Participants Handbook Eng
Participants Handbook Eng
Participants Handbook Eng
The North American Model Legislature Montreal, from the 25th to the 30th of May, 2008 Organized by the North American Forum on Integration (NAFI)
PARTICIPANTS HANDBOOK
(Last modified: April 27th, 2008)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. NAFI Secretariat Word of Welcome...................................................................................... 3 2. General Presentation of NAFI ................................................................................................ 4 3. Roles and Responsibilities ..................................................................................................... 5 Legislators..................................................................................................................................................5 Journalists ..................................................................................................................................................5 Lobbyists.................................................................................................................................................................6 Executive Committee .......................................................................................................................................7 Caucus and Commission Chairpersons ..................................................................................................7 Code of Conduct and Policy .........................................................................................................................7 4. Draft resolutions.....................................................................................................................................8 Draft Resolution for Fostering Renewable Electricity Markets.................................................. 9 Draft Resolution for Countering North American corporate outsourcing ...................... 13 Draft resolution on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.....17 Draft resolution on NAFTA's Chapter 11 on investments .......................................................... 22 5. Awards and Distinctions .................................................................................................................. 26 Appendix I - Election of Committee Chairperson and Secretary ........................................... 27 Appendix II Accommodation ................................................................................................................ 27 Appendix III - Participating Universities .............................................................................................. 28 Appendix IV-Sponsors....30
Dear participants,
The North American Forum on Integration team would like to wish you a warm welcome to the fourth edition of the Triumvirate! We will soon have the opportunity to all meet in Montreal, where we will be welcomed by the host of the event Montreal City Hall. Thanks to our virtual commissions link on the Web site, you have all had the opportunity to read your fellow delegates draft resolutions. With the Participants Handbook we enter the last stages of the preparation process leading to the Triumvirate. In this perspective, NAFI has elaborated the four draft resolutions - available in this present document - which will be the topic of discussions during the event. During the simulation, members of the different commissions may decide to modify these draft resolutions or completely rewrite them, depending on their wishes. Legislators and lobbyists will jump into the heart of the debates which connect the North American partners, in order to present their point views and attempt to rally a majority of legislators to their ideas. The TrilatHerald journalists, for their part, will have the responsibility of reporting the simulations events as well as the discussions progress. Each morning, participants will have the opportunity to read about the tensions, dissensions and consensus which exist between the legislators, the lobbyists and the media. The NAFI team is looking forward to meeting you in Montreal. We wish you a fruitful month of preparation. Sincerely,
Christine Frechette, Executive Director, NAFI Celine Roche-Crespo, Triumvirate Coordinator Alejandra Perez, Samir Kadiri , Louis-Philippe Jannard, Guy Abou-Mourad and Marc Kreichati, Triumvirate Project Managers.
To bring future Canadian, American and Mexican leaders together in order to experience and take part in an international negotiation exercise. To allow participants to familiarize themselves with the functioning of democratic institutions as well as North American political, economic, environmental and social realities. To develop the participants' sense of belonging to North America. To increase intercultural exchanges and promote the creation of North American academia networks. To inform the current decision makers of the priorities and concerns of North American youth.
Journalists
Your role as a journalist is to contribute in producing the daily editions of the TrilatHerald for a total of five editions, from Monday morning to Friday morning. The newspaper will consist of articles in the three official languages English, Spanish and French. The TrilatHerald is also sent to all our sponsors and it is available on-line daily on the NAFI Web site. It is thus our window and ambassador to the public and to the sponsors of the event. Throughout the week, you will be supervised by the editor-in-chief who will assign you the commissions and events to cover. You will have access to all participants; however, interviews with guest speakers require prior authorization from the editor-in-chief. Journalists set their own schedule. The deadline for the submission of articles will be determined by the managing editor. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the Triumvirate week, 30 minutes will be allocated to the legislators and/or lobbyists who wish to address the journalists in a press conference. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the elements of consensus and dissension within the commissions.
