SkyTalk August/September 2020 by Skytalk Newspaper

YOUR AIRPORT & SEA ISLAND COMMUNITY CONNECTION

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

YVR expands TAKEcare health protocols

Future Travel:

Virgin Galatic’s supersonic jet

Technology:

Air Canada’s TouchFree Bag Check

Airlines:

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is working closely with its partners to improve the airport experience and address the many challenges that have arisen as a result of COVID19. This has included the creation and launch of TAKEcare, an industryleading health and safety program to help people move through the airport safely and with confidence. As part of TAKEcare, YVR has also recently introduced several new airport sanitation measures, including: • Deploying multiple Hygiena cleaning units throughout the airport— these units provide rapid and accurate microbial detection

and sanitation verification • Using UV technology to detect cleanliness of surfaces and clean high-touch areas such as escalator handrails • Adding an autonomous Nilfisk cleaning device, outfitted with a sensor package from local vendor A&K robotics, to clean floors In addition, Transport Canada now requires the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to conduct temperature screening at all passenger and employee security screening checkpoints at Canada’s four largest airports: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Temperature screening

A Transport Canada mandate requires all outbound passengers and employees to receive a temperature check before entering YVR’s post-security terminal areas.

of passengers and employees adds another layer of protection to the comprehensive measures already in place at YVR, and in combination with the multi-layered approach of

its TAKEcare program will help ensure a safe and healthy travel experience. YVR will continue to improve and expand the TAKEcare program, in col-

laboration with its partners, in order to help lead the airport and industry forward. For the latest information on the program, visit yvr.ca/ TAKEcare.

Explore BC campaign promotes safe travel practices

Air North receives two awards

Events:

Honk 2020 supports frontline workers PG

Richmond News:

Economic Response & Recovery Report PG

Destination BC’s marketing and industry response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been guided by threephases: Response, Recovery, Resilience—principles which align with the province’s Four Phase BC Restart Plan. The province is now in Phase 3 of the Restart Plan and in alignment with this Phase, Destination BC has launched a new chapter of its successful Explore BC campaigns: an extensive domestic marketing campaign encouraging BC residents to plan and book their trips for travel throughout the province.

The campaign is designed to promote safe travel practices, re-ignite BC’s tourism industry revenue, promote BC tourism businesses and destinations, and rekindle British Columbians’ curiosity and passion for the place they live. By visiting the hellobc. com website, travellers can find trip planning ideas and resources to support their rediscovery of the province, guided by six new experience collections: • West Coast Culture • Mountain Peaks & Towns • Northern Wild • Vineyards, Valleys & Lakes

Flying from YVR South, Pacific Coastal has released its fall schedule to October 31, which includes flights to 10 BC destinations—pacificcoastal.com.

• Rivers, Ranches & Ranges • Vancouver & Sea-to-Sky In addition to trip planning, inspiration and booking assistance, Destination BC is

utilizing its channels to help BC residents understand what’s open and what they need to know before they go, including responsible traveller

behaviour. When appropriate, the campaign will be expanded into Alberta and other parts of Canada.

French Bee ‘buzzing’ weekly to YVR in August During the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted travel plans and caused changes to flight schedules, some hitherto unseen airlines have visited YVR. One of these is Air France’s low-cost, long-haul airline French Bee, based at Paris Orly Airport, which normally does not have local air

traffic rights for Vancouver. However, since July 2020 French Bee has been making technical stops at YVR, en route to Papeete, capital city of French Polynesia. Interestingly, French Bee started out being named French Blue, but when the airline applied for a U.S. air carrier permit in November 2017, JetBlue

objected to the idea of allowing another airline to operate in the United States that had the word “blue” in its name. That eventually led to a rebrand as French Bee in January 2018. The airline operates a fleet of A350 XWB aircraft, exclusively, and will continue to be seen at YVR until August 28, 2020.

Is your work environment sanitized against COVID-19? Call us for a quote: 778-954-7349

CLEANING WITH LOVE

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SKYTALK

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

2020

Two new directors elected to Vancouver Airport Authority’s Board

Ken M. Kramer, YVR Board of Directors, nominated by the Law Society of B.C.

Juggy Sihota, YVR Board of Directors, nominated by the City of Vancouver

Vancouver Airport Authority Chair, Annalisa King, has announced the election of two new directors to the airport’s Board of Directors—Ken M. Kramer, Q.C., and Juggy Sihota. Kramer was nominated by the Law Society of BC and Sihota was nominated by the City of Vancouver. Ken M. Kramer is the founder and principal of KMK Law, a boutique firm specializing in the areas of Estates, Trusts, Elder Law and Estate Litigation and Mediation. Kramer is a strong advocate for both the disability and seniors’ communities and has served on numerous boards and committees over the past 30 years, with a focus on issues impacting these communities. His diverse board portfolio includes serving

as a publicly appointed Board Member and Vice-Chair of the College of Chiropractors of BC, and as a founding Board Member of Technology for Living, a nonprofit organization in British Columbia providing respiratory and technology supports to people with disabilities. In 2012, Kramer was recognized with the distinguished honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community. In 2014, he received the honourary title of Queen’s Counsel (QC), which is used to recognize Canadian lawyers for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession. Juggy Sihota is vice president, consumer health at TELUS, where she leads the national strategy, execution and operation of the consumer health business.

