collaboration with 24 participating airports to reach thousands of airport employees through themed displays, discussions and events.

"Safety has always been a top priority for Canada's airports. This week, our airport authorities are making sure their employees are up-to-speed on the many risks and challenges they face working in the airport environment," said Daniel-Robert Gooch, president of the Canadian Airports Council (CAC). "This teamwork among our airports to reinforce safe workplace practices demonstrates our industry's commitment to the safety of all passengers and employees. It's a very worthwhile initiative and one that we would like to see expanded to even more airports next year."

On each day of Canadian Airports Safety Week, which will run from August 24 through August 30, participating airport authorities will be emphasizing various safety themes ranging from hazard reporting, worker safety, security, airside vehicle operations, foreign object debris (FOD), construction safety and security, and environmental concerns. Participating airports will also be hosting a variety of activities throughout the week to promote awareness of these issues. Members of the media interested in covering Canadian Airports Safety Week are encouraged to visit the CAC website at www.cacairports.ca for more information on these participating airports.

About the Canadian Airports Council

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC), a division of Airports Council International-North America, is the voice for Canada's airports community.  Its 48 members represent more than 100 airports, including all of the privately operated National Airports System (NAS) airports and many municipal airports across Canada. CAC members handle virtually all of the nation's air cargo and international passenger traffic, and 95% of domestic passenger traffic.

Canada's airports are independently operated by non-share capital corporations that are fully responsible for self-funding their operating and infrastructure costs. In 2012, Canada's air transportation industry had a $34.9 billion economic footprint, supported 405,000 jobs, and contributed more than $7 billion in federal taxes.

SOURCE Canadian Airports Council

For further information: Gregory Kampf, Canadian Airports Council, 613-560-9302 ext. 15, [e-mail]