General Information

General Information

Customs

Visitors from outside Canada must carry a valid passport and, in certain cases, a visa to be able to enter Canada.

For more information on visa and other required travel documents, please contact the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in your area before your departure.

Climate Average Temperatures

Time Changes
Manitoba moves to Daylight Saving Time on the first Sunday of April and reverts to Central Standard Time on the last Sunday of October.

Metric Conversion
Canada uses the metric system. For example, speed and distance are measured in kilometers; goods in kilograms; temperature in Celsius (centigrade).

Currency
The Canadian dollar is legal tender in Canada. It is divided into units of 100 cents. Banking institutions and money exchange rates, American currency is accepted in most establishments at a variable exchange rate.

Taxes
There is a five per cent Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most purchases in Canada and a seven per cent Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Non-residents can obtain reimbursement for the GST paid on lodging and purchased goods upon departure at designated duty-free stores or by mail. Write:
Revenue Canada
Visitor Rebate Program
Summerside Tax Centre
Summerside, P.E.I., Canada C1N 6C6
Or call 1-800-66VISIT (Canada) or 902-432-5608

Statutory Holidays
The following statutory Holidays are observed by most companies and government offices:

• January 1 — New Years Day
• March or April — Good Friday
• March or April — Easter
• Third Monday in May — Victoria Day
• July 1 — Canada Day
• First Monday in August — Civic Holiday
• First Monday in September — Labour Day
• Second Monday in October — Thanksgiving
• November 11 — Remembrance Day
• December 25 — Christmas Day
• December 26 — Boxing Day

Travel
Manitoba's mid-continental location provides easy, convenient access for delegates travelling to our province from anywhere in the world. The 24-hour Winnipeg International Airport provides services for North American and overseas arrivals. Road and rail access is equally efficient, enabling meeting and convention delegates to arrive with ease and comfort.