GENERAL INFORMATION
The 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) and associated Meetings - including 38th CPA Small Branches Conference; 7th Triennial Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians(CWP) Conference; 65th CPA General Assembly; meetings of the CPA Executive Committee and the 56th General Meeting of the Society of Clerks at the Table (SoCATT) - will be held in Halifax, Canada from August 20-26, 2022.
Halifax Convention Centre1650 Argyle Street
Halifax, NS B3J 0E6
Canada
65th CPC – Canadian Secretariat
Mr. Martin Champagne
Conferences Coordinator
Parliament of Canada
131 Queen Street, 5th Floor
Ottawa, K1A 0A6, Canada
Tel: +1-613-944-9356
Email: 65cpc@parl.gc.ca
Website: www.65cpc.ca
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CPA Headquarters Secretariat London
CPA Headquarters Secretariat
Richmond House
Houses of Parliament
London, SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44-20-7799-1460 (switchboard)
Email: CPC@cpahq.org
Website: www.cpahq.org
Please refer to the following website for current advice and information on travel to and within Canada, such as:
- COVID-19 pre-entry testing and vaccination requirements
- Travel restrictions
- ArriveCan app
- Public health situation in Canada
It is also helpful to consult the Government of Canada’s Travel and Advisories – FAQ page for additional information.
We closely follow the recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health Authority to ensure a safe event. Visit the Government of Canada and Nova Scotia websites to learn more about the health requirements for your stay in Canada.
Relevant Links:
COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders (Government of Canada)
Provincial Restrictions and Guidance (Government of Nova Scotia)
Information and Support for COVID-19 (Nova Scotia Health)
Municipal Information for COVID-19 (City of Halifax)
Halifax Convention Centre – Sanitation Measures:
The Halifax Convention Centre has sanitation stations located on all floors and signs posted in public places (i.e. washrooms) regarding public health measures and hand hygiene.
Isolation:
Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 are strongly recommended to self-isolate and to notify conference organizers if they test positive or are exhibiting symptoms.
Masking:
In Nova Scotia, masking remains strongly recommended for people who are in a crowded indoor setting. Masks will be available to purchase in any local pharmacy. The closest pharmacy is a 4 minute walk from the Halifax Convention Centre (Lawtons Drugs Scotia Square, 5201 Duke St, Halifax, NS B3J 1N9).
Testing:
A supply of Rapid Antigen Tests has been procured and will be made available to conference participants and/or staff, as required. The tests will be available in the first aid room and can be acquired from the on-site paramedic.
The information about locations where tests can be performed (the full lab test – PCR tests for travel) will be available at the registration desk where people can ask for directions as well. The information can also be accessed online at
To enter Canada, all delegates require a valid passport with 6 months validity from the date of entry. Delegates may also require a valid visa or en electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Please refer to the Canadian government’s official website to find out which one is required.
Visas or eTA’s must be obtained PRIOR to travelling to Canada
Submission of Visa Applications
Canada does not have a visa office in every country so it is important that delegates visit the website of the Canadian visa office responsible for processing their visa application. Information is available on the website on how to submit a visa application and the documentation required.
Visa applications must be completed in full, and all necessary documents should be provided. An incomplete application will result in the visa being rejected.
Processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Delegates are encouraged to apply approximately 8 to 10 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time.
Delegates travelling to another country either before or after the conference may need additional entry visas.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Halifax Stanfield International Airport is located within a 40-minute drive from the conference hotels, depending on traffic. A reception desk displaying the conference logo will be located at the airport during the official arrival and departure dates to assist participants.
A shuttle bus service will be provided to transport delegates from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport to the conference hotels. Delegates must provide their arrival details to the conference secretariat by Monday June 22, 2022.
Transportation will be provided from all conference hotels to all meetings and official social events during the official conference dates.
Further information will be available at the information desks located in the Halifax Convention Centre and at the conference hotels.
Transportation to the Halifax Stanfield International Airport for departures will be provided from the conference hotels all day on Friday August 26, 2022.
Other means of transport from Halifax Stanfield International Airport
- Taxi
A taxi ride from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport to downtown Halifax takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes and costs around CAD $60-70 (USD $45-50). The exact price and duration of the journey depend on the hotel location and traffic. It is advised to agree on the payment method (cash/card) before getting in the taxi. Only Canadian dollars will be accepted by the driver.
- Bus
The MetroX bus service operates between Halifax Stanfield International Airport and downtown Halifax. Please consult the following website for more information: Regional Express Service
The official currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar (CAD).
Online
Beginning Wednesday April 13, 2022, you can begin the process of nominating and registering official participants to the 65th CPC. This can be done via the Host website at www.65cpc.ca.
The deadline to receive all necessary registration information, including biographical details, travel details and a photo is Friday July 1st, 2022. Any information not provided to the Canadian Secretariat by this date may result in information not being included in the biography booklet, accreditation lists and potentially the electoral rolls.
Biographical Details: Participants must fill out the online form available in the registration section. Published biographies will be derived from the information provided. If biographies are too lengthy, editorial decisions may be made to summarize the biographies. A current passport size photo is required for the biography booklets as well as the production of Conference passes. Delegations registering online can upload the photo; otherwise, kindly email a passport photograph in Jpeg format to the Conference Secretariat, indicating the first and last name of the delegate, country, and the CPA Branch.
Onsite
On arrival, all conference participants are requested to report to the CPC registration desk to check in. Upon presentation of photographic identification (a passport or identity card), participants will be given their conference badge and the delegate bag. The CPC registration desk will be located at the main entrance level of the Halifax Convention Centre. The desk will be open on Saturday August 20, 2022, and for the duration of the conference (hours of operation will be provided at a later time).
For security reasons, all participants, including accompanying persons, observers and members of the press, will be required to wear their conference badge at all meetings and social functions, as well as for all transport organized for the conference. It is not recommended to wear the badge outside of conference activities; however, delegates are advised to have their badge with them at all times as well as official photo identification (i.e. passport or identity card) in the event of identity checks.
The conference badge will feature a photograph of the participant. Delegates can use the online registration system to upload a photograph to be used on their conference pass. The photo should be a high-quality passport-style photo in jpeg format and indicate the first and last name of the delegate, country, and the CPA branch.
Please note that on-site photography for badges will not be available.
Reservations should preferably be made via the link provided by each hotel.
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Please note that the links for delegates to reserve the hotel rooms include the cost of breakfast but do not include any applicable taxes. See the chart below for an estimated room rate including taxes. |
- All payments for accommodation and personal expenses should be made directly to the hotels. Credit card details are required to secure bookings.
- Cancellation of reservations is as per individual hotel policy. Further information on these hotels can be obtained from the Conference website.
- CPA Canadian Region will not pay for any fees related to accommodation or cancellation for any persons for the duration of the Conference.
| We strongly recommend that delegations make their reservations without delay and before the cut-off dates cited below. After these dates, hotel room availability cannot be guaranteed. Participants are asked to carefully read the terms of the cancellation policy. |
Hotel information
- Please note that accessible rooms are available in all conference Hotels
- All room rate is subject to applicable taxes (15% HST and 2% Marketing Levy)
The Prince George Hotel
1725 Market Street | Halifax Nova Scotia| B3J 3N9
website | Room reservation link
Check in starts at: 15:00
Check out until: 13:00
Room rate per night in CAD, breakfast included
Single/Double: $229 + taxes
Crown Service Suite: $279 + taxes
Reservation deadline: Friday July 15, 2022
Cancellation Policy: Reservations will be guaranteed by the individual guest by deposit of one night's room rate or credit card. Cancellations must be received the day prior to arrival in order to avoid a cancellation fee.
Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax
1583 Brunswick Street | Halifax Nova Scotia | B3J 3P5
website | Room reservation link
Check in starts at: 15:00
Check out until: 13:00
Room rate per night in CAD, breakfast included
Single/Double: $189.00 + taxes
Suites: $239.00 + taxes
Reservation deadline: Friday July 15, 2022
Cancellation Policy: Rooms will be guaranteed by the individual guest by deposit of one night's room rate or credit card. Cancellations must be received the day prior to arrival in order to avoid a cancellation fee.