A newsroom has been set up to facilitate your work in the hotel. If possible, it is recommended to bring a laptop, a recorder, a digital camera, their operating software as well as your linguistic tools (dictionaries, conjugation guides, grammar books, etc). Every journalist must respect the following guidelines on formal writing: -Precise and validated information; -Accuracy of facts and clarity of ideas; -Intellectual and methodological precision in writing.
Lobbyists
As a representative of an interest group, you will ensure that the draft resolutions adopted by the General Assembly take into account and reflect the interests of your organization. You are thus required to put pressure on legislators in both caucuses and political commissions in order to persuade them to accept your proposals. In order to be invited to the caucus, lobbyists must submit a formal request to the chair of a given caucus. As for the political commissions, you will be invited to testify as experts, to comment on draft resolutions and suggest amendments. You can also attend all commissions as observers. You must also publish an open letter in the TrlatHerald supporting your viewpoints and stating the support that you have received. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the Triumvirate week, 30 minutes will be allocated to the legislators and/or lobbyists who wish to address the journalists in a press conference. Each lobbyist must take part to at least one press conference and are invited to participate to others, should they wish to. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the elements of consensus and dissension within the commissions. You should have the necessary material that is required to accomplish the task (e.g.: laptop is possible, flyers, position paper to be distributed to members of political commissions and to journalists).
Executive Committee
The role and mandate of the members of the Executive Committee are specified in the Constitution (art. 3.2). Your role as a member of the executive committee will consist of ensuring the smooth conduct of the Triumvirates work within the framework of the Constitution. Please note that the members of the Executive Committee also act as legislators.
As for the dress code, business attire is mandatory. Any person in flip flops, any type of jean material, without a suit jacket, and for men without a tie will not be allowed to take part in the sessions. Punctuality is extremely important. The sessions will begin precisely at the appointed time. Please respect your colleagues and arrive at each session on time.
4. Draft resolutions
The Secretariat has developed four draft resolutions from the preliminary draft resolutions presented by legislators. Each draft resolution will be debated and negotiated in political commissions, caucuses and plenary sessions.
TRIUMVIRATE
DRAFT RESOLUTION ON RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY MARKETS IN NORTH AMERICA
Proposed by the Executive Committee of the Triumvirate May 2008
EXPLANATORY NOTES
Renewable electricity is derived from unlimited energy sources such as the sun, wind, water, nuclear, biomass and heat from the Earths interior. Renewable electricity markets are becoming more and more important in todays North American societies especially when this particular way of transforming energy sources aims at reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) which acts positively against climate change. There is tremendous opportunity for renewable electricity to meet an increasing proportion of the North American electricity market. The rising price of oil in international markets has been a crucial factor in terms of stimulating renewable electricity markets. This gives potential suppliers economic credibility, having therefore economic benefits beyond environmental gains. Some of us have adopted mandatory targets for the purchase/production of renewable electricity. Others have adopted a voluntary approach for governmental agencies and large corporations. We consider that the time has come to deepen our collective effort and strengthen our actions in order to make of our region a leader in the global challenge we face to limit the impact of our energy consumption on climate change and increase our energy security in diversifying our energy portfolio. North American legislators consider that there is room for improvement. Effective public policies need to be more widely implemented to foster the use of renewable electricity.
CHAPTER I - DEVELOPING RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY MARKETS IN NORTH AMERICA: OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES SECTION I - OBJECTIVES Article 1.1 Increase energy security and diversify energy portfolio
North American legislators agree to increase the supply of electricity derived from renewable sources. As a result, they promote sustainable development and wish to increase North Americas energy security by diversifying States energy portfolios.
SECTION II TRANSPARENCY PRINCIPLES Article 1.2 Mandatory transparency for electric companies
Realizing that in order to act efficiently, clear and comparable information must be available; the North American legislators therefore recommend that States adopt rules requiring companies producing electricity on their territory to make information regarding their use of renewable and non-renewable energy public.
CHAPTER II - DEVELOPING RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY MARKETS IN NORTH AMERICA: MECHANISMS SECTION I DIVERSIFYING THE OFFER
The per capita energy consumption rate increases every year in North America making it necessary to augment the production of energy.
