Accessibility Plan
2026 – 2029
General Information
Responsible : Ms. Josée Boudreau, Human Resources Director
Email : jboudreau@canadianhelicopters.com
Phone : 450-452-3000 – ext. 3087
Address :
1215 montée Pilon
Les Cèdres, Qc
J7T 1G1
Feedback
If you encounter an accessibility barrier, whether physical, psychological, or technological, we encourage you to let us know. Your feedback helps us continually improve the accessibility of our services. You may submit your comments or suggestions, anonymously or otherwise, using any of the following methods
Email :
jboudreau@canadianhelicopters.com
Phone:
450-452-3000 – ext. 3087
Mail:
Hélicoptères Canadiens Limitée :
1215 montée Pilon
Les Cèdres, Qc
J7T 1G1
All communications will be kept confidential.
Internal Communication
This Accessibility Plan is published on the Company’s intranet and is accessible to all employees. Employees are encouraged to consult the intranet (Forms and Documents / Library / Human Resources / Employee Documents / Accessibility Plan) to review updates and revisions to the Plan.
This Accessibility Plan is published on the Company’s web site.
Introduction to Canadian Helicopters Limited
Canadian Helicopters Limited (CHL) is one of Canada’s leading helicopter service providers. With more than 75 years of operational experience, the Company delivers safe, reliable, and customized air transportation solutions to meet the needs of a diverse clientele. Its operations include passenger and cargo transportation, support services for the natural resources sector, emergency response services, specialized aerial work, and government missions.
Operating in multiple regions across the country, the Company serves urban, rural, and remote communities, contributing to the economic and social development of the areas in which it operates. Canadian Helicopters Limited places safety, professionalism, and service excellence at the core of its operations while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Statement of Commitment
Recognizing the importance of inclusion and equal opportunity, CHL is committed to providing an accessible, respectful, and barrier-free environment for its employees, customers, and business partners. This Accessibility Plan reflects that commitment and outlines the measures the Company is implementing to identify, prevent, and remove accessibility barriers in accordance with the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act. Through this commitment, CHL reaffirms its dedication to promoting the full and equal participation of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
Definitions
The following definitions are used throughout this Accessibility Plan.
Disability: Any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, sensory, or communication impairment, or a functional limitation, whether permanent, temporary, or episodic, that, when interacting with a barrier, may hinder a person’s full and equal participation in society.
Barrier: Anything including; physical, architectural, technological, attitudinal, informational, communicational, or organizational factors, or anything resulting from a policy or practice that limits or prevents the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities.
Accessibility: The characteristic of an environment, product, service, technology, information, communication, policy, or practice that enables all people, including persons with disabilities, to access, use, and benefit from it independently, safely, and equitably.
Consultations
Consultations were conducted through team meetings and individual discussions. The feedback received contributed to a greater awareness of accessibility issues within our workplace. We will continue to gather feedback to support the ongoing improvement of our accessibility practices.
This Accessibility Plan was presented to the Executive Management Team and was unanimously approved.
Overview of the Accessibility Plan
- Employment: Recruitment, hiring, retention, career development, and promotion of employees.
- Built Environment: Buildings, facilities, workspaces, and physical access.
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): Websites, software, computer systems, and
digital tools. - Communication (Other than ICT): Documents, publications, and internal and external
communications provided in accessible formats. - Procurement of Goods, Services, and Facilities: Incorporating accessibility considerations into
procurement processes. - Design and Delivery of Programs and Services: Ensuring the accessibility of programs and
services provided to employees, customers, and the public. - Transportation: Where applicable to organizations providing federally regulated transportation
services. - Training: Presentation of the Plan, ongoing follow-up, and acknowledgment of review.
Employment
CHL employs approximately 400 people across multiple locations throughout Canada. Most of its workforce is employed in aviation operations, including helicopter flight operations and maintenance. These positions involve physical, medical, and regulatory requirements specific to the
aviation industry, which may limit access to certain roles. CHL remains committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace by removing barriers wherever possible and providing reasonable workplace accommodations in accordance with applicable legislation.
