Vancouver Airport Authority Wins Top Prize at National Governance Awards

YVR's governance model and diversity recognized by experts from across Canada

RICHMOND, BC, Nov. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - Yesterday, YVR received two Excellence in Governance Awards (EGAs) in Toronto from the Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC) – one for Best Overall Corporate Governance (non-public entity) and one for Best Practices in Enhancing Boardroom Diversity. These awards honour entities that demonstrate commitment to corporate governance and recognize efforts to increase diversity at the leadership level that lead to improvements in organizational outcomes.

"This isn't just an award for Vancouver Airport Authority, but for the entire airport community. It's proof that our unique governance model really works and that our focus on improving the passenger experience and serving our community is innovative and industry-leading," said YVR CEO and President Craig Richmond. "And to be recognized for promoting diversity on our Board is such a special honour. At YVR we celebrate diversity and truly believe in inclusiveness. Those beliefs are inherent in everything we do, and to have our Board recognized for diversity reflects our commitment to these values that lead to our record-setting growth and success."

Canada's major airports, including YVR, currently operate under a not-for-profit model, and are recognized as being among the most efficient in the world. This unique and now award-winning governance model gives Vancouver Airport Authority the flexibility to best meet the needs of the communities we serve while investing in customer service and airport infrastructure. As such, Canada has some of the most efficient, modern and competitive airports in the world. YVR has been named Best Airport in North America eight years in a row, was awarded Airport of the Year at the CAPA awards and most recently won the World Routes Marketing Awards. YVR is also the fastest growing international airport in North America, welcoming 22.3 million passengers in 2016, a 9.7 percent increase and on pace to exceed 25 million passengers by 2020. 

YVR's Board of Directors is led by an accomplished female Chair, features two female Committee Chairs and has set a 50 percent target for diversity. The Board identifies diversity as an essential element in attracting qualified directors and maintaining a high-functioning Board. YVR's commitment to diversity extends beyond the Board of Directors to the entire organization with strong targets for employment of women, people with a disability, visible minorities and Aboriginal persons.

The EGAs recognize the important contribution governance professionals make in terms of best practices that build and sustain shareholder and stakeholder value for an organization. The awards underscore the critical role that good governance plays in sustaining the value of Canada's public companies, crown corporations, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations, contributing to the competitiveness of Canada's economy and its capital markets. The Excellence in Governance Awards jury panel is composed of seasoned and well-respected governance experts from across Canada. For more information about the Governance Professionals of Canada click here.

About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served 22.3 million passengers in 2016. Fifty-six airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 125 non-stop destinations worldwide. In 2016, YVR received CAPA Centre for Aviation's prestigious Airport of the Year Award and was voted Best Airport in North America for the eighth consecutive year in the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2017. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2016 donated more than $1,000,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor.

SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority