The Wildlife Society - BC Chapter & Canadian Section 2023 Joint Conference

The purpose of BCTWS and CSTWS is to build a community-of-practice for wildlife biologists in BC and across Canada, bringing together students and professionals from academic, government, industrial sectors with First Nations and an international community of Wildlife Professionals.

The 2023 Annual Conference will concentrate on bringing together students and professionals from across the country to meet, interact, and share information about research, current and changing issues, and emerging challenges. With these items in mind, we have selected a conference theme of 'Our Future Together'. The Conference will feature a keynote speaker, panel discussions focused on emerging changes to wildlife management in Canada, and of course contributed oral presentations and posters. See the detailed call for abstracts at https://www.bctws.ca/2023conference.html and contact us directly with any questions at tws.bc.chapter@gmail.com.

Conference Covid Policy

Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases continue to prevail. The following protocols will be in place for the joint 2023 BCTWS and CSTWS conference:

1. The conference will abide by guidelines and directives issued by the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer and provincial health authorities.

2. Wearing masks during indoor venue events will be encouraged but not required. This policy is subject to change dependent on any health authority directives in place at the time of the conference. A supply of medical masks and sanitizer stations will be provided at the venue.

3. Activities associated with the Conference Program will all be held in the Victoria Conference Centre. The main venue is large so attendees are encouraged to maintain safe spacing from other attendees as appropriate. Attendees will not miss any portions of the Program should they decide not to attend off-site events.

4. Please do not attend the conference if feeling ill. We ask that every person self-monitor for symptoms of illness before entering the event each day. If you are feeling feverish, have a persistent cough, or are otherwise experiencing potential symptoms of Covid-19, please do not enter the event. Registration refunds may be arranged by contacting BCTWS by email at tws.bc.chapter@gmail.com.

5. Attendees should at all times follow directions that may be given by event or venue staff, to ensure the safety and comfort of all event attendees. We look forward to everyone enjoying a healthy, safe, and productive event.

The Victoria Conference Centre is addressing COVID-19 safety in their Safe Space plan, which can be found here: https://www.tourismvictoria.com/sites/default/files/vcc_safe_space_sheet_12apr2022.pdf.