Built Environment
CHL’s executive office is located on the grounds of Edmonton International Airport, where the available facilities and services support access to the workplace. In accordance with airport standards, the site complies with all applicable accessibility requirements.
The Company’s head office is also designed to promote accessibility. A designated accessible parking space is located near the main entrance. The ground floor includes several offices and workstations that are readily accessible. It is also equipped with a universal washroom and a common area with a coffee station and a small refrigerator.
Customers can access helicopters safely and efficiently from the heliport, where boarding procedures are adapted to operational requirements and to passengers’ accessibility needs whenever possible.
Canadian Helicopters Limited operates approximately 20 bases across Canada. Most of our bases are located either adjacent to or within airports, the vast majority of which are owned or managed by government authorities.
CHL recognizes that accessibility is an ongoing process of continuous improvement. Throughout the period covered by this Accessibility Plan, the Company will continue to assess its facilities to identify opportunities for improvement, considering feedback received and evolving accessibility best practices.
When undertaking renovation or construction projects, the Company will, wherever practicable, incorporate applicable accessibility standards and requirements to provide a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment for everyone.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
CHL is committed to providing communications that are accessible, clear, and inclusive for its employees, customers, suppliers, and the public. The Company will continue to enhance its communication tools to reduce barriers and promote equitable access to information.
Accessible Digital Content
- Collaborate with the Information Technology team to ensure that the Company’s website and intranet provide :
- sufficient colour contrast;
- text that is easy to read;
- clearly identifiable links;
- simple and intuitive navigation; and
- additional features that enhance the accessibility of digital content.
Social Media Communications
- When publishing photographs, include descriptive text.
- Use clear, plain language that is easy to understand.
- Avoid unnecessarily complex wording and expressions.
Improving Internal Communications
- Maintain a confidential process that enables employees to report workplace accessibility barriers and provide suggestions for improving accessibility.
- Promote awareness among managers and employees of best practices for accessible communications.
- Improve internal processes to ensure that accessibility needs are communicated to the appropriate individuals, when necessary, while respecting the confidentiality of personal information.
Communications (Other than ICT)
Upon request, CHL is committed to providing information and documents in accessible alternate formats as promptly as possible and in accordance with the requirements of the Accessible Canada Regulations.
Depending on the individual’s needs, the following formats may be provided:
- Printed documents;
- Large-print documents;
- Documents adapted with colour schemes that are accessible for individuals with colour vision deficiency (colour blindness);
- Braille documents (additional production time may be required);
- Audio and electronic formats compatible with assistive technologies used by persons with disabilities.
Where a requested format cannot be provided, CHL will work with the individual to identify an alternative solution that meets their accessibility needs.
Procurement of Goods, Services, and Facilities
CHL is committed to incorporating accessibility principles into its procurement processes for goods, services, and facilities whenever appropriate and practicable. The Company recognizes that procurement decisions can help prevent or remove barriers for employees, customers, suppliers, and visitors.
To support the continuous improvement of its procurement practices, CHL will:
- consider accessibility criteria when procuring new goods, services, equipment, and facilities whenever accessible options are available;
- periodically assess equipment and facilities to determine whether improvements or more accessible technologies can be implemented;
- incorporate accessibility requirements into renovation, construction, and equipment replacement projects, where applicable;
- raise awareness among employees responsible for procurement of the importance of considering accessibility throughout the procurement process; and
- consult with employees to identify barriers related to goods, services, and facilities and determine opportunities for improvement.
Through this approach, CHL aims to ensure that its procurement practices contribute to a more accessible workplace and service environment while supporting its ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in accessibility.
Design and Delivery of Programs and Services
CHL is committed to designing, delivering, and continuously improving its programs, services, and processes with accessibility in mind. The Company recognizes that accessibility should be considered from the earliest stages of service design to reduce barriers and promote an inclusive experience for employees, customers, business partners, and visitors.