She has more than 25 years of telecom leadership experience, including leading several emerging technology businesses and operations across TELUS. Prior to her current role, Sihota was vice president, customer experience strategy and operations, leading TELUS’ national customer experience operations team and driving business performance and engagement to increase client loyalty, profitability and satisfaction. Sihota also serves as vice chair of the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation and previously served on the Justice Institute of British Columbia. She is also currently serving on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Sihota has received several leadership awards, including a Forty Under 40 award in 2012 for her business achievements, inspirational leadership, and community contributions and the Diversity Champion Award at Telus in 2016. The latter award recognizes leaders who champion diversity and leverage diversity of thought to help advance business strategy. More information on the Airport Authority Board and its directors can be found on the airport’s website yvr.ca.

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Future Travel

Virgin Galactic unveils high-speed Mach 3 aircraft design

Virgin Galactic has unveiled the first stage design scope for the build of its supersonic aircraft design. The company has also signed an agreement with RollsRoyce to collaborate in designing and developing engine propulsion technology for highspeed commercial aircraft. The basic parameters of the initial design include a targeted

AUGUST 17 - 23

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Mach 3 certified delta-wing aircraft that would have capacity for 9 to 19 people at an altitude above 18,000 metres and would also be able to incorporate custom cabin layouts that include Business or First Class seating arrangements. The aircraft design also aims to help lead the way toward use of state-of-the-art sustainable aviation fuel.

Virgin Galactic is designing the aircraft for a range of operational scenarios, including service for passengers on longdistance commercial aviation routes. The aircraft would take off and land like any other passenger aircraft and be expected to integrate into existing airport infrastructure and international airspace around the world.

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Your Airport & Sea Island Community Connection AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 Vol. 27 | No. 4

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

Tamara Vrooman officially joins YVR as president & CEO

Website:

Annalisa’s Corner

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By Annalisa King Chair, Board of Directors Vancouver Airport Authority

SkyTalk is owned and published monthly by Westco Marketing Ltd., for the travelling public and the 24,000 people who make up the airport community at Vancouver International Airport. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher.

MAILING ADDRESS: #181 - 4438 W 10th Vancouver, BC V6R 4R8 Tel: 604-736-6754 Email: jstewart@westerndriver.com

SkyTalk is distributed through dedicated racks in Vancouver International Airport’s Domestic and International Terminals and Airport South, plus all Sea Island businesses and Pitt Meadows and Boundary Bay airports. The publication is also distributed at Richmond hotels and to the Richmond community through

Tamara Vrooman, Vancouver Airport Authority president & CEO.

It is my pleasure, on behalf of Vancouver Airport Authority’s Board of Directors, to welcome our new president & CEO Tamara Vrooman to the team! As of July 1, Tamara officially started her new role and was, not surprisingly, quick to get down to work—learning the many aspects of our business and meeting with members of our team. There’s lots to know about what makes a hub like YVR tick, and one thing Tamara said immediately stood out for her was the passionate and dedicated airport community.

A well-known and visionary executive, Tamara brings a fresh and valuable perspective that will inspire and lead YVR as we continue to deliver on our mission of connecting B.C. proudly to the world. She has a great track record, having just completed 13 years as president & CEO of Vancity, Canada’s largest credit union. She led transformative change while at Vancity, shaping the organization into a global reference point for values-based banking—all while delivering record growth. And she instilled bold positions on sustainability, diversity and inclusion, which are key areas of focus for YVR, as well. This experience, combined with her comprehensive understanding of YVR gained by her previous nine-year tenure on our Board, makes her the perfect leader to guide our team as we reimagine YVR’s role as a world-class, sustainable hub. Most importantly, as Tamara noted in her first week on the job, her top focus is people. She is eager to lead such an engaged team and is committed to ensuring our airport continues to benefit our region, connecting people and products to the world while delivering social and economic benefits. I am really looking forward to this new chapter for YVR and I am sure we will be hearing a lot from Tamara in the weeks and months to come. Welcome to the team, Tamara!

Richmond City Hall, Richmond Oval, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Richmond Public Library, and Community Centres. Each issue can be accessed online each month at www.skytalkonline.com. P U B L I S H E R & E DI T O R :

Joan Stewart 604.805.7315 Email: jstewart@westerndriver.com Office: 604.736.6754

Air Canada, WestJet cabin crew unions appeal to federal government The unions representing the cabin crew members of Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, WestJet, Swoop and WestJet Encore are calling on the Canadian Government to remove domestic and most international travel restrictions to let their airlines fly or, alternatively, provide assurances that their members will be compensated. Canada is one of the only G7 countries that has not provided a sector specific aid package to its airlines. “The health and safety of all of our members is paramount to moving air travel forward and must be maintained with consultations with all stake

holders” said Wesley Lesosky, president of the Air Canada component of CUPE. “We are 13,500 strong between Air Canada and WestJet—we are the industry in Canada and recognized globally for our safety standards.” The Air Canada component of CUPE represents 9,500 cabin crew members at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge. CUPE Local 4070 represents more than 4,000 cabin crew members at WestJet, WestJet Encore and Swoop. Overall, Canada’s aviation sector is estimated to employ 245,500 Canadians directly and indirectly.