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This would allow those who have produced a large amount of renewable energy to make a profit and those who have not to compensate for their low renewable energy production
Article 2.3 Offering the possibility of choosing the type of energy consumed
In order to promote renewable energy, legislators encourage all State governments to demand electric companies operating on their territory to offer the consumers the possibility of buying energy produced with renewable energy sources.
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The States contribution to the fund will amount to 0.0005$/KWh of the States annual consumption.
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TRIUMVIRAT
PROJET DE RSOLUTION SUR LES DLOCALISATIONS HORS AMRIQUE DU NORD
Propos par le Comit excutif du Triumvirat Mai 2008
PRAMBULE
Dsirant agir pour le bien tre, la prosprit, la cration et le maintien demplois en Amrique du Nord; Tmoins du fait que le contexte conomique actuel est caractris par la comptitivit entre blocs conomiques rgionaux, tels lUnion europenne, le Mercosur, lASEAN et lALNA. Reconnaissants que lALNA vise notamment liminer les barrires au commerce et ainsi, encourager les entreprises dployer leurs marchs, leurs activits et leurs chanes de production lchelle de lAmrique du Nord, occasionnant parfois des dplacements dactivits; Inquiets de constater quune srie de mesures lgislatives ont t adoptes en vue de contraindre la mobilit des entreprises au sein de la zone ALNA; Rappelant la ncessit pour les dirigeants politiques dadopter des lois nallant pas lencontre de lesprit de lALNA; Dplorant que nombre dentreprises, auparavant tablies en Amrique du Nord, aient choisi au cours des dernires annes de dlocaliser leurs activits au sein dautres rgions du monde et o les pratiques en matire de droits des travailleurs et denvironnement sont parfois discutables; Conscients que le phnomne de dlocalisations entrane des proccupations grandissantes dans la socit civile et contribue fragiliser le tissu conomique continental; Convaincus de la ncessit dagir pour contribuer prserver les emplois au sein du territoire nord-amricain; Les parlementaires dAmrique du Nord, runis pour la quatrime Assemble lgislative du Triumvirat conviennent de ce qui suit :
Dfinition
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Par dlocalisation , il est fait rfrence tout transfert dactivits ou demplois du territoire de lAmrique du Nord vers une rgion situe en dehors de lAmrique du Nord. Par dplacement , il est fait rfrence tout transfert dactivits ou demplois dune rgion de lAmrique du Nord vers une autre rgion dAmrique du Nord. Par Amrique du Nord , il est fait rfrence lensemble de la zone territoriale comprenant le Mexique, le Canada et les Etats-Unis.
Article 4. Droit dadopter des mesures de discrimination lgard des entreprises qui dlocalisent
Nous affirmons le droit des dirigeants politiques dadopter des mesures sanctionnant les entreprises qui dlocalisent leurs activits et qui, ce faisant, contribuent la dtrioration du tissu conomique et industriel nord-amricain.
Article 5. Droit dadopter des mesures de sanction lgard des pays non respectueux de droits fondamentaux
Nous affirmons le droit des dirigeants politiques dadopter des mesures sanctionnant les pays qui ne respectent pas certains droits fondamentaux en matire de travail et en matire denvironnement, crant de surcrot une comptition dloyale envers lAmrique du Nord.
CHAPITRE SECOND MCANISMES DE LUTTE CONTRE LES DLOCALISATIONS Art.2.1: Conformit des lgislations nord-amricaines
i) Chaque parlement dAmrique du Nord verra sassurer que la rglementation, les lgislations et les politiques de son tat se limitent lutter, sil y a lieu, contre le phnomne de dlocalisation plutt que contre le phnomne de dplacements dentreprises.
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ii) En consquence de larticle 2.1, chaque Parlement dAmrique du Nord verra sassurer que les manuvres de dplacements dentreprises ne sont plus assujetties aux diffrentes lois anti-dlocalisation adoptes au sein des tats dAmrique du Nord.
