Updated April 21, 2022
On behalf of the Community Futures Network of Canada, we are thrilled to welcome you to Ottawa for the 2022 Community Futures National Event. It’s been four years since we last came together as a group, and we look forward to creating a safe and supportive environment for this year’s conference.
We continue to be encouraged by the latest news from the provincial and federal health authorities regarding the easing of public health restrictions around COVID-19, and will follow the latest guidelines from Ontario to ensure the safety of all attendees.
In March, Ontario moved to the next phase of its Reopening Plan, easing mandates for mask-wearing and proof of vaccination. We are also working closely with The Westin Ottawa who is taking every precaution to ensure that their venue is safe and welcoming.
From the outset, the well-being of conference attendees has been of the utmost importance to everyone involved. To ensure the health and safety of all participants, we will continue to monitor the ever-changing situation with COVID-19 and keep you updated. Please read the following guidelines and check back regularly to keep up with the latest information on holding a safe and healthy conference.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
The Community Futures National Event will follow the federal, provincial and public health regulations and COVID-19 guidelines for holding indoor events and gatherings in public spaces that have been established by the Government of Ontario as part of Ontario’s Re-opening Plan. We will also comply with the guidelines put in place by The Westin Ottawa. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and update these guidelines as required to ensure the safety and comfort of those joining us at the conference. For additional COVID-19 related information and resources, please visit the City of Ottawa website and Ottawa Tourism.
VACCINE POLICY
Conference attendees are no longer required to show proof of vaccination. This decision follows the Province of Ontario’s re-opening plan and decision to drop vaccine mandates as of March 1, 2022, and complies with the Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines and current provincial proof of vaccination regulations for indoor conference, meetings, and event spaces in Ontario.
MASKS AND FACE COVERINGS
In Ontario, it is no longer mandatory to wear a mask or face covering in most indoor public settings (effective March 21, 2022), although masks will still be required on public transit and in healthcare settings. Should you decide not to wear a mask, please respect those who choose to wear a mask during the conference.
At this time, we are asking that all conference attendees wear a mask while speaking into a microphone in the Roundtable Discussion groups during the Session blocks. Note: this does not refer to the Workshop sessions. This mandate will allow for optimal protection in a setting where microphones are shared among multiple attendees.
Additionally, medical-grade masks will be provided to all conference attendees who would like them. Masks will available at the CFNE Registration Desk on the fourth floor of The Westin Ottawa.
COVID-19 TESTING
We will also have a supply of COVID-19 rapid tests available for any conference attendee that requires one. These will be available at the CFNE Registration Desk on the fourth floor of The Westin Ottawa, or by contacting the Conference Organizers in a situation that requires isolation.
SANITIZING STATIONS
Hand sanitizing stations will be conveniently located throughout the conference venue to help protect attendees and minimize the spread of germs that cause COVID-19 and influenza.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We are committed to following the current public health guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19, and we ask that all those attending the conference also respect these guidelines. Please share the responsibility of hosting a safe and successful National Event and observe the following:
THE WESTIN OTTAWA
In keeping with Ontario’s Re-opening Plan, The Westin Ottawa has also updated its policies. Here’s what you can expect during your stay at The Westin Ottawa and how they are preparing for your stay.
TRAVEL
We encourage all attendees to review federal and provincial travel guidelines for their provinces before travel, and to follow all public health measures while visiting Ottawa.