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Field Guide to the FTAA Protest in Quebec City

Version: March 16, 2001

13) Documents on the FTAA
13.1) Teach-ins about the FTAA
14) E-mail Lists
15) Direct Actions
16) Events
17) Legal Information
18) Weather
19) Dealing with Journalists
20) Independent Media Center
21) Health Issues
22) Exchange Rates
23) Taxes
24) Other Practical Information
25) Electronic Mail
26) Tourist Information
Return to First Page of Field Guide

13) Documents on the FTAA
The following groups either produced documents or give teach-ins about FTAA: FTAA Action Packet
This packet will prepare activists to speak on the FTAA, lead teach-ins, and organize in their communities. It will include a paper on the FTAA, talking points, an outline for a speech, a sample letter to the editor, a sample letter to Congress, a sample petition, soundbites, website and reading lists, overheads and graphs. Available the third week of January. Order from ACERCA, PO Box 57, Burlington, VT 05402, 802-863-0571, acercaatsover.net

FTAA "Campaign of Inquiry" Packet Backgrounder on the FTAA, action points, and sample letters to Members of Congress and letters to the editor for a campaign of inquiry on FTAA, demanding release of the text and related documents as well as an opening of the negotiations process. The campaign will educate the public and pressure Congress, the White House, the USTR, tc. . Download the packet from http://www.tradewatch.org/FTAA/ftaahome.html or contact Alesha Daughtrey Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch, 215 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC 20003, 202-454-5103, aleshaatcitizen.org

Environmental Action Kit on the FTAA
The Sierra Club's Responsible Trade Program is producing an action kit on the FTAA's environmental impacts that will include a four-page factsheet, training materials on communicating to the media and to the general public about the FTAA, and suggestions on how to build a local Responsible Trade coalition. They will support these materials by helping to organize local "town hall" meetings, conducting speaking tours, connecting Sierra Club activists to other coalition partners in your area, and supporting both local actions and participation at the Quebec Summit of the Americas. For futher information, contact Dan Seligman at (202) 675-2387 or at dan.seligmanatsierraclub.org

"FTAA for Beginners," a two-hour participatory workshop
This workshop describes the FTAA and what it will do to our communities, starting with what people know: NAFTA. It includes NAFTA case studies; a race, gender, and class analysis of NAFTA; and a framework of expanding corporate globalization (WTO, MAI, NAFTA). It ends with a strategy planning session where participants identify local allies for a long-term anti-FTAA campaign. $25 for trainer's guide and handouts, + $25 for 2-x-3 foot flipcharts postpaid, from United for a Fair Economy, 37 Temple Place, Boston MA 02111, 617-423-2148 x 24, infoatufenet.org

Popular education training for anti-FTAA activists
The Alliance for Responsible Trade is producing a six-hour popular education workshop for campus, labor, religious, and community use. It will prepare activists to form local coalitions against the FTAA and build support for the Quebec protests, either by recruiting people to go to Quebec or by promoting local solidarity demonstrations. After a six-hour training, ART trainers can stay in your community for several days to work with the most interested activists, but will need financial support to bring you the workshop. Available from ART, 4834 N. Springfield, Chicago, IL 60625, 773-583-7728, msnatmexicosolidarity.org

Pocket booklet on the FTAA
"Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA): What are the Corporations Plotting This Time and Why Do You Care?" will educate activists and others about the terminology of the FTAA such as Deregulation of capital controls, Intellectual property and patent rights protection, roader definition of investment, National Treatment, etc and what these things mean for humans and other living things. Published and available from the Alliance for Global Justice. It can also be ordered from SOA Watch, PO Box 4566, Washington DC 20017 ($2 incl.s/h)

Printed materials from ART and Chicago AFSC
-Six or eight four-page pieces that provide an overview of the FTAA, analyze its effect on various constituencies (labor, consumers, religious groups...), and offer alternatives for local organizing.
-A brochure describing the Alliance for Responsible Trade, the Alternatives for the Americas, and suggestions for local organizing.
-A videotape that describes the FTAA.
-The Alternatives for the Americas document and a two-page summary of it. All the above will be available from ART (see #4).
-Short pieces: "Questions and answers about the FTAA," "Mexico Under NAFTA," "United States Under NAFTA," "Overview of Neoliberalism," from Chicago AFSC, 59 East Van Buren, suite 1400, Chicago IL 60605, 312-427-2533, praxisafscatigc.org

