USEFUL INFORMATION

2015 AGM & Human Rights Conference

Amnesty International Canadian Section (English-Speaking)

May 29 to 31 St. Mary’s University and Halifax Central Library Halifax, NS 2015 AGM & Human Rights Conference

Amnesty International Canadian Section (English-Speaking)

May 29 to 31 St. Mary’s University and Halifax Central Library Halifax, NS A Green AGM

What is the National Office doing to reduce carbon offset for the 2015 AGM?

In 2013, AGM online registration system was launched on the website. All documents are now posted to the AGM registration site. These documents are printed only upon request. All documents will be available on the AGM registration site. How you can help reduce carbon offset during the 2015 AGM:

1. Bring your own drinking cup to avoid using disposable cups. 2. Turn off the lights in your room when you leave. 3. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth. 4. Recycle and share printed materials. 5. Print only what is necessary. 6. Consider your mode of travel: take the train, carpool, bike or walk. 7. Please only take what you can eat from the buffet. You are welcome to return a second time. 8. Make sure use recycling bins. Fragrance Free Policy

Since more and more people are adversely affected by perfumes and other scented products this AGM will be fragrance-free.

This reference to perfumes and other scented products includes after-shave lotions, colognes, hair products, and even some of the stronger smelling deodorants. There are people attending this AGM who have an allergy to scented products. Out of consideration for those people, please do not use scented products. 2015 AGM & Human Rights Conference

Amnesty International Canadian Section (English-Speaking)

May 29 to 31 St. Mary’s University and Halifax Central Library Halifax, NS Internet Connection

Delegates can access wireless Internet within common areas on the St. Mary‘s University campus

• You will be given a password when you arrive at the residence. • If you are not staying at the residence, you will be given a password upon registration. 2015 AGM & Human Rights Conference

Amnesty International Canadian Section (English-Speaking)

May 29 to 31 St. Mary’s University and Halifax Central Library Halifax, NS St. Mary’s University - Campus Map Loyola Academic Complex

Private L 275 Dining Room Conference Hall – Plenary Conference Hall L 275 – New Delegates Session

L PDR – Chairs Meeting (Sat & Sun)

The Sobey Building

SB153 – Chairs Meeting(Friday)

SB158 – Volunteer Office

SB159 – Prayer Room Operation time (6:00 am - 09:00 pm) *Please be mindful that there will be only few seats and space for prayer mats.

SB401/402 – Board Meeting *Please be noticed that the room is not shown on the map

Registration

The AGM registration desk will be set up outside of the Loyola Conference Hall. It will be open Friday, May 29th from 9:00am onwards and Saturday&Sunday,

May 30th from 8:30am Desk

onwards. AITO

Registration Online Voting & voting Cards Human Right Film Screening

Get ready for the Best Documentary Feature of Oscars 2015! Popcorn will be provided. More details to follow. McNally Main Auditorium, May 29, 8:30 pm 2015 AGM & Human Rights Conference

Amnesty International Canadian Section (English-Speaking)

May 29 to 31 St. Mary’s University and Halifax Central Library Halifax, NS Arrival Information

By Air, Train, Bus, Car… See the following slides

Some Halifax Taxi’s are listed, as follows. Yellow Cab Taxi 902-420-0000 Casino Taxi 902-429-6666 Driver Dave’s 902-441-4428

Public Transit Bus fare is $3.50. For more assistance or information regarding public buses, please visit http://www.halifax.ca/transit/ or phone Transit Information at 800-575-1807. Halifax Stanfield International Airport(YHZ)

Located in Enfield, , a community within Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, about 37 km (7.5 mi) from St. Mary’s University.

Taxi Approximately 35 to 40 minutes at a rate of $63 – $80.

Airport Express Maritime bus • One-way fares at $22/person or return-trip at $40/person, all tax included • Pre-booking and ticket purchase are required by booking online or at the Ground Transportation Booth at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport

For further information and schedule, please visit the website below http://maritimebus.com/halifax-airport-shuttle/shuttle-schedule/ Arrival By Train

The Halifax Train Station (VIA Rail Canada) is located at t1161 Hollis, near the Barrington Street, east of .

Public Transit (Approximately 15 minutes)

Walk to Barrington St.[Southbound] before Kent St(2 min). Take the bus route 9 towards Barrington to point pleasant(5 min) Getting off at the Station Tower Rd after and Opposite Atlantic St. then head north on Tower Rd toward Atlantic St(7 min).