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Innovative Travel Solutions a key component of YVR’s future growth Operating an airport in a pandemic brings many changes and challenges, but it also presents opportunities: for innovation; for efficiencies; and for growth. And like many companies, COVID19 has presented YVR with the opportunity to recalibrate and refocus its business model. Chris Gilliland, director, business development of Innovative Travel Solutions (ITS) at YVR, understands that big challenges can present big opportunities. Gilliland leads ITS’ border management business, which is a world-leader in kiosk-based border control solutions, currently managing up to 1,700 BorderXpress kiosk products at more than 43 airport and seaport locations worldwide. Interestingly, the team at ITS did not set out to be a global leader in border control solutions. Its mandate was to solve critical business challenges using an innovation roadmap process to identify and analyze a business problem, come up with the best solution, and quickly develop and test the idea. The ability to be agile and collaborative being key to the team’s proficiency in piloting new innovations at YVR before implementing them at other airports. “Our products are built to serve a purpose, which is to help make the travel process more efficient, safe and secure,” said Gilliland. “And we’re taking this same approach to develop new contactless travel solutions that ensures a passenger’s health and confidence during this pandemic and beyond.” With the aviation industry’s focus on touchless technology,

Chris Gilliland, YVR’s director of Innovative Travel Solutions (ITS).

ITS is quickly responding with new products and enhancements. For example, work is well underway to retrofit its successful BorderXpress kiosk product to make it contactless. “Alongside the BorderXpress retrofit, we’ve also developed TagitXpress—a completely contactless kiosk solution that scans a traveller’s boarding pass and prints a baggage tag in less than 10 seconds,” said Gilliland. “We’ve had great airline and airport interest in TagitXpress, and we think it’s an important touchless solution that maintains traveller health and supports YVR’s business recovery.” This new technology is currently being tested at YVR, with plans to make the retrofit available to all customers worldwide later this year. “I’m really proud of our team for always looking for opportunities that lie within uncertainty or change,” said Gilliland. “Innovation is how we push forward and adapt our business so we can continue being an economic generator and gateway for B.C.” For more information, visit innovativetravelsolutions.ca.

C A R T O O N:

Jerry King

CR E AT I V E / P R O DU C T I O N:

Jim Martin

Innovative Travel Solutions’ self-service, biometric-enabled BorderXpress kiosks are being retrofitted to make them contactless.

DI S T R I B U T I O N:

Cory Michel 604.736.6754

W E S TC O M A R K E T I NG LT D. P R E S I DE NT

Patrick Stewart 604.644.9067 Email: pstewart@westerndriver.com

ASSOCIATION OF AIRPORT PUBLICATIONS P.O. Agreement #1676261

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Did you Know? Canada is a huge country, which is: • Approximately 9,984,670 square kilometres • Comprised of six time zones • More than 8,850 kilometres wide--Atlantic to Pacific coasts • Almost 30% larger than Australia • More than 3 times the size of India • More than 18 times the size of France • Almost 20 times the size of Spain • Almost 28 times the size of Germany • More than 33 times the size of Italy • Almost 37 times the size of New Zealand • Almost 41 times the size of the UK • More than 142 times the size of Ireland

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

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YVR/Musqueam ‘Friendship Agreement’ means working together for a brighter future Since the 1930s, when the Musqueam people moved off Sea Island to make way for a new airport, the community has been trying to find a way back to their traditional territority. After years of building relationships, listening, understanding and negotiation, Musqueam leadership and the Airport Authority signed the 30-year Musqueam Indian Band - YVR Airport Sustainability & Friendship Agreement in 2017. Three years later, with both parties working toward the common goal of a sustainable and mutually beneficial future, the Agreement has set new paths and brought positive change across the board, notwithstanding the recent unanticipated impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the years since the Agreement was signed, Mary Point, manager Indigenous relations at YVR, has been a passionate driver in building a new path forward, working with nearly every YVR department to build strong, respectful relationships and establish foundations that pave the way for growth. Not only has Point helped more than 90 Musqueam find meaningful employment throughout YVR, she has developed infrastructure that ensures Indigenous representation and understanding is present through-

out the Sea Island business community. “There are such strong correlations between YVR and Musqueam values,” said Point. “I work hard to foster relationships between the Musqueam and YVR communities, I want them to know who we are and where we are, so we can build the right foundations as we walk forward together. “As our elder qiyapelanaxw once said, ‘Don’t forget who YOU are; don’t forget who WE are,’ which to me is remembering who we are as individuals

and as an Airport Authority. This is a friendship agreement; we’re neighbours, and we need to know each other.” Much of Point’s work involves setting a strong foundation across the Airport Authority and YVR as a whole, ranging from ensuring YVR building permits incorporate a Musqueam discussion about the land, accompanying more than 195 Musqueam applicants to job interviews, or building diversity practices into contracting and hiring processes. Point also shares Musqueam

culture and teachings with Airport Authority employees, with initiatives such as having staff help carve a traditional Musqueam canoe, language classes, sharing traditional food, or bringing in artists and speakers. “People come in curious and leave changed because they know us a little better; it helps to understand why we’re all together.” With COVID-19’s widereaching effects and uncertainties on the aviation industry, the strong relationships and process changes stemming from

the Sustainability & Friendship Agreement forged with the Musqueam community are integral to YVR’s post-pandemic business recovery. “We’ve learned from each other; we’ve come to know each other and we’re going to rebuild together,” said Point. “I’m proud to see how our hard work and collaboration has had tangible results, with new Musqueam businesses forming, increased employment and the shared economic impact. The groundwork is there. The impacts from COVID-19 on our Musqueam workforce have been