Lord Nelson Hotel
1515 South Park Street | Halifax Nova Scotia | B3J 2L2
website | Room reservation link
Check in starts at: 15:00
Check out until: 12:00
Room rate per night in CAD, breakfast included
Single/Double: $259 + taxes
Executive King: $289 + taxes
Reservation deadline: Friday July 15, 2022
Cancellation Policy: Reservations by Individuals: Guaranteed by the individual by credit card at time of reservation. In case of non-arrival, charges for the first night of the reservation will be paid by the individual. Reservation cancellation must be received by 1:00pm on the day prior to the scheduled arrival date.
Sutton Place Hotel
1700 Grafton St | Halifax Nova Scotia | B3J 2C4
website | Room reservation link
Check in starts at: 15:00
Check out until: 12:00
Room rates per night in $CAD, breakfast included
Single/Double: $249.00 + taxes
Reservation deadline: Friday July 15, 2022
Cancellation Policy: Changes or cancellations for individual reservations must reach the Reservations Department 48 hours prior to the arrival date to avoid a penalty charge of one nights’ room and tax.
Guests of Delegates and Secretaries; Observers (including accompanying persons), and unregistered Members of Society of Clerks-at-the-Table (SOCATT) are welcome to participate in the conference provided they pay to cover the cost of meals, ground transportation, tours and social functions. They will be responsible for the costs of their travel and accommodation.
Branches may apply for Observers to attend the Conference and they will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on availability of space and on the basis that they will participate fully in relevant Conference activities.
No provision will be made for children of any age.
An accompanying person/spouse
Accompanying person means a spouse, partner or other person who has a close personal relationship with the delegate and/or provides carer support to the delegate. But it’s not a staff member. For example, accompanying persons may be present to provide moral support or assistance to delegates with physical disabilities.
The Accompanying person/spouse will have limited access to the conference and will not be able to participate in all activities
Staff Member (OBSERVERS, OFFICIALS, PARLIAMENTARIANS, etc.)
The staff Member is there to work and to accompany the delegate and the delegation during the conference.
If you are working for the branch, you are a Staff Member and you are not considered an accompanying person – Staff are part of the delegation.
Payment of the 65th CPC Fees
Fees for Observers, SoCATT delegates and accompanying persons must be paid in advance by bank transfer, no later than Friday June 10, 2022. Fees are payable only in CAD Dollars. Fees are as follows:
- Observers, Officials, Parliamentarians : CAD $1250;
- Society of Clerks at the Table : CAD $1250 and
- Accompanying persons and spouses : CAD $750
Bank transfer details
| Bank name and address: |
Royal Bank of Canada Sparks and Metcalfe Branch 90 Sparks St. Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5T6, CANADA |
| Beneficiary details: |
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Canada Region Council 131 Queen Street, Room 05-03 Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6, CANADA |
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Bank Transit Number: Bank Account Number: |
00006 1048172 |
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Bank SWIFT BIC: Sort Code: |
ROYCCAT2 // CC0003 00006 1048172 |
| IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you indicate the name of the Branch, delegate/participant and category of the individual(s) on whose behalf the payment is being made. In addition, please email this information to the Canadian Secretariat at: 65cpc@parl.gc.ca |
There will be no accompanying persons programme organized for this conference.
Please note that Discover Halifax will have a booth set-up at the Halifax Convention Centre to assist the delegates and their guests with information on sightseeing and tourist attractions within the area.
Participants are reminded to obtain adequate health insurance before travelling to Canada. It is also recommended that participants who take prescription medications bring a copy of their prescriptions or relevant medical documents with them.
The delegates understand and agree that the safety of everyone involved in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) depends on them being aware of and adhering to public health regulations and advice, and that neither the CPC, conference organizers nor the conference venue are responsible for informing the delegates of such regulations or advice or for any consequences of their non-compliance with the same or for them contracting of COVID-19. Moreover, the delegates acknowledge and understand that the CPC will not be in any way responsible for any financial consequences of them having contracted COVID-19 while at the conference, including in relation to a requirement to self-isolate or any medical treatment they may require while in Canada, and that all attendees are advised to arrange for adequate travel insurance to cover any such eventualities.
For further information, you are advised to thoroughly read the following notice and disclaimer.
Daytime temperatures usually reach 22°C in Halifax in August, falling to 14°C at night. Rain can be expected in August but it’s still a great period to visit Halifax with very warm, summer temperatures. Summer clothes are suggested, as well as a sweater or jacket for evenings. It is also recommended to bring a waterproof rain jacket for rainy days.