CHAPITRE TROISIME CRATION DUN FONDS DAIDE AUX EMPLOIS DLOCALISS (FAED)
Article 3.1 Cration dun Fonds daide aux emplois dlocaliss (FAED) Afin de palier aux impacts ngatifs du phnomne des dlocalisations, les parlementaires dAmrique du Nord proposent de crer un Fonds daide aux emplois dlocaliss (FAED). Article 3.2 Objectif du FAED Lobjectif du FAED est dtablir un programme daide inspir du programme NAFTATAA et visant soutenir la rinsertion professionnelle des travailleurs licencis la suite dune
dlocalisation dentreprise.
Article 3.3 Financement du FAED Les fonds rcuprs par les droits compensateurs imposs sur limportation de produits en provenance de pays non respectueux des droits fondamentaux dans le domaine du travail et de lenvironnement seront transfrs, hauteur de 50%, dans le fonds daide aux emplois dlocaliss (FAED). Les 50% additionnels seront utiliss la convenance du pays qui laura rcupr. Article 3.4 - Gestion des fonds du FAED La Commission de Coopration nord-amricaine dans le domaine du travail verra grer et distribuer les fonds servant financer le FAED, suivant les modalits de fonctionnement qui seront convenues entre les partenaires. Article 3.5 - Mise en application du FAED Chaque tat sera responsable de la gestion des programmes du FAED sur son propre territoire, dans le respect des critres conjoints dfinis pour le programme.
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Le FAED sera mis sur pied pour une priode dau moins trois ans, avec possibilit de renouvellement.
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TRIUMVIRATE
DRAFT RESOLUTION ON THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE
Submitted by the Executive Committee of the Triumvirate May 2008
Explanatory Notes
North American border management faces major challenges, particularly because Canada and the United States share the longest undefended border in the world, stretching more than 8,891 km, while the US-Mexico border extends over more than 3,141 km. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11 in the United States, the American government decided to put measures in place to better protect the United States from terrorist threats. In April 2005, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the State Department announced the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). This law requires all travellers to and from the Americas (including Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America), the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a passport or other acceptable document or combination of documents when entering or re-entering the United States in order to confirm their identity. Trade within NAFTA is estimated at about $650 billion annually, and 75% of it is conducted by land routes. On average, 300 million people cross North American borders annually. It is also estimated that more than 30% of those without passports will be less likely to cross a border if a passport is required. This represents a potential decrease of 22 million travellers. Such a change could have a major economic impact on each of the North American countries. Losses of an estimated $3.2 billion and $2.2 billion could occur in Canada and the United States respectively. In addition, 95,000 jobs would be at risk in Mexico as a result of this measure. The present draft resolution aims to foster a balance between security needs and economic development. It aims to propose amendments to the WHTI so that it meets high security requirements while not impeding trade by land and the flow of tourists between our three countries. In fact, North American parliamentarians believe that the increased security measures must result in the least harm possible to our economic partnership and our citizens.
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DRAFT RESOLUTION ON THE WHTI CHAPTER I Documents REQUIRED FOR CROSSING LAND AND SEA BORDERS Section I - A passport or a secure driver's licence for land travel Article 1. Documents accepted to facilitate border crossings by land
In order to reduce the economic impact on North American partners, as well as travellers, and to limit as much as possible the reduction in the number of border crossings between North American countries, it is agreed that for land border crossings the following documents will be used at borders between Canada, the United States and Mexico: Valid passport Secure drivers licence PASS card (card for Americans wishing to cross the border) Smart card (intelligent cards capable of storing large amounts of data and communicating with a smart card reader with an integrated microcontroller).
Article 2. Common and increased safety standards for secure drivers licences.
Physical biometrics is the safety standard recommended for enhancing the security level of drivers licences. It is an automated method of recognizing a person based on physiological characteristics only. It includes fingerprints, hand geometry, facial appearance, and iris and retinal reading.
Article 5. Exemptions
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Section II Documents required for travel by sea and air Article 1. Law regarding travel by sea
North American parliamentarians recommend that the requirements imposed by the WHTI for travel by sea and air remain unchanged.
