Nothing moves without you. 

Airport Workers Day and GEM Awards 2026 

On June 25, 2026, Toronto Pearson joined airports across the country to mark Airport Workers Day — a national moment to recognize the people whose work keeps Canadians connected to each other and to the world.

Air transportation is essential to Canada’s economy and way of life. It enables the movement of people and goods, supports medical and business needs, and links communities across a vast and geographically diverse country. Every flight depends on hundreds of airport worker touchpoints — the dedicated teams who ensure safe, efficient operations and maintain critical connections for communities large and small.

Airport Workers Day is our opportunity to celebrate those contributions and the people behind them.

See photos from Airport Workers Day 2026

The GEM Awards Join Airport Workers Day

This year, the Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Awards became part of Airport Workers Day, creating a single, more unified way to recognize excellence across the airport community.

The GEM Awards celebrate airport workers who go above and beyond to make Toronto Pearson safer, more secure, and to deliver exceptional customer experiences. By bringing GEM into Airport Workers Day, we are shining a brighter, unified spotlight on the people who set the bar for our airport and care for passengers, colleagues and airport communities.

Why Airport Workers Day Is a Hallmark at Pearson 

  • Airports are complex, interconnected environments where collaboration is essential. Across Canada, airport workers work seamlessly across roles, organizations, and disciplines to ensure safe operations and a smooth passenger experience. 

    Air travel is only possible because a diverse network of specialists work in concert every day — sharing responsibility, supporting one another and contributing to a shared mission. Airport Workers Day recognizes that collaboration and the collective effort behind every journey. 

  • From technicians and baggage handlers to security staff, aircraft marshals, air traffic controllers, and facilities teams, the careers within Canada’s airports are as diverse as the people who fill them. 

    Many airport workers build lifelong careers in aviation, reflecting both their personal commitment and the strong workplace culture that defines our airports. Airport Workers Day celebrates the wide range of skills, experiences, and paths that come together to support safe and reliable air travel. 

  • Canada’s airports operate on a strong culture of safety and security — one that every airport worker contributes to. 

    From daily decisions to critical moments, airport workers’ focus, judgment and professionalism underpin every operation. This dedication ensures the safe movement of people and goods and reinforces the trust Canadians place in air travel. Airport Workers Day recognizes that safety and security are shared responsibilities carried out every day by people across the airport community. 

    NEW for 2026! A new national Airport Workers Day award category has been introduced in 2026: Outstanding Contribution to Safety and/or Security. 

    This award recognizes individuals whose work has measurably improved safety or security at their airport or across Canada’s airport network. 

  • Airport Workers Day is a chance to pause, recognize the work that often happens behind the scenes, and celebrate the people who keep Pearson and Canada moving. 

    Nothing moves without you. We hope you’ll join us on June 25 to celebrate everything we are building together. 

Meet the 2026 CAC National Award Winner

Outstanding Service

Wareesha Mashhood
Air Canada  

Wareesha Mashhood is being recognized on a national stage for her outstanding service, receiving an incredible 15 nominations from colleagues and passengers alike.

As a Customer Experience Specialist with Air Canada, Wareesha consistently creates meaningful, positive experiences for the thousands of passengers she supports every week.

During high-pressure situations—including delays and severe weather—Wareesha remains a steady and reassuring presence, helping reduce stress and ensuring passengers feel informed, supported, and cared for.

Wareesha never hesitates to go beyond her role—taking the time to guide, assist, and even personally escort passengers to ensure they reach their destination with confidence. Her impact is felt not only by passengers, but by her colleagues, who rely on her leadership, positivity, and willingness to step in whenever help is needed.

Thank you, Wareesha for representing the very best of our industry – bringing heart, dedication and excellence to every moment. Congratulations.

Congratulations to the 2026 GEM Award Winners

Eye on Safety Recognition Winners 

  • Safety Champion (Group)

    Jordan Rovo
    Dufferin Construction

  • Safety Champion (Group)

    Cameron White
    Dufferin Construction

  • Safety Champion (Individual)

    Timothy Orr
    GTAA

  • Security Champion (Individual)

    Eugen Hossu
    GTAA

  • Safety Leader

    Moneita Persaud
    Air Canada

  • Safety Innovation

    ASP Inc.

  • Safety Culture

    AAS (Aviation and Airport Services Canada)

Passenger First Recognition Winners

  • Above & Beyond Award

    Alicia Vargas
    Dexterra

  • Show You Care Award

    Tracy O'Halloran
    WestJet

  • Own the Moment Award

    Elisha Kant
    Canada Border Services Agency

  • Making CX Better Together

    Scott Fritzsch
    GTAA

  • Making CX Better Together

    Antonio Guido
    GTAA

  • Making CX Better Together

    John Murillo
    GTAA

  • Making CX Better Together

    Nicholas Menegon
    GTAA

  • Making CX Better Together

    Byron Abas
    GTAA

  • Making CX Better Together

    Ryan Glotfelty
    GTAA

  • Making CX Better Together

    Sara Pourkalhor
    GTAA