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Canadian North officially appoints Shelly De Caria as its first Inuk president and CEO

Canadian North Press Release | December 8, 2023

Estimated reading time 5 minutes, 34 seconds.

Shelly De Caria has been officially appointed Canadian North’s president and CEO. Canadian North Photo

Canadian North, an Inuit-owned airline, announced a significant leadership update, marking a historic milestone in its more than 75-year history of connecting remote and northern communities in Canada’s Arctic. 

Shelly De Caria, previously serving as the interim president and CEO, is now officially appointed as Canadian North’s first Inuk president and CEO.

Born and raised in Kuujjuaq, Que., De Caria’s journey exemplifies Canadian North’s core values and dedication to community engagement. Prior to joining Canadian North, De Caria significantly contributed to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, advocating for Canada’s Inuit population.

At Canadian North, De Caria has been a driving force in developing comprehensive community investment programs, focusing on education, sport, nutrition, and mental health.

Her leadership, built over a decade of experience, reflects a dedication to the communities the airline serves and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in these regions. 

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to lead Canadian North at this critical time. My journey has instilled in me a profound understanding of the unique challenges and aspirations of the communities we serve, and as an Inuk, I carry with me not only a sense of pride in our heritage but also a resolute commitment to our communities,” said De Caria.

“We are more than just an airline; we are a lifeline, connecting and supporting these vibrant communities across Canada’s Arctic. With the dedicated efforts of our exceptional team, I am confident in our ability to enhance our operational focus, ensuring reliable and efficient passenger and cargo services. We will fortify Canadian North’s foundation, staying true to our mission and making a lasting, positive impact in the communities we serve.” 

As part of De Caria’s vision for a stronger Canadian North, she has named Trevor Wilde as interim VP for sales, marketing and distribution. Wilde brings a wealth of experience and resilient leadership, essential for advancing Canadian North’s strategic goals and bolstering community connections.

His leadership was particularly notable during the wildfire evacuation in Yellowknife. Wilde’s journey with Canadian North, spanning over a decade, reflects his deep commitment and readiness to tackle future challenges. 

“This is a pivotal time for Canadian North, and I am fully committed to enhancing our strategic objectives and community relations,” said Wilde.

“I am grateful for the trust placed in me by the executive team and the entire Canadian North family. Together, we are poised to meet future challenges and opportunities, always prioritizing the needs of our passengers and the communities we serve.” 

In line with Canadian North’s board of directors, De Caria’s leadership will prioritize current operations and enhance the stability of services.

These appointments signal a new chapter in Canadian North’s leadership, underlining its dedication to its strategic goals and the communities it serves. Canadian North remains committed to working closely with its communities, continually improving its services, and effectively responding to new challenges. 

The board of directors extends its full support to De Caria and Wilde in their new roles, confident this strategic leadership change will lead Canadian North towards continued growth and a bright future. 

“I want to remind everyone that the heart of Canadian North lies with the people of the North. Without them, there would be no Canadian North,” said De Caria.

“Our purpose extends beyond just transportation; it’s about genuinely serving these communities and enhancing their lives. This is my promise — to each individual and every community we serve — that improving their lives is at the core of everything we do at Canadian North.” 

This press release was prepared and distributed by Canadian North.

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