Mary Point, manager Indigenous relations at YVR, has worked in B.C. for more than 20 years to develop partnerships between First Nations communities and local businesses.

very disheartening, but I know that the internal work we’ve done and the strong foundation we’ve built will make recovery more achievable for everyone.”

Royal Canadian Mint honours Haida artist Bill Reid on new $2 coin The late B.C. artist Bill Reid (1920-1998) brought Haida art and culture to a global audience. An advocate of Haida culture and known by the Haida name Iljuwas, his extraordinary body of work includes 1,500 pieces ranging from jewellery art to monumental carvings, including the iconic The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe sculpture at YVR. On the 100th anniversary of his birth, Reid is being honoured for his work and life with the launch of two versions of

a new toonie from the Royal Canadian Mint. The artwork for the $2 coin combines engraving and colour technology from Reid’s Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear, which he painted in 1988 on a ceremonial drum crafted by the Sam family of Ahousat, B.C. He later adapted the design for reproduction on silkscreen prints, with proceeds benefitting the Artists for Kids Trust, which benefits children’s art education in British Columbia through the sale of

original prints created by professional artists. Grizzly Bear was a favourite character of Bill Reid’s and he often used it in his jewelry designs and sculpture. It is also an important crest among the Haida Nation and plays a significant role in ancient Haida narratives. The Royal Canadian Mint is producing three million coins, including two million in the red and black colours of the Haida artistic tradition, and collector’s editions in gold and silver.

The Bill Reid toonie in coloured and uncoloured versions.

Other collector products of the coin, produced in celebration of Bill Reid’s legacy include: • Special wrap rolls of 25 two-dollar circulation coins, in coloured and uncoloured versions

• A coloured version in oneounce fine silver with a mintage of 7,500, and • An engraved version in oneounce pure gold, limited to a worldwide mintage of 400. For more information, visit mint.ca/billreid.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

Air Canada implements new biosafety protocols at Maple Leaf lounges

Air Canada has begun the gradual re-opening of its Maple Leaf lounges, featuring new biosafety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of customers and employees. The Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson, D gates reopened on July 24 to eligible customers travelling on a domestic or international flight, and the Maple Leaf lounges located in the Domestic departure areas at

Vancouver and Montreal airports are set to re-open this month. Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge experience incorporates several multi-layered biosafety measures to enhance health and safety. These include mandatory face coverings for customers and employees, plexiglass partitions at welcome desks, food and refreshments pre-packaged to-go, and a modified assisted beverage service.

Additionally, in order to better safeguard customers, attendants will continuously clean lounge seating and restrooms, and enhanced cleaning measures will include the use of electrostatic units and medical grade disinfectants. The airline is continuing to evaluate and assess additional touchless and new biosafety initiatives to further advance safe and secure travel experiences.

Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges located in the USA and the International terminals at YVR are expected to be reopened by early fall, in time for the expected resumption of more business travel. Additional details about the airline’s updated Maple Leaf Lounge services are available at aircanada.com/serviceoffering.

TouchFree bag tagging part of Air Canada’s CleanCare+ program

Air Canada is continuing to expand the range of touchless services in its CleanCare+ program, which focuses on personal safety and enhanced aircraft grooming. One of the components of the airline’s CleanCare+ program is

a TouchFree Bag Check, now in place at Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal airports. Air Canada’s TouchFree bag tagging service is also being expanded to other select Canadian airports and will also be available for customers

departing on international flights from Canada. The TouchFree Bag Check is a simple process that begins prior to arriving at the airport. Customers check-in online or via the Air Canada app up to 24 hours prior to flight departure, indicate the number of checked bags they will be travelling with and pay any fees. Boarding cards with options to store electronically on a smartphone or printed are obtained, and the check-in process is all complete before arriving at the airport. Once at the terminal, customers simply scan their electronic or pre-printed boarding cards at the designated kiosks for TouchFree Bag Tagging to have all tags printed automatically. After attaching the tags on the

LIMIT YOUR #RISK OF EXPOSURE TO #COVID19 WITH THE ArriveCAN APP. IT WILL REDUCE YOUR WAIT TIME AND PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH OTHERS AT THE BORDER. Download the ArriveCAN app on your Apple and Android mobile devices The ArriveCAN mobile application, developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), provides a digital way for travellers entering Canada to provide their basic traveller information quickly, easily and securely within 48 hours before arriving in Canada. Use this mobile app to speed up your arrival process in Canada and spend less time with border and public health officers. The app helps you to: • provide mandatory information that is required for entry into Canada • avoid lineups and reduce points of contact at the border • provide updates on your quarantine compliance and the development of any symptoms during the 14 days after arriving in Canada The ArriveCAN app is available for free on Google Play and Apple App stores.

bags, customers then place the tagged bags on the baggage belt at self-service bag drop machines without any need to touch the devices. The machine will sense the bag being placed on the belt and automatically scan the tag before moving the bag along. For more information, visit aircanada.com.

