Travel Information

Booking travel
Pre-approved delegates are invited to attend BC Links to Learning Symposium that will be held on January 31-February 2, 2023 at the Westin Bayshore hotel in Vancouver. One Economic Development Officer (EDO) and one Land Management Officer (LMO) from each First Nation in BC may apply to have their travel and participation reimbursed. Where an EDO or LMO is not available to attend, the First Nation may designate an alternate community delegate, subject to approval. 
 
Travel costs will be reimbursed for the first 150 pre-approved delegates; and will be capped at $900 per delegate (excluding accommodations). Additional delegates are welcome to register at a cost of $350 plus GST and are responsible for their own travel and accommodations.
 
All delegates are responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements - delegates approved by their First Nation must book with The Westin Bayshore for accommodations - including any changes or cancellations. Additional delegates are welcome to register at a cost of $350 plus GST and are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. 
 
To book your flights to Vancouver, please contact Paul Twaits at Corporate Traveller:
Phone: 780-433-2160
Toll Free: 1-866-277-0906
Email: paul.twaits@corporatetraveller.ca
 
Accommodations
Only accommodations at the The Westin Bayshore will be covered. Guest rooms for up to three (3) nights per will be coverd for by the Links to Learning master bill. Additional room charges as well as incidental charges must be paid directly by the delegates. If your community has approved more than two delegates, the additional delegates are responsible for their own hotel costs.
 
Please note, the Westin Bayshore does not have an airport shuttle. Use of the Canada Line to and from the airport then a taxicab to the hotel is less expensive than using a taxicab. The Canada Line (YVR Airport to Waterfront) runs every six - seven minutes - just follow the “Canada Line” directional signs at the airport to get to the train station.
 
Who makes my travel arrangements?
You are responsible for making your accommodation arrangements at:
 
The Westin Bayshore
1601 Bayshore Drive Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4 Canada
Toll Free: 1-800-WESTIN-1 / Phone: (604) 682-3377
Website: www.westinbayshore.com
Group Rate - $219 / night plus applicable taxes
Check-in: 3:00 pm & Check-out: 12:00 pm
 
When making your reservations, please identify yourself as part of the Links to Learning 2023 Conference to take advantage of the discounted rate. You can also reserve your room online by following this link:
Links To Learning 2023.  Please note, you will be required to guarantee your reservation with one night’s pre-paid room & tax or with a major credit card.
 
Please refer to Links to Learning Travel Expense Policy for more information on reimbursement of your travel expenses.
 
A copy of the Expense Claim form can be downloaded here.
 
How do I submit an expense claim?
Expense claim forms will be available online and distributed during the symposium. Participants must submit an “Expense Claim Form” with original receipts. Please refer to the Expense Claim form for standard rates for travel claims.
 
Which receipts are required and eligible claims?
Receipts are not required for meal allowances. The cost of the meals below is covered by the event hosts, therefore, no one is eligible to claim expenses for these meals, whether you choose to be present or not.
  • Breakfast and lunch on January 31, February 1 and February 2.
Parking Costs?
  • The two attendees designated by their First Nation can request reimbursement for NON-valet parking during the event dates. Receipts are required. Valet parking charges will not be eligible for reimbursement.
  • Vehicle rental and associated parking charges are ineligible if you fly in to Vancouver and rent a vehicle.
The following parking rates are available at the Westin:
  • Overnight self-parking $35.00
When must I submit my expense claim?
The deadline to submit expense claims to be eligible for reimbursement is February 28, 2023. Any expense claims received after this date will not be processed.
 
How do I submit my expense claim form?
Please submit expense claims via email or fax to:
Karrie Lazarowich
Director of Finance
Questions? Please contact Svitlana Konoval at 1-800-463-9300 ext. 231or via email at skonoval@edo.ca.