To support this commitment, CHL will:
- consult persons with disabilities, where appropriate, when developing or reviewing programs, services, policies, or procedures that may affect accessibility;
- assess reasonable accommodation needs that may be provided to employees, customers, and visitors, considering the operational and regulatory requirements of the aviation industry;
- review and update employee training to ensure that passenger safety briefings are delivered in a clear, accessible, and inclusive manner, while supporting both auditory and visual understanding;
- maintain a continuous improvement process to gather feedback from employees and other stakeholders to enhance the accessibility of its programs and services; and
- provide personalized assistance to support individuals requiring assistance within CHL’s facilities or while boarding or travelling on board CHL helicopters.
Transportation
CHL is committed to providing safe, respectful, and accessible transportation services to persons with disabilities while complying with applicable regulatory requirements and the safety standards governing aviation operations.
To support this commitment, CHL will:
- review and update employee training to strengthen knowledge and skills required to assist passengers with reduced mobility;
- ensure that employees are trained in the safe and respectful handling of mobility aids, including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches;
- promote awareness among all employees of the importance of treating persons with disabilities and individuals in vulnerable situations with dignity, respect, and consideration for their independence;
- review procedures to accommodate, wherever practicable, the individual needs of passengers requiring assistance;
- ensure that employees receive training on emergency procedures applicable when assisting passengers or employees with disabilities or reduced mobility, so that responses are safe, effective, and respectful; and
- continue to improve transportation practices and procedures by considering feedback received from employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
Through these measures, CHL aims to provide a transportation experience that promotes safety, respect, and accessibility for everyone.
Training
The Accessibility Plan will be posted on CHL’s intranet. All current and new employees will be required to review the Plan to promote awareness and understanding of CHL’s accessibility commitments. Completion of this requirement will be monitored in accordance with CHL’s standard training tracking procedures. Employees will be required to complete accessibility awareness training every three (3) years, in accordance with CHL’s training guidelines on the fundamental principles of accessibility.
Summary of Canadian Helicopters Limited’s Objectives
| Action | Responsible | Target Date |
|---|---|---|
| Review recruitment postings to ensure they use inclusive language and promote equal employment opportunities. | Human Resources Department | August 2026. |
| Raise awareness among the facilities team of the importance of promoting accessibility in CHL’s facilities and work environments, wherever practicable. | Human Resources Department in collaboration with the Maintenance Department | Ongoing |
| Provide awareness and training to employees to promote an organizational culture based on respect, inclusion, and accessibility. | Human Resources Department in collaboration with the Health and Safety Committee | Ongoing |
| Work with the Information Technology team to ensure that CHL’s website incorporates accessibility best practices. | Human Resources Department in collaboration with the IT Department | Ongoing |
| Work with the Information Technology team to enhance the accessibility and usability of the intranet, including improved navigation, drop-down menus, greater visual clarity, enhanced visibility, and optimization for tablet devices. | Human Resources Department in collaboration with the IT Department | In progress |
| Inform administrative employees responsible for emergency building evacuations of the appropriate procedures to ensure safe, respectful, and effective assistance during emergency situations. | Health and Safety Committee | June 2027 |
| Maintain a feedback process to collect comments from employees, customers, and other stakeholders in order to continuously improve accessibility practices. | Human Resources Department | Ongoing |
| Accessibility Plan training: All employees will be required to review the Accessibility Plan to promote awareness and understanding of CHL’s accessibility commitments. | Human Resources Department | December 2026 |
CHL recognizes that accessibility is an ongoing journey. The Company is committed to regularly evaluating its progress, consulting and listening to persons with disabilities and other stakeholders, and adapting its practices to support the full and equitable participation of everyone.
Approval of the Accessibility Plan
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have reviewed this Accessibility Plan, approved its contents, and committed to supporting its implementation and application within my area of responsibility.
This approval reflects my commitment to promoting an accessible, inclusive workplace and ensuring compliance with applicable federal legislation.
Sylvain Séguin
Sylvain Séguin
Vice-President and COO