Air North Enhances Security and Safety Training After Inquest Recommendations
Air North, a regional airline, is making important changes to its security and safety training. This comes after a coroner’s inquest looked into the death of a man named Hugh Riffel, who was shot by police at the airline’s compound in Whitehorse in 2022. The inquest has led to recommendations that the airline is now taking seriously.
Background on the Incident and Inquest
The tragic incident occurred on November 24, 2022, when Hugh Riffel entered the Air North compound with a gun. He threatened to harm himself and employees of Chieftain Energy, a company connected to Air North. Sadly, he was shot by an RCMP officer during the confrontation. Riffel had worked at Chieftain Energy from early 2020 until early 2021.
After Riffel’s death, there was a call for a coroner’s inquest. This inquest was set for March 2025, following a report from the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) in 2024. The report stated that the police’s use of force was justified. However, the jury later classified Riffel’s death as a homicide and offered four key recommendations for Air North regarding security at the compound.
Recommendations from the Inquest
The need for improved security measures at the compound.
A review of existing emergency response protocols.
Increased staff awareness of safety plans.
Regular updates to safety training for employees.
Air North’s Response to Inquest Findings
In response to these recommendations, Air North’s president, Joe Sparling, has confirmed that the airline will tighten its security measures. In a letter to the Yukon coroner dated December 15, Sparling stated that the airline has an emergency response protocol that follows the Canada Labour Code and Canadian Aviation Regulations. However, he noted that these protocols were primarily designed for aircraft incidents, not security threats like the one that occurred.
During the inquest, Sparling admitted that the emergency response protocol had not been updated since 2022. Some employees reported being unaware of any existing emergency response plan at the time of the incident. In his letter, Sparling did not directly address these employee concerns but emphasized that the company plans to review its safety training in light of the jury’s recommendations.
Changes in Security Measures
Air North is moving employee parking outside of secure areas, requiring staff ID cards for access.
Locks will be added to indoor workspaces where possible to enhance security.
Plans are underway for a new hangar that will include relocating the employee access gate and fencing.
Implications for Air North Employees and Operations
These changes are expected to have a significant impact on Air North’s employees. It is essential for staff to feel safe while at work. With the new security measures and enhanced training, employees should have better awareness of how to respond to emergencies. This could also help prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the airline implements these recommendations, it will be crucial to monitor how well these new protocols are received by employees and if they effectively improve safety and security at the compound.
Looking Ahead: Future Safety Strategies
Going forward, Air North will need to continue its commitment to safety. This includes regularly updating its emergency response protocols and ensuring that all staff members are well-trained in these procedures. Open communication between management and employees will also be vital in fostering a safe working environment.
Ultimately, by taking these steps, Air North aims to rebuild trust with its employees and the community, ensuring that safety remains a top priority.
“It’s important for us to learn from this tragedy and make real changes,” said Sparling in his letter to the coroner.
