CICan response to COVID-19

In response to the rapidly evolving situation surrounding COVID-19, we are reaching out to share some important information, and seek your input.

Organizations around the world are assessing how to help prevent the spread of infection and we are no different. While we are continuing our international work and proceeding with the planning of our annual Connection Conference in Montreal, May 3-5, we are closely monitoring the situation to keep our community healthy and safe to the best of our ability.

Our conference website has been updated with a page on Health and Safety to keep you all up to date on COVID-19 measures taken by our venue, the latest advice from Montreal public health, and our policies of relevance. Any announcements related to the conference will be posted on this page, and let us assure you that you will be reimbursed in full for your registration if we have to cancel the event.

With respect to our international projects and student recruitment initiatives, we are in regular conversation with the relevant federal departments and will advise our members of any key updates. We are observing the Government of Canada’s travel advisories but otherwise operating business as usual. We have recommended that we postpone the launch of the Outbound Student Mobility program to the fall given the current global climate – we will update you once confirmed with Employment and Social Development Canada.

In order to serve you better, we are conducting a very brief survey to understand how our members are being affected by COVID-19. We will use this information to apprise the federal government of the impact. We have also booked a webinar series starting March 20, 2020 12-1:30 EST, and every two weeks thereafter at the same time, to share the results of the survey, update you on our efforts in Ottawa, and allow you to share amongst yourselves how the situation is evolving in the different jurisdictions, as well as to share your promising practices with each other.