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Canadian passport service begins resumption for those travelling in less than 30 days

The Government of Canada has begun the gradual resumption of some passport services in Canada, including applying for a new passport by mail. Canadians who have an immediate need for a passport or are travelling in less than 30 days with proof of travel, may request in-person appointments by visiting Canada.ca/passport to learn more and find out how to apply. Those Canadians who do not have imminent travel plans are being asked to wait before applying for a passport. Processing times are expected to be longer than normal, due to high demand and measures that are in place to safeguard the health and safety of employees and in-person applicants. Canadians with passports that expired on or after February 1, 2019, may also use the simpli-

fied renewal process within two years—instead of one year— after the passport’s expiry date. The simplified renewal process allows Canadians to submit a shorter form without resubmitting their citizenship documents and a guarantor declaration. As Service Canada Centres begin to gradually and safely reopen, passport services will be limited to by appointment only. Canadians who are overseas may contact the nearest Government of Canada office for travel document services. Refugee travel documents and certificates of identity continue to be processed on an urgent basis. Applicants may visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for more information. Visit canada.ca/service-canada-home for the latest updates.

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A D V E R T I S I N G

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F E A T U R E

Explosive Detection K-9:

A Timely Solution for a Time-Sensitive Industry the time-sensitive nature of the aviation industry at large. Furthermore, its popularity stems from the common knowledge that K-9 screening is widely recognized as being highly effective at detection of explosive odours coupled with being multiple times faster in comparison to other alternative screening methodologies.

The goal of this article is to provide the airport community with general awareness of Transport Canada’s Explosive Detection Dog & Handler Team Certification Program, (EDDHT). Likewise, to bring awareness of the program’s connection with private sector K-9 entities for use in screening air cargo. Equally important, it is meant to facilitate informed decision-making for aviation stakeholder’s future use of K-9 to screen their shipments departing from Canadian airports.

Choosing a Private Sector Explosive Detection K-9 Service Provider

Overview

Domestic and global supply chains remain vulnerable to unlawful acts of interference, whether by terrorists and their use of improvised explosives or organized criminal gangs involved in covert illicit activities. The detection of explosives concealed in air cargo in October 2010 serves as a reminder to the international community that the threat to aviation and the global supply chain is real and unrelenting. The capacity of stakeholders to address such threats within a highly multidimensional operating environment is made even more difficult by the shear abundance of organizations involved in the handling of air cargo. Particularly, as it makes its way through both domestic and global supply chains. Transport Canada Avsec has adopted more rigorous air cargo security standards as part of its efforts to enhance global aviation security. In order to assist industry to meet the growing demands of present and future air cargo screening requirements, Transport Canada has duly recognized that additional screening tools has become necessary. Hence, effort was undertaken to develop a program to introduce Explosive Detection K-9 to fill this need. The use of K-9 as a proven methodology to screen air cargo is well recognized within the international community at large. Particularly within the United States and the European Union, where it is widely accepted as a most reliable means of detecting a variety of explosive odours within an array of cargo configurations.

About Transport Canada’s K-9 Program

Transport Canada’s K-9 Program is under the larger umbrella of the overall Air Cargo Security Program, (ACSP). Its focus entails validation of Private Sector K-9 Service Providers, through a national certification process, for purposes of screening certain shipments of air cargo for threat items. The K-9 Program will afford opportunity for the use of an additional tool to screen shipments. Moreover, providing an alternative to existing screening methodologies that are more intrusive and labour intensive. The use of K-9 for explosive detection amounts to one of the fastest, reliable, cost effective and a most robust real-time detection strategy available to safeguard air cargo.

K-9 Screening vs. Technological Screening Solutions

Comparatively, screening using technology is inherently slower. In the case of x-ray, the cargo must first go through the machine’s tunnel and each image must be scrutinized by a cargo screener. At times, due

to shielding, the shipment must be broken down into individual packages, screened and afterwards re-configured. Technological screening methods are unable to match the speed and efficiency of a well-trained explosive detection dog and handler team. Where it may take 45 minutes or longer to screen a cargo shipment by x-ray, physical search or trace detection, a K-9 can screen that same shipment instantly. As it stands, K-9 can detect explosives odours down to parts-pertrillion, capable of effectively screening at the pallet, break-bulk, or unit load device (ULD) level. The animals are trained on where to smell, such as along the bottom of a palletized shipment where the heavier odours settle. K-9 and Handler Teams are an easy fit to the most congested cargo operations. They can move about the facility seamlessly to engage in cargo screening activities without disruptions to daily operations within a warehouse facility. They may be used as a secondary screening option for alarm resolution. The popularity and use of K-9 as a real-time screening solution caters to

