YVR is well on our way to reaching net zero in our operations by 2030. The feasibility study we are now part of will advance thinking and action on how we can best support extended areas of our industry to reach net zero by 2050. We believe hydrogen is a key enabler of the aviation sector’s ambition to achieve that important goal. 

Reasons for YVR’s participation in this important initiative include:
 

• B.C. is home to the largest hydrogen fuel sector in Canada with 51 per cent of Canadian hydrogen companies located here.
• With an expected ramp-up in demand for hydrogen fuels, we’re working to provide market certainty to the B.C. hydrogen ecosystem, establishing a potential supply chain and future cleantech jobs across the province.
• Helping us achieve our Clean BC commitments.
• As a leading North American airport and a testbed for innovation, YVR is uniquely placed to play a leadership role in the creation of  a hydrogen aviation ecosystem across the country.

Learn more about our MoU and future hydrogen hubs at Canadian airports here. 

Through a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU), YVR and the Province will collaborate with Indigenous partners, communities and aviation and aerospace stakeholders over three years to deliver new products, projects and activities that reflect the following shared priorities to:

• accelerate sustainable aviation to fight pollution and reduce emissions;
• support community resilience, leveraging YVR’s expertise to support communities in emergency preparedness, response and recovery;
• increase clean-tech investment to promote made-in-B.C. technology and good jobs;
• expand trade diversification, working to meet increased demand for B.C. export and grow B.C. tourism and good jobs for people;
• promote workforce development growth to meet demand for skilled workers in aerospace and aviation; and
• enhance goods and people movement, positioning YVR as a key hub within a multi-modal hub for people and goods movement between communities throughout B.C.  

The Province and YVR recognize the benefits of working together to attract clean investment and human capital and to drive sustained economic growth leveraging B.C. StrongerBC economic plan and CleanBC climate plan and YVR as a vital economic asset and crucial driver of B.C.’s economy.

As Canada’s second busiest airport, YVR is an economic engine for B.C., connecting people, communities, cargo and markets to the world. This is done through international and domestic services, regional and coastal air services, float planes, helicopter operations, corporate charters, sport fishing camps and aerospace facilities, which connect First Nations and communities throughout B.C., support the delivery of vital services, and facilitate business and economic growth in the province.

To kick off this partnership with YVR, the Province is investing in three key projects that will support the broader aviation industry:

• $250,000 for a sustainable aviation fuel opportunities study to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuels and clean technologies (Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation);
• $375,000 to support the creation of a net-zero airports action plan to outline actions for carbon-reduction measures across the B.C. airport network in line with CleanBC objectives (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure); and
• $250,000 for a study to explore opportunities to enhance the movement of people and goods between YVR, Vancouver Island and beyond, to facilitate multi-modal access to new markets and increase the resiliency of supply chains (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure).

The MOU will also help enhance access to reliable, sustainable air services. This is vital to Indigenous communities as it ensures access to critical health and emergency services, supports job creation, creates business and tourism opportunities, and maintains their connection to other parts of the province.

Establishing B.C. as a leader in sustainable aviation, clean-technology investment, and building resilient communities aligns with the key objectives of the StrongerBC Economic Plan.

At its core the MOU brings together YVR and NEC, creating opportunity for a range of joint initiatives that will benefit Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners, communities, and partners. Initiatives include scholarship programs, education and development resources, and ongoing communications and marketing activities to raise awareness of NEC and its mission to provide a culturally appropriate and supportive learning environment.

As part of this agreement, NEC will be providing annual Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training sessions for Vancouver Airport Authority employees. YVR and NEC will also collaborate on networking opportunities, marketing initiatives, and event planning.

NEC works with First Nations, Métis, and Indigenous communities to deliver accredited post-secondary and adult upgrading programs in locations throughout British Columbia. NEC programs are developed with Indigenous content and teaching methods for Indigenous learners on its campus in east Vancouver.

With a legacy that spans generations and a foundation laid by the late Musqueam Chief, Gertrude Guerin, NEC stands as a unique learning institution, enabling individuals to achieve their educational and career aspirations while staying true to their cultural heritage.

Today’s announcement builds on YVR’s commitment to advancing reconciliation and walking together with Musqueam under its 30-year Sustainability and Friendship Agreement, which is based on friendship and respect to achieve a sustainable future for the community and the lands on which the airport operates.

This MOU stands in addition to partnership agreements that YVR has in place with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Indigenous Tourism BC, and Iskwew Air.

Hosting the partnership celebration was Teara Fraser, owner of Iskwew Air and an important figure in the Indigenous aviation community. Prior to Covid-19, there were over 300 Indigenous tourism businesses operating in BC and over 1,700 Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada.

“As a significant gateway to important domestic and international markets, YVR’s marketing expertise and market intelligence are invaluable as we rebuild Indigenous tourism across Canada,” says ITAC’s President and CEO, Keith Henry. “The exposure we will receive throughout the airport as well as YVR’s acknowledgement of the importance of Indigenous culture and collaborating on marketing initiatives globally will have a significant impact on our recovery strategy.”

As well as the sharing of knowledge, complementary expertise and market intelligence, ITAC and YVR will cooperate in marketing programs in countries of mutual interest. And as a partner with YVR, ITAC will receive significant in-kind marketing support including a minimum of two months of exposure per year. This exposure will include terminal banners, luggage carousel videos and outdoor advertising.

“As we have learned working with Musqueam, whose traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory YVR is on, we play a valuable role connecting Indigenous People across Canada and around the world," says Tamara Vrooman, YVR’s President & CEO. “We are honoured to be the first Canadian airport to sign an MOU with ITAC and we look forward to combining our efforts through shared market intelligence and joint initiatives, all to support capacity-building and the future success of our Indigenous communities.”

The surrounding principle of the MOU is collaboration, including the sharing of marketing insights and research intelligence, as well as best practices regarding research and analytics. Both ITAC and YVR will also increase the awareness by federal, provincial and territorial governments as well as private sector partners on the value of a thriving Indigenous tourism industry to the Canadian economy.

“True reconciliation means supporting Indigenous communities and businesses and providing opportunities for their success,” says the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages. “Indigenous tourism represents the fastest growing segment of our tourism sector, and we’re here to support it. This new partnership between ITAC and YVR is a perfect example of the collaboration we need, and I’m excited to see the difference that this investment will make for Indigenous tourism in BC and across Turtle Island.”

Prior to 2020, Indigenous tourism was outpacing Canadian tourism activity overall, and international demand for Indigenous experiences was at an all-time high. This summer, ITAC’s focus on the Canadian market has also seen strong returns, through ITAC’s Escape from Home campaign and launch of Destination Indigenous website, which showcases the range of authentic Indigenous experiences across the country, many in remote areas and accessible through major airport hubs such as Vancouver International Airport.