Mobile telephones work on the North American standard. Please verify your telephones with your local service provider prior to coming to Canada. Canadian household voltage standard is AC110V-220V. Adaptors are not readily available and will be required for any European equipment.
On behalf of the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference and the Parliament of Canada, it is our pleasure to invite you to participate in the optional cultural tour of your choice on Tuesday morning, August 23rd, 2022.
Please see the information below regarding your 3 options:
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Historical Halifax City Tour (4.5 hours) Join your kilted guide for an informative and fun-filled ride through the streets of Halifax which will immerse you in the history and culture of our city. Learn about Halifax's war years and of the exploits and heroism of the citizens who lived through the devastating Halifax Explosion. See the Historic Properties district, the Spring Garden Road area, Old Town Clock, St. Paul's Church, Grand Parade, the busy port, the state-of-the-art Halifax Central Library, and much more. Highlights will include a stroll through the Victorian Public Gardens and a visit to Citadel National Historic Site to learn about the origins of Halifax. Your tour will be complemented by a two-course lunch at a local restaurant. From tales of disaster and triumph to remarkable stories of everyday life, discover the people and places that have made Halifax one of the most unique and captivating cities in North America! Includes:
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Lunenburg (5.5 hours) Join your kilted guide and head to Nova Scotia’s delightful South Shore to experience Lunenburg, one of the prettiest towns in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Settled in the mid-1750’s by Germans and Swiss, the locals still retain one of the most interesting accents in North America. Now a bustling fishing port, Lunenburg was once considered to be the busiest shipbuilding town in the world and was the birthplace of the world-famous racing schooner Bluenose. The town’s distinctive architecture and extraordinary scenic beauty is a colourful reminder of our maritime heritage. Upon arrival choose between joining your guide for a walking tour of the original town plat, or free time to explore at your leisure. Your outing will be complemented by a delicious two-course lunch. Includes:
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Historic Halifax Walking Tour (2- 2.5 Hours) Discover the old core of downtown Halifax the way it’s seen best: by foot. Accompanied by kilted guide, walk past elegant arches of Georgian and Victorian architecture, which help the city retain its historic charm. Visit the lovely Grand Parade Square, site of military drills in days gone by, and see the oldest Anglican Church in Canada. Enjoy the history of Province House and City Hall, overlooked by the picture-perfect Town Clock, perched on Citadel Hill. Take a stroll through the beautiful Public Gardens, which encompasses 17 acres of Victorian paths, lush flowerbeds and sparkling fountains. These gardens were begun in 1866 and are the oldest Victorian gardens in North America. Lastly, browse through the quaint shops and heritage buildings of the Historic Properties, and Bishops Landing located on the Halifax waterfront. Everywhere you look; this bustling seaport is overflowing with history and atmosphere! Includes:
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We would like to inform you that, as of now, registration for the TOURS/EXCURSIONS in Halifax is now CLOSED. Thank you everyone for your understanding.
ONLY FOR CONFIRMED DELEGATES TO THE TOUR
For Each official hotels of the conference (the ones listed below), breakfast will be served in your hotel starting at 6am.
Should you be staying at another hotel, please meet us in the lobby of the Prince Georges Hotel at the appropriate time. Visit details and lunch info will be provided by the guide at the beginning of the tour.
Historical Halifax City Tour:
We will be pleased to pick you up by bus at 8:30am in the lobby of the:
- Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites
- Cambridge Suites Halifax
- Prince Georges Hotel Halifax
- The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
Lunenburg Tour:
We will be pleased to pick you up by bus at 7:30am in the lobby of the:
- Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites
- Cambridge Suites Halifax
- Prince Georges Hotel Halifax
- The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
Historic Halifax Walking Tour:
The guide will meet you at the following time 10am in the lobby of the:
- Cambridge Suites Halifax
Casual is recommended for Optional Tour Programme
Please wear your badges for these activities
Tourist material, travel information, medical services, a cloakroom, wired internet connections and Wi-Fi will all be available in the Halifax Convention Centre. Further information on these services will be provided in the conference handbook. Smoking is not permitted in the Halifax Convention Centre.
Business attire or national dress is appropriate for meetings and evening events.