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Section II- Creation of a temporary assistance fund for the tourism sector Article 1. Creation of an assistance fund for the tourism sector
Aware that the implementation of the WHTI will entail consequences particularly for the tourism sector, parliamentarians are recommending that a temporary assistance fund be created. The purpose of the fund is to offset the negative effects suffered by people who derive their income from the tourism industry and see their activity being adversely affected: 1. Parties participating in the fund will be NAFTA member governments. 2. Fund money would be paid by the North American federal governments, up to $15 million each. 3. For each country, the federal department responsible for the tourism sector will delegate a representative to ensure control over fund management. 4. This fund represents assistance to cover only a portion of the losses incurred. 5. The beneficiaries of this fund must clearly demonstrate that their business has decreased since the date the WHTI law was imposed, with the result that the profitability of their business has been significantly affected. 6. This fund covers only small and medium businesses whose activities are directly related to the tourism sector. 7. The fund becomes operational 9 months after the implementation of the WHTI law and its role ends after 2 years of operation.
Chapitre III IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WHTI Section I- Creation of a trilateral legislative commission to oversee the implementation of the WHTI Article 1. Creation of a trilateral legislative commission
It is suggested that a trilateral legislative commission be created with the goal of overseeing: a) b) c) d) Maintenance and strengthening of border security Encouragement of trade Conducting of information campaigns for citizens Assistance in the implementation of new border technologies
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TRIUMVIRATE
DRAFT RESOLUTION ON CHAPTER XI
Proposed by the Executive Committee of the Triumvirate May 2008
EXPLANATORY NOTES
Upon reflect NAFTA has succeeded in some of these goals as FDI has rapidly increased as barriers to free trade have been eliminated. However, no policy can perfectly predict unanticipated consequences and occasionally policies must be reformed to reflect new problems that have been shed to light. This resolution has as primary objective to reform Articles 1110 and 1114 of section A of Chapter XI in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the goal of ensuring that NAFTA provides fair and competitive jurisdictions for direct foreign investment (DFI) that is not at odds with the public interest or the publics will. This resolution has, as its second objective, the creation of an appeal system for claims filed under Chapter XI, section B, of the North American Free-Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The proposed ad hoc appellate body is an independent North-American judicial court, composed of judges from all three Parties to the NAFTA. It has jurisdiction to hear appeals from first instance Tribunals of the Chapter 11 investor-state disputes.
RESOLUTION ON CHAPTER XI OF NAFTA Chapter I Reform to Section A of Chapter XI Section I- Reform to Article 1110 Article 1. PREAMBLE IN CHAPTER XI TO OUTLINE NEW PRINCIPLES
To ensure that the new spirit of NAFTA is well understood by the tribunals reviewing each case, a new preamble will be inserted into Chapter XI to reflect the changes to Article 1110. Essentially, the new preamble will state that the reforms made to Article 1110 will ensure that Chapter XI will no longer be able to challenge areas of public policy that are deemed to be for the public good. The spirit of these changes reflects the principles that the rights of FDI should not
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outweigh the public good. Chapter XI still allow for challenges to be made in cases that fall outside of these areas.
when it is proven that the standard aims to ensure the protection of the publics health or the environment. 2. Under the law the term measures tantamount can not refer to any government public enterprise when it is proven that the public enterprise aims to serve a function that is carried out for the public good in regards to health, education, environment and culture. 3. Government public enterprises that are not aimed to serve a function that is carried out for the public good are listed as followed: a) courier services b) alcohol c) lottery and casino
investor from of one of the three NAFTA countries who plans to invest in another partner country. The investor is advised to follow any local laws that exist to regulate the environmental impact caused by new ventures. In addition to any such laws, investors should submit a detailed outline of all proposed investments to the local branch of government that is responsible for managing environmental affairs. 2. The environmental impact study should address all of the issues laid out by the local government in addition to the following: a) the investments potential impact on: i) flora, fauna, and the sustainability of natural resources, with a focus on resources used in the operations of established businesses. While this provision does not seek to grant existing local businesses any special rights, it does stipulate that any detrimental impact on the resources used by others should be closely examined. ii) the quality of life for the local population, with a focus on pollution and the quality of air and water in nearby ecosystems. b) the measures that will be followed to ensure that compliance with environmental standards is maintained.
