Congress 7 Information Center

Hello partners, employees, board members, and guests.

Congress 7 is now behind us! What a wonderful time of connecting, learning, growing, and accomplishing together, all in the strength of the Holy Spirit and in the name of our precious savior Jesus Christ.

Below you will find a highlight video, photos from the week, and more. We can now celebrate Congress 7 and look forward to Congress 8 in New Zealand.

Edmond Vanderpuye, General Secretary

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State of the Partnership

Edmond Vanderpuye

Watch the video >
This is the opening address from our General Secretary, with updates on the work that’s taken place across the network since Congress 6.

Worship & Devotions

Martine Kelsey and Dr. Kevin Mannoia

Ministry Panels

Featuring Your Partners

Capacity Building

Presentations

Business & Motions

Santosh Gnanakan and John Koot

Congress 7 Documents and Partner Uploads

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LOCATION OF CONGRESS 7

We will be meeting at Redeemer University and staying in residence on campus. This Christian University is located in the City of Hamilton, within the Province of Ontario. The campus is one hour from Toronto and one hour from Niagara Falls.

Map

LANGUAGES IN CANADA

Canada has two official languages: English and French. Ontario is an English-speaking province.

TIME ZONE

Ontario is under Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

CURRENCY

Our currency is the Canadian dollar
Coins: 5 / 10 / 25 cent and $1 / $2
Bills: $5 / $10 / $20 / $50 / $100

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Currency exchange is readily available.
Note: Airport currency exchanges are more expensive.

WHAT YOUR DOLLAR WILL BUY

Cup of coffee = $1.50 – $2.00
Takeout lunch = $10.00 – $12.00

The cost of living in Canada

BANKING

Canada has 5 big banks and many smaller banks for currency exchange and cash withdrawal.
Cash machines (ABMs) are everywhere.
Most merchants accept Interac debit cards.
Major credit cards are Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

CLIMATE

Weather in late May / early June is usually mild and pleasant. Normal temperatures range from 20-25 C during the day, dropping down to 8-15 C at night.

WHAT TO WEAR IN MAY

Bring a light sweater for the daytime and a light jacket for the evening. If you come from a warmer climate, you may wish to wear a sweater with a jacket and gloves in the evening.

GETTING AROUND

Taxis and Uber rideshares are widely available if you wish to explore the local area. If you visit Toronto, there are trains and buses available to take you to the city, where you can transfer to buses, subways, and streetcars. Check with the host team for details.

DINING

All meals will be provided at Congress.

SHOPPING

Most shopping in Canada happens indoor at retail malls or at outdoor shopping centres (known as ‘big box stores’). Traditional stall markets are rare.

INTERNET AND CELLULAR

Cellular phone service is widely available across Canada.
Sim cards and disposable phones are available to purchase.
WiFi will be available all week at Redeemer.

SAFETY

Canada is a relatively safe country, and there are no major security concerns in the area of Redeemer University. As with all international travel, use common sense and do not explore downtown areas of Toronto or Hamilton after dark, especially alone. If in doubt, ask the host team.

DRINKING WATER

Tap water is treated and safe to drink.
Bottled water is also widely available.
Vegetables, fruits, and salads washed in tap water are safe to eat.

ELECTRICITY

Canadian buildings are wired with 120V power.
Outlet adapters are available to purchase at local stores.

Important Dates

KEY DETAILS FOR NOVEMBER:

Registration is open from November 1 to 30

***Check the expiry date on your passport*** Canada sometimes requires a passport to be valid for 6 months after your scheduled departure. In other words, if your passport expires on or before December 5, 2022, we suggest you renew it before coming to Canada.

***Determine if you require a Visitor Visa to enter Canada.*** Read Steps to apply for a visitor visa. If you have questions, please contact your local Canadian embassy.

Nominations open Nov 1 for Officers of the Society (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer)

Nominations open Nov 1 for election to the Governance Council

KEY DETAILS FOR DECEMBER:

Request a travel itinerary from your travel agent. You will need these details to apply for your visitor visa. (Contact Edmond if you require assistance with your travel).

If you requested an invitation letter, you will receive it by the end of December.

KEY DETAILS FOR JANUARY:

Apply for a visitor visa, if you require one to enter Canada.

Make sure you have your first COVID vaccination.

Review Canada’s vaccination requirements for travelers

KEY DETAILS FOR FEBRUARY:

If you have received your visitor visa, book your flights

KEY DETAILS FOR MARCH:

If you have not done so already, book your flights

Submit your travel details.

KEY DETAILS FOR APRIL:

If you have not done so already, submit your travel details.

Make sure you have your second COVID vaccination.

Submit nominations by April 30 for the Ray Harrison Distinguished Service Award

Nominations CLOSE April 30 for Officers of the Society(Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer)

Nominations CLOSE April 30 for election to the Governance Council

KEY DETAILS FOR MAY:

Complete your pre-travel COVID test

***IMPORTANT*** Submit your arrival information through the ArriveCAN app 72 hours before your arrival in Canada.

If you fail to submit your information on Arrivecan, you may be denied boarding on your flight or entry into Canada.

Arrive in Canada May 29.

Enjoy Congress 7!

KEY DETAILS FOR JUNE:

Congress ends June 5.

Get a pre-travel COVID test for your return trip home (the host team will help).

Submit your information through the ArriveCAN app.

Congress 7 Information Center

Congress 7 Recorded Sessions and Videos