On November 21, 2025, Canadian North served as the official airline partner of the ELPIS Arctic Spirit Dinner, held in Toronto.
This annual fundraising gala brings together corporate and philanthropic leaders, donors, and conservation partners in support of Arctic conservation and Inuit-led initiatives. This year’s event welcomed 212 guests and raised more than $300,000, underscoring the growing commitment to protecting the North.
Proceeds from the event supported WWF-Canada’s work in the North through the Karine Blatter Arctic Fund, which is helping advance the establishment of the Aqviqtuuq Inuit Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) in Taloyoak. This initiative reflects a wider vision for the region, connecting land and marine conservation with community priorities such as access to nutritious food, sustainable economic development, meaningful employment opportunities, and the protection of Inuit knowledge, culture, and language.
The Fund also strengthens regional momentum by supporting direct engagement with neighbouring communities, including Kugaaruk and Gjoa Haven, as they develop their own locally led protected area initiatives. Inspired by the leadership shown in Aqviqtuuq, these communities are working with WWF-Canada to advance a coordinated, Inuit-driven approach to conservation across the region.
Funds raised also contribute to continuing the impact of the ELPIS Foundation’s first gift to WWF-Canada to protect the Last Ice Area (LIA), a significant region where summer sea ice is expected to persist the longest under a warming climate. This area, which includes the Pikialasorsuaq North Water Polynya, is anticipated to serve as an important future refuge for polar bears.
As part of Canadian North’s partnership with the gala, we were pleased to contribute two round-trip flight certificates for travel between Ottawa and any Nunavut community, encouraging meaningful, sustainable travel to the North and helping more people experience the beauty and vibrancy of the region.
We are proud to stand alongside communities and partners who share our commitment to protecting the North for future generations through Inuit-led conservation and sustainability.
“The Elpis Foundation is grateful for Canadian North’s support of the ELPIS Arctic Spirit Dinner and the Karine Blatter Arctic Fund at WWF-Canada. Their partnership supports Inuit-led conservation in Taloyoak and beyond, safeguarding wildlife, ecosystems, and the landscapes that shaped Karine’s connection to the Canadian Arctic.”
— Rudi Blatter, Founder, The ELPIS Foundation