Thank you for your interest in the 2023 Canadian Conference on Global Health.
This FAQ contains answers to many of the questions we have received about the upcoming conference. We look forward to hosting you in October.
Registration
When does early bird pricing end?
September 1, 2023.
What is the deadline to register?
There is no deadline to register, however, there is limited space, so we encourage everyone to book early.
Those requiring visas to travel to Canada should consider registering as early as possible, as visa processing times can be unpredictable. As a policy, CAGH will stop issuing invitation letters on September 1, 2023.
I am a CAGH member; how do I access my member discount?
When registration opened on May 25, all CAGH members were given a coupon code for 20% off registration fees. Since then, anyone who became a member was provided with a coupon code in their welcome email. If you cannot locate your coupon code, please email us at: info@cagh-acsm.org. This code is only for CAGH members and is non-transferable. Only CAGH members are eligible for this discount. To find out more about your member discount, consult the registration page.
How do I change my in-person ticket to a virtual ticket or vice versa?
Please get in touch with us at info@cagh-acsm.org to request this change. Our staff will change your ticket and provide you with an updated invoice.
Some of my contact details are incorrect; how can I change this?
Unfortunately, only the original registrant can update their contact details. You can log in to Oxford Abstracts and click the profile icon on the upper right to edit your details.
In some cases, details such as the participant’s name are automatically populated when a registrant uses their existing Google, Facebook or LinkedIn account to speed up the login process. If this is the case, you must log in to Oxford Abstracts using your Google, Facebook or LinkedIn account and create an Oxford Abstract account. Please consult the Oxford Abstracts help section for more information about this process.
How much does it cost to attend the conference?
Our conference fees follow a progressive structure that takes into account career stage and country-income classification. For more information on conference fees, please consult the registration page.
How can I pay my registration fee?
Registering online lets you pay by Visa, MasterCard or American Express. If you do not have access to a credit card, you can also pay by wire transfer. Please contact us at info@cagh-acsm.org to inquire about wire transfer details.
Can I change the information on my conference registration invoice?
If you have already paid, you must contact us at info@cagh-acsm.org to make these changes. You can easily change your ticket type and contact information if you have not yet paid. See the information above for instructions on changing a registrant’s name and contact information.
What is the conference cancellation policy?
If you decide to cancel your registration more than 30 days before the conference begins, we will refund your payment, but there will be a $50 service charge per registration deducted from the refund. If you cancel with less than 29 days but more than seven days notice, you will receive a refund, but a $60 service charge will be deducted.
Regrettably, we cannot issue refunds for cancellations made within six days of the conference start date. If you fail to cancel your registration before the 7-day mark and do not attend the conference, we cannot provide any refunds or credit. Please note that registration fees are still owed even if payments are not received.
If you cannot attend the conference in person, we offer the option to transfer your registration to a virtual pass. If you request this change more than seven days before the conference, we will refund the price difference between the two options.
Visas/Invitation letters
I requested an invitation letter to facilitate my visa application process when I registered. When will I receive this letter?
Invitation letters must be created manually by staff. You should receive your invitation letter by email in the 2–3 business days* following payment. If, after three business days, you still have not received your letter, please get in touch with us at info@cagh-acsm.org.
*The CAGH work week is Monday to Friday and does not include Canadian statutory holidays.
Is there a deadline for requesting an invitation letter?
Yes: we will stop providing invitation letters starting September 1. If you require a visa, we highly encourage you to register and submit your visa application as early as possible, as visa processing times are unpredictable.
I will be travelling with a family member; can they also be named on my invitation letter?
CAGH will only issue invitation letters for registered conference participants in accordance with the requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
How do I apply for a visa?
For detailed instructions, please consult these instructions on our website
I’m having trouble registering with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); it is not accepting my code.
When you first create an account with IRCC, you will be asked for an invitation code. This is the code IRCC sends by email when you first register on the IRCC portal, not to be confused for our event code. Please check your email for your IRCC invitation code; later, you will be asked for our event code, which can be found in your invitation letter.
Will I be reimbursed for my registration if my visa request is rejected?
All cancellations are subject to our cancellation policy. Please refer to our registration page for details on our cancellation policy. If your request for a visa was rejected, we ask that you send us proof of rejection to process your refund request.
If your visa application is rejected, you can still join us and participate in the conference by converting your in-person ticket to a virtual ticket. In accordance with our cancellation policy, we will gladly refund you the price difference. To convert your ticket, please get in touch with us at info@cagh-acsm.org.
Financial Support
Does CAGH offer any financial support to offset travel and accommodation costs?
While we try our best to remove barriers to full and equal participation, we cannot finance conference participants' travel, accommodation, and attendance. Our conference fees follow a progressive structure that takes into account career stage and country-income classification. We also offer a very reduced rate for folks in low- and middle-income countries, students and post-docs who wish to participate virtually ($40 for non-members or free for CAGH members).
Accommodations and public transportation
Where can I stay in Ottawa?
Ottawa is a major city that hosts countless conferences and special events. There are dozens of hotels within walking distance of the conference.
I’m not staying at the Westin Ottawa; how do I get to the conference?
There are several options for travelling to the conference venue, including public transit, taxis and ride-share services.
Ottawa public transportation: OCTranspo. You can get directions and departure times by searching your route on Google Maps. You can see a map of highlighted public transit stops near the Westin here.
Taxis: Ottawa has two major taxi companies: Blue Line (613-238-1111) and Capital Taxi (613-744-3333)
Rideshares: Uber and Lyft both operate legally in Ottawa.
What airport or train station should I use when travelling to Ottawa?
Airport: Ottawa only has one major international airport. The Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (airport code: YOW) is the international airport serving Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and its metropolitan area known as the National Capital Region.
Train: there are two train stations in the Ottawa area. The one closest to the conference venue is Ottawa Station, located at 200 Tremblay Rd. Please ensure you are using this station when booking your ticket.
Oral Presentations and Posters
My abstract was accepted; who do I contact if I have any questions about the next steps?
Please direct your questions to us at ccgh@cagh-acsm.org.
Can I share my poster or oral presentation virtually?
Posters: poster presenters will have the option to upload their poster to the conference website along with a pre-recorded video presenting their work.
Oral presentation: Yes; if those selected are not able to come to Ottawa, they can present their work virtually.
Conference program
Where can I find the conference schedule?
We are currently working to finalize the program. The conference schedule will be published on our website.
I am registered to attend virtually; how do I access the conference live streams?
All those with virtual tickets will participate in the conference through our online conference platform called Oxford Abstracts.
Public Health
What should I do if I feel sick during the conference?
We want to make sure the CCGH remains a safe and accessible event for all our participants. If you feel sick, we kindly ask you to isolate yourself to help stem the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. You can still attend and participate in the conference virtually.
Accessibility information
How can I access simultaneous interpretation services during the conference?
Simultaneous interpretation will be available in French and English through audio devices available during the conference. Those tuning in online will be able to access simultaneous translation through a separate audio stream on Zoom.
Is the space accessible for persons with physical disabilities?
From The Westin: “The Westin Hotel Ottawa is equipped with various features to cater to the needs of individuals with diverse requirements. From wheelchairs, accessible ramps and elevators to spacious and well-designed accessible bathrooms and rooms to provide a seamless stay for guests with mobility challenges. If any special features are required or if you have any other questions, please contact The Westin Hotel Ottawa at phone number: 613-560-7000.”
What kind of chairs are being used in the conference rooms?
The venue provides stackable banquet conference-style chairs with no armrests.