Code of Conduct

Destination Canada is committed to providing a safe environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and where harassment, discrimination, violence and illegal activity are not tolerated.

With this in mind, we have created a code of conduct that applies to everyone, including employees, consultants, contractors, volunteers, suppliers, registered participants, delegates, exhibitors, booth staff, and related parties (collectively, the “Participants”) who attends Rendez-vous Canada, including any workshop and conference-related social events and/or tours (the “Event”).

Harassment of any type is strictly prohibited during the Event and any instance of harassment will be taken very seriously. Harassment includes bullying or personal harassment as well as discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment (collectively, “Harassment”).

It includes but is not limited to:

  • inappropriate conduct or comment by an individual towards another at the Event, that the individual knew or ought reasonably to have known would cause the other person to be humiliated or intimidated;
  • any objectionable act, communication or display that demeans, belittles, or causes personal humiliation or embarrassment;
  • any act of intimidation or threat, including stalking, following, harassing photography or recording;
  • unwelcome, inappropriate or objectionable conduct, like offensive verbal comments, that is based on or related to sex, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, colour, marital or family status, pardoned conviction;
  • sharing sexual images in public spaces;
  • sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact;
  • unwelcome sexual attention.

If a Participant engages in Harassment, Destination Canada may take any action it deems appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the Event with no refund.

In order to create a safe environment for all Participants, exhibitors should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment. Additionally, all other attendees should avoid acting in a manner that could create a sexualized environment.

Please note that illegal or illicit behaviour such as drug use or excessive alcohol consumption will not be tolerated at the Event. Participants who appear to be overly intoxicated or disruptive may be asked to leave the Event with no refund, at Destination Canada’s sole discretion.

If you are being harassed, witness harassment, observe someone behaving inappropriately, or have any other concerns, please contact a Destination Canada team member who may be identified on site by their badges. Your concerns can also be addressed at the Rendez-vous Canada Project Office, by visiting the registration desk 

Team members will help Participants contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise support Participants who may be in distress.