After examining the merits of using K-9 explosive detection services to screen cargo, consider the following tips before hiring a private sector service provider: Validate the K-9 service provider is recognized and approved by Transport Canada The service provider should utilize single-purpose explosive detection dogs Select a K-9 service provider that is properly licensed by Natural Resources Canada to procure and store live explosives for training and testing Service provider’s explosive detection K-9 should be independently tested and validated (although each Province differs, within the Province of B.C., the Justice Institute of British Columbia oversees testing and validation) The service provider should have procedures for explosive detection K-9 daily training to assure maximum performance and odour proficiency Overall, the air cargo industry has been waiting in anticipation for the use of Explosive Detection K-9, either as a primary screening methodology or for use as a secondary alarm resolution in support of technological screening mechanisms. And in the final analysis, all available research data supports the conviction that the use of K-9 for explosive detection amounts to one of the fastest, reliable, cost-effective solutions, which provides a most robust, real-time detection strategy available to safeguard air cargo. A timely solution for a time-sensitive industry. For more information on K-9 Explosive Detection, contact Kevin Haggerty, West Point Terminal, kevin@westpointinc.com.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

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Air North wins two Travellers’ Choice awards Canadian regional carrier Air North has been recognized by online booking and review service Tripadvisor as the Travellers’ Choice Best Airline in Canada 2020, as well as the Travellers’ Choice Specialty Airline in North America 2020. The awards are given based on positive Tripadvisor reviews the company received throughout 2019, before the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were felt in the aviation world.

This is the first time Air North has been awarded Travellers’ Choice Best Airline in Canada, and the second year in a row it has been awarded Travellers’ Choice Specialty Airline in North America. Award winners are known for consistently receiving excellent flyer feedback, placing them among travellers’ favourites around the globe. Established in 1977, Air North is owned by Joseph

Appointment

New VP/GM at the helm of Air France KLM Canada

Catherine Guillemart-Dias, new vice president and general manager Air France KLM Canada.

Air France KLM has appointed Catherine Guillemart-Dias as vice-president and general manager Canada, effective August 1, 2020. Guillemart-Dias succeeds Vincent Etchebehere, who will be heading Air France’s Sustainability and New Mobilities in Paris. A 13-year veteran of the Air France KLM Group, GuillemartDias began her career in Paris as a business analyst, where she helped grow the French and Northern European markets. She then joined the digital team, where she focused on the customer experience and corporate sales, managing a portfolio of key accounts. In 2013, she led the teams in

Angola tasked with developing flights between Luanda and the Paris and Amsterdam hubs. She returned to Paris in 2016, where she was appointed chief of staff to the senior vice-president France. In 2018, she joined Delta Air Lines in Atlanta, collaborating on the expansion of the transatlantic joint venture for the EMEAI (Europe, Middle East, Africa and India) market. “I am delighted to assume the leadership of the Air France KLM Group’s operations in Canada,” said Guillemart-Dias. “I have complete confidence in the teams’ ability to continue to provide our Canadian customers with the finest travel experience in accordance with the strictest health rules, while continuing to also uphold our societal and environmental commitments. “Together, we will keep working alongside Delta Air Lines on the integrated services of our transatlantic alliance and will continue to bolster our partnership with WestJet.” Born in Tours, France, Guillemart-Dias speaks numerous languages—French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, German— loves music and the opera, and plays the piano and the cello. The Air France KLM establishment in Canada employs 130 people across Canada— Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal. For information on KLM’s flights from YVR to Amsterdam, visit klm.com.

Sparling (51%)—president, CEO and Boeing 737 Captain— and the Vuntut Development Corporation (49%), an arm of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. “We are honoured to receive these awards, proud of our great team for earning them, and thankful to our loyal Yukon and other supporters for recognizing our product,” said Sparling. “I am especially pleased to see these awards go to a northern air carrier as it provides a great illustration of the role they play in the north, not only providing essential air services, but also strengthening

the northern economy through Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment and investment.” Air North recently introduced a Care First program, which focuses on putting the care of passengers, communities and

staff first, through the implementation of additional health and safety measures. As part of this commitment and in order to facilitate physical distancing onboard, Air North is not selling middle seats on its Boeing 737

jets, except to passengers of the same social bubble. Air North offers service from YVR to Whitehorse, Kelowna and Victoria. For more information, visit flyairnorth.com.

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8 •

SKYTALK

2020

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

www.skytalkonline.com

Honk 2020 supports Richmond Food Bank and frontline workers

Events

Parade cars assembled at the River Rock Casino parking lot before setting off.

Reach RICHMOND & SEA ISLAND with the Power of 2 Newspapers! & Left to right: Patrick & Joan Stewart, SkyTalk Media; Hajira Hussain, executive director Richmond Food Bank; Alan Chan & Wilson Baio, Richmond Sentinel Media Group, and the Honk 2020 lead parade car, a 1961 Jaguar Mk II 3.8 sports sedan.

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Wayne Duzita, associate vice president Terracap Management Inc., and co-founder of YVR Kids children’s charity, participated with his 2002 Ford Thunderbird.

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Classic cars in a variety of marques were driven in a recent event in support of Richmond frontline workers at the Richmond Hospital, Fire Hall #1, City Hall, RCMP and the Richmond Food Bank. Dubbed Honk 2020, the parade of classics that includ-

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ed Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Lotus, Jaguar, Electric MINIs, MG, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz and a Ford T-Bird, lived up to its name by honking horns down #3 Road to City Hall, then on to Brighouse #1 Firehall to arrive at 7pm, precisely, at Richmond Hospital on Gilbert Street.

