Nothing moves without you. 

Airport Workers Day and GEM Awards 2026 

On June 25, 2026, Toronto Pearson joins 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.

Join the Airport Workers Day Celebration

Date: June 25, 2026
Time: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Terminal 1 – Departures Lounge 15

All airport workers are invited to attend the public Airport Workers Day celebration. This is a chance to come together, connect with colleagues across the airport, and recognize the teamwork, professionalism and pride behind everything we do. Light refreshments will be available. 

The GEM Awards Join Airport Workers Day

In 2026, the Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Awards become 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. 

GEM Awards Ceremony

An invitation-only GEM Awards ceremony will occur prior to the public Airport Workers Day celebration.

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 Last Year’s CAC National Award Winner

Outstanding Service

Water Fasan

We are proud to celebrate Water Fasan as Toronto Pearson’s recipient of the Outstanding Service Award as part of the 2025 Canadian Airports Awards.

Water embodies what it means to serve with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. With an incredible 78 nominations from colleagues and community members, his impact on the airport experience is undeniable.

Every day, Water goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive environment, making every interaction memorable. His presence leaves what colleagues describe as “an impression of increase”—uplifting everyone he encounters.

Congratulations, Water, and thank you for setting the gold standard in airport service.

Meet Last Year’s Toronto Pearson Award Winners

  • Excellence in Efficiency Optimization

    Negar Hajisaghati 
    LS Travel 

  • Airport Innovator

    Ibrahim Atcha
    Walter Shoeshine

  • Environmental Steward

    Pietra Sjoen 
    Falcon

  • Operational Excellence

    Hamid Hamid
    Delta

  • Outstanding Leadership

    Arindel Mohess
    OTG

  • Industry Champion

    Aurelio Arcaleni
    Air Canada

  • Passenger First Award

    Deepak Maden 
    HMS host

  • Rising Star

    Matthew Dzieduszycki 
    GTAA 

  • Rising Star

    Kevin Kapitan
    GTAA

  • Rising Star

    Brittany Kublick 
    GTAA

  • Rising Star

    Christopher Deratnay    
    GTAA

  • Rising Star

    Dwayne Ricketts    
    GTAA

  • Rising Star

    Kyle Fitzgerald  
    GTAA 

  • Rising Star

    Scott Buttrum  
    GTAA 

  • Rising Star

    Cody Drumm   
    GTAA

  • Rising Star

    Victoria Lam        
    GTAA

  • Rising Star

    Robert Davis  
    GTAA

  • Rising Star

    Joseph Bakalar
    GTAA

  • Rising Star

    Derrick Fiss    
    GTAA

  • Rising Star

    Marcel LaCapruccia           
    GTAA

  • Rising Star

    Lenord Sanders 
    GTAA

  • Rising Star

    Sean Greenwood   
    GTAA