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The
23rd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the International Freight Association is being
held in Montreal, Canada, the second largest country in the world, yet with a
population of only 30 million. Canada offers a world of contrasts – modern
cities rich in art and culture are on the doorstep of rugged mountain ranges
and the great outdoors. Montreal,
the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, is dynamic and modern,
successfully blending the old with the new.
Founded by the French, conquered by the British and then occupied by the
Americans, Montreal is steeped in history and cultural significance. Historic sites and museums rub shoulders
with the boutiques, more than 5000 restaurants, as well as nightclubs and
casino for which the city is famous. IFA
MEETING As
in the past, the meeting will enhance existing relations and friendships
between members, allow new members to introduce themselves and their company
and, most importantly, be a forum for discussions and decisions on how best to
continue to take the International Freight Association forward. Our
aim is to make the IFA a strong and powerful voice at the forefront of the
industry. Our steady growth ensures we have the highest quality of members. Now
surpassing 68 members from every continent we celebrated three years ago our 20th
anniversary, testimony to the IFA's
stability and commitment. Most
importantly, the AGM will be a forum for discussions and workshops, networking
sessions and making decisions about our continuing expansion. You
will have time to ·
meet in informal sessions with
colleagues ·
organise one-to-one meetings with
other members ·
participate in your area or
specialty meetings ·
socialise and enjoy networking CANADA INFORMATION LANGUAGE Canada was founded on with a unique blend of English and French
cultures. As such, both languages enjoy official status throughout the country.
Canadians are entitled to receive federal government services in English or
French anywhere in the country. Although
English and French are the only two official languages in Canada, countless
other languages are spoken on the streets and in homes. Almost every language
and culture in the world can find some representation, and a home, in Canada. RELIGION Although
most Canadians identify themselves as Christian, Canada is a secular and
tolerant society. All religions are free to assemble and worship as they wish. CITIES The
majority of Canadians live in major cities within 200 kilometers of the
American border. Canada's large cities, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and
Calgary, all have unique styles, climates, economies and cultural
characteristics. Toronto is a large cosmopolitan centre often compared to New
York. Montreal is a bohemian, bilingual city with a thriving cultural scene and
European flavour. Vancouver is sometimes called the "city of glass"
for its scenic natural setting and glittering glass architecture. Calgary is an
economic success story, and the centre of the booming Canadian oil industry. GEOGRAPHY Canada's
geography is highly varied. The West coast is mountainous, and largely covered
in an old-growth rain forest. The Parries of Western Canada are flat with
wide-open space stretching from horizon to horizon. Central Canada is covered
by a rocky face called the Canadian Shield and littered with lakes and rivers.
Southern Ontario and Quebec are home to rolling hills, fertile farmland and
hundreds of cities and towns. The East coast is known for its attractively
rugged Atlantic shore and windswept beaches. ECONOMY Canada's
economy is booming. As of 2006, Canada's GDP is approximately C$1.077 trillion,
with a GDP per capita of approximately C$32,800. In 2006, Canada's unemployment
level fell to a 32-year low of 6.3%. In practical terms, this means that anyone
who wants a job can usually find one. Canada is
in the enviable position of having a rich natural resource base on which to
base its economy, with the oil, timber and mining industries driving the
economy. Canada's manufacturing and service sectors are also highly advanced.
Canada's technology, research, and pharmaceuticals sectors are world-class, and
it is a world leader in biotechnology, telecommunications and aerospace
engineering. Canada's
proximity to the United States makes cross-border trade easy and efficient.
Most of Canada's exports are sold to the American market. Indeed, although this
fact is little-known in America, Canada is by far the biggest trading partner
of the United States. As well, Canada's Membership in the North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has meant that Canadian companies have almost
unfettered access the wider North American market. CURRENCY, EXCHANGE Canada uses a decimal-based currency, 100 cents make up one
Canadian Dollar, symbolized with a standard dollar sign ($). In general, one
American Dollar is worth approximately C$1.10. Coins and banknotes are issued
in the following denominations:
The leading credit cards are accepted
everywhere, namely Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Traveler’s cheques
are generally accepted in large hotels, some restaurants and major stores.
Otherwise, they must be cashed at an exchange office or bank. There are numerous exchange offices in
Québec’s main cities. Airports also offer exchange services. Some businesses
accept American money, but they offer a less competitive rate than the exchange
offices. Banking institutions are generally open from
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can withdraw cash from most
automatic teller machines (linked to the Cirrus, PLUS System or Interac
networks) any time, seven days a week. BUSINESS HOURS Stores, shopping centres and most businesses
are generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, from
10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays. Some establishments open earlier and close later in the
evenings, such as pharmacies and grocery stores. A few shopping centres are
open every weeknight until 9:00 p.m. Business hours for banks are much more
restricted. TAXES AND TIPPING Two
taxes—the Québec sales tax (QST) and the federal goods and services tax
(GST)—are added to the selling price of most goods and services. Several
tourist regions charge a tax on accommodations. The amount is $2 or $3 dollars
a night or 3% of the price of the room per night, before the QST and GST is
added. You
must leave a tip on service received in restaurants and bars and from taxi
drivers and hairdressers. The amount, which is not included in the bill,
generally represents 10 to 15% of the total bill (before taxes). In Québec, for
a restaurant bill, one usually adds the amounts of the two taxes (QST and GST)
together, the sum of which equals approximately 15%. Tipping bellhops or
porters is at your discretion (in general, $1 per bag carried). TELEPHONES A local call made from a public telephone costs
50¢. You can pay with coins or by using a prepaid card (you’ll pay more if you
use your credit card). For long distance calls, using a prepaid card is usually
the best bargain. Foreign cell phones may work in Québec depending on the
technology used and the service offered by your provider. |