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c) a detailed outline of any previous environmental offences committed by the investor and the measures taken to correct them. d) the local state may have agreed to or signed international environmental treaties or agreements that have not yet been implemented. The effect of the ratification of any such treaties on the investment must be taken into account as part of the environmental impact study.
Chapter II Reform to Section B of Chapter XI Section I- Creation of an ad hoc appellate body for decisions rendered by a first instance tribunal under NAFTA-Chapter XI invertors-state claims. Article 1. GENERAL CLAUSES
The present statute creates The NAFTA COURT OF APPEAL FOR INVESTOR-STATE CLAIMS, a permanent independent court of appeals for suits filed under Chapter 11 of the NAFTA investor-state claims. 2. It is understood that in the body of the present statute, the NAFTA COURT OF APPEAL FOR INVESTOR-STATE CLAIMS will be referred to as The COURT. 3. It is understood that in the present statute, the Government of Canada, the Government of Mexico and the Government of the United-States of America will be referred to collectively as the PARTIES.
1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
7.
2.
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3.
4. 5.
The PARTIES must abide by the COURTs decision and uphold its decisions by: reversing, amending, or implementing appropriate legislation to satisfy the claimants demands. The COURTs decisions shall serve as precedent and, where applicable, shall have a binding effect on first instance tribunals (stare decisis). The COURT has no jurisdiction to hear appeals relating to claims filed under any other Chapter of the NAFTA or of any other treaty or commercial agreement.
Article 5. COSTS
1.
2. 3.
The COURTs administrative costs shall be incurred by the PARTIES equally. The judges salaries will be borne by each PARTY according to a scale to be determined by each party. Claimants will bear additional costs that relate to each specific appeal if their appeal is dismissed.
Article 6. LANGUAGE
1. 2. 3. English, French and Spanish are the official languages of the COURT. All decisions of the COURT shall be rendered in English, French and Spanish, all of which shall bear equal force of Law. Simultaneous translation in all three official languages will be provided during all of the COURTs proceedings.
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The various prizes and distinctions that will be awarded at the closing ceremony of the Triumvirate are listed below. Legislators / Lobbyists 1. Outstanding performance 2. Excellent performance 3. Remarkable performance 4. Best draft resolution or position paper 5. Best negotiator Journalists 6. Best newspaper article Delegates 7. The Triumvirate award, to the person who best evoked the values of dialogue, consensus building and cooperation that are being promoted by the simulation. Awards and distinctions will be given by the General Secretariat, at the recommendation of members of the executive committee and the advisors of political commissions. The award criteria are as follows: -Relevance of the proposals put forward by the participants; -Respect for the interests, customs and objectives of the State/organization represented; -Respect for other delegates, regulations, code of conduct and policies; -Excellent knowledge of the topics debated in political commissions; -Excellent knowledge of the rules of parliamentary procedures; -Openness to compromise and negotiation; -Professionalism.
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Appendix II Accommodation
Participants will stay in the Marriott Springhill Suites Old Montreal from Sunday May 25th to Friday May 30th in the morning. The hotel is located at: SpringHill Suites Montreal - Old Town 445 St-Jean-Baptiste Montreal, H2Y 2Z7 Quebec, Canada Tel: 1866 875-4333
http://www.springhillmontreal.com/
Breakfast and lunch will be offered by NAFI, unless specified otherwise in the Official Program. Breakfast will be served between 7 and 8 every morning, and lunch will be served at the time indicated in the program. Please notify us of any food allergies or restrictions. The rooms will accommodate four people per room. Each room will have wireless internet service free of charge for those who have a laptop with a wireless card. Those of you who wish to extend their stay must contact Celine Roche ([email protected]) as soon as possible. The cost for extra nights is of 180$US for a quadruple occupancy room per night and 160$ for a double occupancy room breakfast included, taxes not included.
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Carleton University
Escuela de Graduados en Administracin Pblica y Poltica Pblica - Tecnolgico de Monterrey Campus Estado de Mxico
Universidad de Monterrey
University of Cincinnati
Messiah College
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PARTNERS
Government of Quebec - Minister of International Relations
COLLABORATORS
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