The Food Bank says for every $1 it receives; approximately $6 worth of food is purchased. This meant that the event’s organizers were pleased to contribute approximately $12,000 worth of food, and counting, for distribution to the Richmond community. “The Honk 2020 initiative brought the community members together in support of such a meaningful cause,” said Hajira Hussain, executive director Richmond Food Bank. “Many people are facing increased hardship putting food on the table and they continue to access the Food Bank on a regular basis.” The fundraising event was organized by SkyTalk Media, Richmond Sentinel Media Group and WesternDriver.com, and sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, MINI Richmond and Re/Max Team Dash. To donate to or volunteer at the Richmond Food Bank, please visit richmondfoodbank.org.

www.skytalkonline.com

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

Charging on; BC Hydro data shows public EV charging nearing pre-pandemic levels

2020

SKYTALK •

AutoTalk

always staying two metres PlugShare app to find more apart from others, if possible than 1,000 public charging • Bringing sanitizing wipes or stations across the province. gloves to minimize potential For more information on transfer of COVID-19 how BC Hydro is supporting EV • BC Hydro customers are adoption in B.C., visit bchydro. encouraged to use the com/ev.

Solution for Aug/Sep 2020 Crossword.

Courtesy of Mirroreyes Internet Services Corporation

Auto Repair Services you can count on!

Despite the ongoing health crisis, BC Hydro data shows June 2020 use of its public EV charging stations have rebounded since COVID-19 restrictions were eased, nearing almost prepandemic levels. In February, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were more than 21,000 charging sessions at BC Hydro’s 70 fast charging stations across the province. When COVID-19 stay-at home measures were implemented in mid-March, that number dropped by nearly 20 per cent, and by April, charging sessions had dropped by nearly 30 per cent more to 12,700. Since then, charging sessions have been steadily increasing with B.C.’s economic restart, and have increased by almost 50 per

cent since their lowest point in April. In fact, there were almost 20,000 charging sessions in the month of June, which is almost on par with pre-pandemic levels. Although public charger use has rebounded equally at BC Hydro stations across the province, data shows the most popular charging location is at the Grandview Highway Superstore in Vancouver, likely due to its proximity to Highway 1. Other popular charging stations near major roads or highways include Colwood Park on Vancouver Island, Britton Creek Rest Area in the Fraser Valley and Tournament Capital Centre in Kamloops. Most BC Hydro fast chargers are located within 300 metres of a major road or highway. In addition, the frequency

of charging at its highway stations indicates more British Columbians are commuting or taking road trips in an EV, despite what a survey conducted on behalf of BC Hydro found in 2019. In that survey, close to 70 per cent of British Columbians indicated they were hesitant to purchase an EV because they did not think it could travel longer distances. BC Hydro is encouraging EV drivers to charge at home as much as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, but recognizes many customers rely on public charging infrastructure. When using a public charging station during the pandemic, BC Hydro recommends: • Taking care to practice social distancing at stations and

We have been providing quality car care in Vancouver, BC since 1980. We’re focused on providing you honest and professional automotive repair and auto maintenance services . Our quality certified technicians employ today’s latest automotive technology and are equipped to handle all major and minor repairs on foreign and domestic vehicles.

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At our shop we are using sanitizing procedures to make sure that we deliver your car germ and virus free. We are also keeping our office area sanitized. Transactions with our shop can be done utilizing social distancing. If you do not want to make contact with us we can take payments over the phone or e-transfer. Keys can be put into our drop slot and hidden in or on your car for pick up.

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For those of you who cannot or do not wish to leave your homes we can offer the convenience of pick up and drop off service. This could be a great time to service your vehicle and, if you are not currently using it, have it in top shape when life returns to normal. Please contact us with any questions that you have. I wish you and your family good health and strength through the days and weeks ahead. Bernie Pawlik • 604-327-7112

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10 •

SKYTALK

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

2020

www.skytalkonline.com

CrossWord

Richmond News

Report highlights City of Richmond’s initiatives to boost its economic recovery A dedicated business support centre, a job board for displaced workers and a list of locally made personal protective equipment suppliers are just some of the measures implemented by the City of Richmond Economic Development Office (EDO) to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19. These and several other initiatives from the EDO, City and local businesses and entrepreneurs are highlighted in a 16-page Economic Response & Recovery Report, which captures some of actions taken, already underway, or planned to reduce and alleviate the impact of COVID-19 across the city, especially among businesses and their employees. Among them: • COVID-19 Business Support Centre – a centralized, online source for accurate and timely information and resources for local businesses (www. businessinrichmond.ca/covid-19) • WeAreRichmondBC – a partnership between the City of Richmond, Tourism Richmond and the Richmond Chamber of Commerce to showcase local businesses and encourage residents to explore and connect with their community (www. wearerichmondbc.ca) • Alternate Product Distribution opportunities – to overcome challenges getting products to marketplace during the pandemic, several alternate channels were created such as Skipper Otto (a direct-to-consumer seafood network) and BC Local Root (an online platform for delivery and pickup of locally made products) (www.businessinrichmond.ca/ distribution) • Richmond-made Safety Supplies – as businesses re-open, personal

