The Canadian Tourism Commission dba Destination Canada (“DC” or “we”) produces, hosts and leads on its own and through its partners and suppliers, conferences, trade shows, networking events, symposia and other programming in the form of live in-person events and live virtual events, in Canada and internationally (the “Events”).
DC is committed to hosting and attending Events where everyone can participate in an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment. This Code is aligned with DC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and reconciliation.
All participants, including attendees, speakers, sponsors, suppliers, partners, organizers and volunteers or delegates of any of the foregoing, are required to comply with this Code at all Events and related activities (“Participants” or “You”). DC’s Privacy Policy (the “Privacy Policy”), at https://www.destinationcanada.com/en/privacy-policy, governs the collection, use and disclosure of Participant’s personal information and is incorporated into this Code by reference.
Acceptance of Terms. Events are made available to Participants subject to their acceptance of this Code. The terms of this Code are included in the registration for an Event. Attendance at the Event by a Participant constitutes acceptance of this Code and their agreement that they will abide by the Code, at all times, when attending an Event.
Despite the foregoing, DC reserves the right to update or make changes to this Code from time to time and may provide you with notice of such changes by any reasonable means, including without limitation, by posting the revised version of this Code on DC’s Event Website.
Your attendance and participation in Event(s) following changes to this Code will constitute your acceptance of those changes. Please read the following carefully as it governs attendance and participation in the Events.
BY ATTENDING OR PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENTS, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS CODE (as amended from time to time) as follows:
Expected Conduct of all Participants
As required under this Code you agree to:
1. Professionalism:
a. Contribute to a professional atmosphere.
b. Treat everyone with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions. You have been welcomed to this Event in a spirit of curiosity, friendliness, open-mindedness and respect. DC will not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form.
c. Respect the opinions and ideas of others, even if they differ from your own.
d. Communicate openly, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
e. Respect, where applicable, the confidential nature of information which is provided or presented at the Event and designated as confidential or subject to limited distribution by a speaker, DC staff or Event organizer.
2. Collaboration: Encourage a collaborative and supportive environment for networking and learning.
3. Respect:
a. Be kind and polite to others and do not insult or put down other Participants or DC staff. Should you wish to provide comment about an Event, Event feedback forms will be available from DC Staff.
b. Respect the boundaries of other attendees.
4. Social Norms: Be mindful of social norms related to professional behaviour, networking, and interpersonal interactions in the specific country or region where the Event is held.
5. Health and Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and report any safety concerns to the Event organizers or DC staff immediately. Follow Event health and safety guidelines This will include but not be limited to the wearing of masks and social distancing. Use discretion when hugging or hand-shaking; take your cue from the person you are greeting. Follow all emergency procedures.
6. Alcohol and Substance Use: Consume alcohol and other legal substances responsibly and in accordance with Event policies. The use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited.
7. Laws: Abide by all local, provincial, state, and federal laws and regulations during the Event.
Unacceptable Conduct and Behaviors
The following behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated at a DC Event:
1. Behaviors that contradict Expected Conduct.
2. Offensive verbal or written comments or non-verbal gestures related to age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, national origin or religion or any other characteristic protected by Canadian human rights laws, including but not limited to:
i. Insults;
ii. Slurs;
iii. Unwanted jokes;
iv. Baiting or teasing;
v. Rude or belittling comments;
vi. Initiating rumours or engaging in gossip;
vii. Spreading false information about a person;
viii. Body-shaming;
ix. Negative expressions towards those who do not conform with traditional gender norms;
x. Asking inappropriate questions about sexual orientation;
xi. Expressing intolerance toward any particular race;
xii. Any comments that a person knows or ought to know would tend to humiliate or intimidate someone.
3. Homophobia, racism or behavior that discriminates against a group or class of people.
4. Sexual harassment of any kind, including inappropriate physical contact and any unwelcome sexual attention, whether non-verbal, verbal or written, such as unwanted flirting, sexual innuendo, sexual jokes, or asking inappropriate sexual questions.
5. Inappropriate use of sexual language, innuendo, nudity, and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations.
6. Aggressive behaviour, whether verbal, written or physical, including acts such as swearing, shouting or threatening violence and any deliberate intimidation, bullying, or discrimination.
7. Photography or recording, without consent.
8. Sharing someone’s personal information, without consent.
9. Sustained disruption of talks or other content or presentations.
10. Ignoring health or safety guidelines that place yourself or others at risk.
11. Excessive consumption of alcohol or other legal substances.
Enforcement
1. DC staff and/or Event organizers will enforce the Code throughout the Event to ensure a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
2. Participants who are asked to stop any inappropriate or unacceptable behavior(s) are expected to comply immediately. Anyone violating this Code may, at the sole discretion of DC staff or Event organizers, be asked to leave the Event without a refund of any fees or costs incurred. Where necessary, DC staff or Event organizers may report the offending conduct to the appropriate authorities.