Table of contents

Overview

The Strategic Aviation Advisory Council was appointed to provide expert advice on ways to bolster the aviation and aerospace sectors in order to increase economic development opportunities, expand markets and create jobs in our province.

Airport and airline passenger travel declined significantly in Alberta and around the world due to the pandemic. A strong, broad-based aviation industry is critical to Alberta’s economic recovery and success.

The Strategic Aviation Advisory Council will focus on setting a stage for a strong recovery, and for future aviation and aerospace development through research, analysis and consultation with key stakeholders.

The council will make recommendations to government on how to improve the aviation and aerospace industries, including:

  • pilot training
  • air cargo services
  • aerospace research and development
  • agriculture, emergency medical and fire response
  • tourism

Timeline

  • Open

    August 2021

  • Results under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors

Mandate

The council members will research and analyze information about the aviation and aerospace sectors and consult with key industry stakeholders.

Members will be required to submit an annual report to the Minister of Transportation with recommendations on ways to improve aviation and aerospace-related services, infrastructure and training.

Council members

The appointed members of the Strategic Aviation Advisory Council have extensive knowledge of the aviation industry and are qualified to make recommendations on how to improve related services, infrastructure and training.

MLA Richard Gotfried, Calgary-Fish Creek

Richard Gotfried introduced the council’s enabling legislation as a private member’s bill (Bill 201). Gotfried worked as district sales manager for Cathay Pacific Airways for 15 years and was vice-president of corporate and community engagement with Calgary Economic Development between 2011 and 2013.

Brian Andrus

Brian Andrus is the board secretary of the Alberta Aviation Council. He serves as a board member for 700 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association.

Dr. Elizabeth Evans

Elizabeth Evans is the interim-provost and vice-president academic at Mount Royal University (MRU) and the accountable executive for the MRU Aviation Program. She is the regional director for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub.

Lynda Holden

Lynda Holden is the associate dean for Aviation and Technology at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAlT). She has 13 years of aviation experience working as an aircraft maintenance engineer in southern Alberta and 14 years supporting the aviation programs at SAlT.

Justin Jimmy

Justin Jimmy is a capacity development manager with the First Nations Financial Management Board, which helps First Nation governments and organizations achieve financial management certification and development of strong governance processes. He is currently a trustee on a First Nation investment trust and a committee member for Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee.

Kendra Kincade

Kendra Kincade is an air traffic controller with NAV Canada. Kincade was appointed an Honorary Colonel of 417 Combat Support Squadron, 4 Wing Cold Lake in October 2018 and is the founder and CEO of Elevate Aviation where she spends her time advocating and working to promote the world of aviation to women.

Ferio Pugliese

Ferio Pugliese is the senior vice president of people and culture for Parkland Fuel Corporation. Prior to this, he was a senior vice president with Air Canada and has also served as an executive with WestJet and WestJet Encore, WestJet’s regional airline.

David Wheeler

David Wheeler is president and CEO of Wheeler Support Services Inc., an aerospace and defence consulting company. He is a retired Major-General and former fighter pilot with more than 33 years of leadership and command experience with the Canadian Armed Forces.

News

Last updated: August 21, 2021