protective equipment and safety supplies are in high demand to combat COVID-19. A list of suppliers of Richmondmade medical and personal protective equipment enables people to buy local and support local (www.businessinrichmond.ca/ safetysupplies) • Opportunities for Displaced Workers – many workers, especially in the tourism, hospitality, aviation and service sectors, experienced temporary displacement due to COVID-19. A database of job boards and job listings for local companies gave some a chance to find alternate employment and stability during this period of uncertainty (www.businessinrichmond.ca/jobs) Additional actions by the City to support local businesses and economic recovery include: • the expedited patio application process - Richmond was among the first to streamline opportunities for local eateries to expand space to allow for physical distancing without charge • reducing the municipal tax increase from 4.98 per cent to 2.97 per cent and extending the tax penalty due date to after September 30 • allowing the delay of business licence renewal fees for businesses temporarily closed due to COVID-19 • prioritizing fire and life safety inspections for businesses looking to reopen, and • reintroducing tower crane inspections to allow new construction to continue The report can be found on the City of Richmond Economic Development website at businessinrichmond.ca/ response-recovery-report.

Donate to help support and make a difference in the lives of BC’s Organ Transplant Children and their families. Children’s Organ Transplant Society offers: • Support Services • Peer, Teen and Sibling Support • Education • Advocacy • Financial Support • Key Links and Resources • Awareness For additional information or to make a donation, visit www.childrensots.org 823 Fremlin Street Vancouver, BC V6P 3X1 • Tel: 604-271-7719 Email: info@childrensots.org

ACROSS 1 10 cent coin 5 Awry 10 Female sheep 14 Aid 15 Negate 16 Withered 17 Cherishing 19 Whittle 20 Not subtract 21 Largest continent 22 Felt-tip pen 24 Worry 25 Reverses the tape to the beginning 26 Done to butter on toast 29 Upper chamber in a legislature 30 A tract of level wasteland 31 Godliness 32 Resort 35 At one time 36 Unpaid expenses 37 Utilizer 38 East southeast 39 Songs for two 40 Whipping—clotted or ice 41 Not ours 43 Playful 44 Rolled up parchments 46 Humble request 47 Stretched out 48 Envelop 49 Perceive visually 52 A competition involving speed 53 Intrinsically 56 Writing fluids 57 Hangman’s knot 58 Lack of difficulty 59 Annoyance 60 Is sometimes greener elsewhere 61 1 1 1 1.

DOWN 1 Information 2 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development 3 A fitting reward (archaic) 4 7th letter in the Greek alphabet 5 Maltreated 6 The quality of being deserving 7 Pelvic bones 8 Transgression 9 Sections 10 Liveliness 11 Not strengths 12 Made a mistake 13 Fortune tellers 18 Abraham’s wife 23 At a distant place 24 Feast 25 Bobbins 26 Footwear 27 Writing tools 28 Where horses compete 29 River deposits 31 Wharfs 33 Top of a mountain 34 Infantry 36 Edifice 37 Murres 39 Expunge 40 French pancake 42 Truthful 43 Spreads outward 44 Certificate 45 Long-necked wading bird 46 Push 48 Stop to a horse 49 Comedian ____ Laurel 50 Otherwise 51 Visual organs 54 Neither ___ 55 Prefix indicating recent or new.

See solution for crossword on page 9

www.skytalkonline.com

Classified

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

2020

SKYTALK •

CONSUMER | COMMERCIAL

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12 •

SKYTALK

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

2020

www.skytalkonline.com

West PointTerminal & Canadian K9 Air Cargo Screening Services West Point Terminal and Canadian K9 have formed a strategic business alliance to offer future air cargo screening, using explosive detection K9 teams. This alliance ensures a dedicated K9 screening facility on Sea Island, offering premium cargo screening both on and off the airport site via a 26,000-sq.-ft bonded warehouse facility, coupled with a mobile K9 screening capability. The use of K9 for explosive detection amounts to one of the fastest, reliable, cost-effective and robust real-time detection strategy available to safeguard air cargo. To maintain the integrity of the air cargo secure supply chain and to assure compliance when handling shipments, the K9 screening services operate in accordance with Transport Canada’s Air Cargo Security Program and the future Explosive Detection Dog and Handler Team (EDDHT) Program requirements.

Established in 2006, West Point Terminal operates within Canada’s air cargo secure supply chain. Our bonded warehouse is a CBSA-Partners in Protection (PIP) designated facility. West Point Terminal is also designated as a Certified Agent under the Transport Canada Air Cargo Security Program. Established in 1997, Canadian K9 is a division of group8108 Executive Protection Inc., a privately held VIP security company established in 2010 to provide security support to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. An innovative leader in the detection of explosives and narcotics, it was the first security company to provide K9 detection services in Western Canada. K9 teams are professionally trained to a high level of proficiency and validated through the Justice Institute of BC and possess Transport Canada Security Clearance.

For more information on K9 services, Contact Kevin Haggerty, Cargo Security Coordinator, West Point Terminal

778.870.1920 or email kevin@westpointinc.com