There is about 7 min walking after getting off from the bus. Please check the map below for further guidance.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/VIA+Rail+Canada,+Hollis+Street,+Halifax,+NS,+Canada/Saint+ Mary's+University,+Halifax,+NS,+Canada/@44.63757,- 63.5859391,15z/data=!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5a2249f58320b5:0x3473fafbc19423d!2m2! 1d-63.568374!2d44.639691!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5a223f94860a5d:0xdd0961dfd426d80d!2m2!1d- 63.580206!2d44.631481!3e3!5i3 Arrival By Bus

Greyhound Canada, MARITIME BUS TERMINAL, 1161 HOLLIS ST, Halifax, NS B3K5M1265, Canada

Public Transit (Approximately 15 minutes)

Walk to Barrington St.[Southbound] before Kent St(2 min). Take the bus route 9 towards Barrington to point pleasant(5 min) Getting off at the Station Tower Rd after and Opposite Atlantic St. then head north on Tower Rd toward Atlantic St(7 min).

There is about 7 min walking after getting off from the bus. Please check the map below for further guidance. https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Maritime+Bus,+1161+Hollis+Street,+Halifax,+NS+B3H+2P6/Saint+Mary's+Univ ersity,+Halifax,+NS/@44.6354399,- 63.5817962,16z/am=t/data=!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5a2249f400faf3:0x7f81fcba9c243305!2m2!1d- 63.568458!2d44.63937!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5a223f94860a5d:0xdd0961dfd426d80d!2m2!1d- 63.580206!2d44.631481!3e3!5i2 Arrival By Car

St. Mary’s University - 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3 https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Saint+Mary's+University/@44.631481,- 63.580206,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xdd0961dfd426d80d 2015 AGM & Human Rights Conference

Amnesty International Canadian Section (English-Speaking)

May 29 to 31 St. Mary’s University and Halifax Central Library Halifax, NS The AGM: A Harassment and Discrimination-free Zone

While we are not aware of any serious problems involving harassment or discrimination at meetings of the Branch, AGM participants should nevertheless know that we have a policy in effect on harassment and discrimination throughout the Branch and a process for dealing with complaints.

The policy applies to all Amnesty activities, including meetings such as the AGM. What follows has been prepared as a summary for the benefit of those attending the AGM. The full text of the policy is available from the national office upon request.*

*In the case of any discrepancy between this document and the harassment policy, the latter shall prevail. The AGM: A Harassment and Discrimination-free Zone

Principle

AICS(ES) is firmly committed to the principle that all employees, volunteers and members have the right to be treated with respect and dignity and have the responsibility to treat others in the same manner. It is the right and responsibility of all AICS(ES) employees, volunteers and members to enjoy and support an environment free from all forms of harassment. The AGM: A Harassment and Discrimination-free Zone

What are harassment and discrimination? The Branch policy defines them as follows:

"Discrimination is an act, behavior or practice which may be intentional or unintentional and that has the purpose or effect of imposing burdens, obligations, disadvantages, or preferences on a person, or class of persons which are not imposed on others."

“Harassment is any improper behavior that is known to be, or ought reasonably to be known to be, offensive or unwelcome. Harassment comprises perceived objectionable conduct, comment or display made on either a one-time or continuous basis that demeans, belittles, or causes personal humiliation or embarrassment to an individual.” The AGM: A Harassment and Discrimination-free Zone

Prevention: the best policy.

There are situations where a little openness can be very helpful. If you are not sure whether something you are going to say may cause offense, ask first. If something that has been said has caused offense, say so rather than letting it pass. If you are witness to offensive behavior, you can help defuse the situation by stepping in, or, if this is not possible, by informing the superiors of the person who caused offense of what happened. And if you have said something that caused offense, don't hesitate to apologize: even if you meant no harm, if your remarks or behavior caused hurt, there is a problem. The AGM: A Harassment and Discrimination-free Zone

Making a Complaint There will be a person appointed to deal with any situation which may arise at the AGM. You will be informed at the Opening Plenary who this will be.

What happens when a formal complaint is made? Once a formal complaint (i.e. one outlining the details in writing) has been made, there are two possible forms of resolution: mediation and investigation.

Mediation. A mediator agreed upon by both parties to resolve the complaint will be appointed. If successful, mediation will lead to a written agreement among the parties.

Investigation. If the parties do not agree to mediation, or if mediation takes place and the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome, it then becomes a case for investigation. The AGM: A Harassment and Discrimination-free Zone

What kind of outcome can be expected?

After a formal investigation, a report of the findings will be given to a member of the Executive Committee (EC), or to Senior Management when the respondent is a staff member. The EC or Senior Management will make a determination and may impose sanctions if they determine that harassment or discrimination did occur. Possible sanctions vary from a warning to dismissal (for staff members) or revocation of membership (for members). The complainant or respondent may appeal the determination or the sanctions if there is new evidence, there were serious defects in the investigation, or if the sanctions are inappropriate. The EC will appoint an Appeals Panel to hear the appeal; the determination and sanctions decided by the panel are final. Let's Keep the AGM a Harassment-free Zone!