Conventions Services Program

If you are a meeting planner or show organizer or if you are involved in promoting Canada as a destination for a conference or a convention, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can help make sure that you are aware of all the border requirements related to your event.

Eligibility Criteria

Organizers of conventions, meetings, trade shows and exhibitions and the incentive travel industry are eligible. 

Summary

CBSA convention coordinators can access a vast network of Government of Canada departments on your behalf and will make sure that you are aware of all the border requirements related to your event early in the planning process. They have information on:

• border-related requirements;
• exemptions and services that may apply to your specific event;
• moving your goods from the Canadian border to the event site; 
• the Letter of Recognition - a letter of introduction, issued by the coordinator, which is presented to the CBSA upon arrival in Canada to facilitate the entry process;
• non-Canadians working in Canada; 
• visitor visa requirements for persons from countries that require a visa to visit Canada;
• duties and taxes; 
• information on rebates of Canada's GST or HST; and 
• security deposits.

For more information, please contact a conventions coordinator or visit the Web site of the CBSA.

Manitoba Contact(s):
See National Contact.

National Contact(s):
Coordinator
International Events and Convention Services Program
Canada Border Services Agency
191 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0L8
Telephone: 613-946-0237
Cell: 613-316-9614
Fax: 613-998-5584
Toll-free (information): 1-800-461-9999
Web site: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/ie-ei/cmt-cre-eng.html