Important COVID Update

Updated: September 30th, 2021

The WCDS has been consulting with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel to determine the best and safest way to proceed with our event. Based on the advice of AHS and the decision by the Banff Springs to implement the Province’s Restriction Exemption Program, we have made the decision to proceed with the Western Canadian Dealer Summit 2021, as originally scheduled.  To ensure a safe event for everyone involved, we will have to implement the following minimum requirements for all attendees.

Further to the Alberta Government’s Restriction Exemption Program, the CMOH Order 43-2021 will apply to events held at the Fairmont Banff Springs:
 
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel will require all attendees, whether staying at the hotel or just attending the WCDS, to provide one of the following:

• Show proof that you are fully vaccinated (your second dose must have been at least two weeks prior to the start of the WCDS)


• Documentation of a medical exemption


• Proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service (tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed)

In light of the recent statistics regarding the percentage of ICU admittances being unvaccinated, this new attendance requirement is intended to help keep everyone safe and reduce the possibility of adding to the already over-run hospitals.

Other Steps:

Face Masks:  Masks are currently mandatory in all indoor spaces as per Alberta Health Services.  General exceptions to indoor masking will also apply to guests: 

• Seated at a table while consuming food or drink or, if standing at a standing table while consuming food or drink, as long as the person remains at the standing table at all times while consuming the food or drink.


• Therefore, during receptions, guests may enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages while standing at the high-top tables.  Also, while seated at the dining tables, guests may also enjoy food and beverage service.  Guests must wear their masks when moving from the standing or seated tables.


• During meetings, guests must always remain masked in the room whether seated or standing.

Hand Sanitizer: Sanitizing stations will be available outside the ballroom and breakout rooms. Sanitizer will be provided on all banquet tables. 
 
WCDS thanks you for your support as we navigate this very difficult situation. The decision to institute these requirements was not taken lightly and were made in an effort to provide everyone with a healthy and safe conference environment.

If you are unable to comply with any of the above requirements, the MDA will be happy to issue you a refund.  Refund requests must be received by no later than October 15^th.

No refunds will be issued after October 15^th.  Requests for refunds must be via email and sent to Denise @ dkubin@mdaalberta.com.

Hotel Accommodations Deadline

Please note that our room block for the event will expire on October 15^th and any unused rooms will be released back to the hotel.  If you haven’t reserved your room, please visit  https://westerndealersummit.com/book-accommodation as soon as possible to ensure you aren’t disappointed.  If for any reason you need to cancel your reservation, please email Denise as we have a waiting list for rooms.

Thank you,

Gerald Wood & Susan Buckle