Fact sheets on FTAA's impacts on forests and indigenous peoples, and who's behind the FTAA Rainforest Action Network will produce printed materials on how FTAA affects forests and indigenous peoples. They'll also develop materials on "Who Writes the FTAA, Who Benefits?" that will spotlight Citigroup, the Business Roundtable, and the role the private financial sector plays in back boardroom wheeling and dealing. Can provide teach-in support. Contact Beka Economopoulos at Rainforest Action Network, 917-560-3609, bekaatran.org

Common Frontiers-Canada has developed a Free Trade Action Kit with about 11 popular education pieces, in English and French. Its focus is the FTAA, targeted at Canadians, though it can be modified to fit US reality. Contact Patty Barrera, pbarreraatsympatico.ca

Massachusetts Jobs with Justice is producing a videotape and a four-page 11x17 handout on the FTAA for union and other use. Contact 617-524-8778 or bostonjwjatmindspring.com

Tony Clarke of the Polaris Institute in Canada is producing a packet on the FTAA -- information to come.

more on the FTAA:

13.1 Teach-ins About the FTAA:
The Agora Teach-in: To Quebec and Beyond, Global Resistence to Globalization.
April 17th: 4:00-6:00PM
John Abbott College, Ste-Anne-de Bellevue, Quebec (about 30km West of downtown Montreal). This teach-in brings together activists, organizers, and journalists from around the hemisphere to discuss the role of resistence in the globalization process. Confirmed speakers include:
Matt Leonard - Direct Action Network, Association of NW Anarchists
David Solnit - Art and Revolution Street Theater Collective Institute for Social Ecology, faculty
Lisa Mastramico - Santa Cruz Public Television Independent Media Centers
Amanda Bellerby - Mendocino Public Broadcasting Independent Media Centers
Celia Alario - KPFA Pacifica Radio Direct Action Network, Rainforest Action Network, Ruckus Society, Greenpeace
Amazon Watch Communications Team
Roberto Perez and Roberto Cubereo - U'wa leaders from Columbia
Antonia Juhasz - International Forum on Globalization
Admission is free and all are welcome.
There will also be a benefit party with live music and performance after the teach in.

SLAP is giving a teach-in on FTAA.
2/26 - Emerson College
3/14 - Tufts University
3/20 - Simmons College
3/29 - UMass Dartmouth
4/1 - UMass Lowell, Northeastern University (Tentative)
Contact: davitistaatyahoo.com

February-April – CLAC/CASA will tour New England.
- April 3rd - 17th - Mobilization Caravans are being planned to tour communities in Quebec, British Columbia and the Maritimes.

Call-to-Action will tour the US to mobilize against FTAA. The following cities are planned to be visited: Portland State University (in conjunction with REED and Lewis and Clark), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Lawrence, Kansas, SOA Watch and the Kansas Peace and Justice Center, Florida, Buckeye Forest Action Camp in Athens Ohio with the Buckeye Forest Council, D.C., Philly, Boston, and then Quebec City.
Michael Geoghegan
Call To Action/Rainforest Action Network
84 Havemeyer St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
1-888-840-6416 (office)
718-504-7103 x9992 (voice mail)
geoatcalltoaction.org
http://www.calltoaction.org

FTAA ["Free" Trade Area of the Americas], Poverty & Repression.
An opportunity to learn about "free" trade, impoverishment and repression in Honduras, Guatemala and Chiapas, and about community economic development alternatives. In late March & April 2001, Rights Action [formerly Guatemala Partners] will organize 2 speaking tours, for community human rights and development activists from Honduras, Guatemala and/or Chiapas, who will travel through the US and Canada, speaking in public educational forums. Their tours will culminate in Quebec City April 15-21, 2001.
New England Regional Contact: Al Levesque
Tel: 203.743.9844 (email preferred) E-mail: alatasphyxia.com
National Contact: Grahame Russell, Tel: 416-654-2074. E: infoatrightsaction.org

14) E-mail Lists
The following are different e-mail discussion or distribution lists. Hopefully, one is relevant for you.
(ZLEA-L) (FTAA-L) (ALCA-L)
These are the main ones, I think. These three lists are not discussion lists but information distribution lists.
http://sdgateway.net/mailinglists/fr_list120.htm
To subscribe to the English distribution list FTAA-L, send an e-mail message to ftaa-l-requestatlists.tao.ca with a blank subject line with the following text: subscribe.
To subscribe to the French distribution list ZLEA-L, send an e-mail message to ftaa-l-requestatlists.tao.ca with a blank subject line with the following text: subscribe.
To subscribe to the Spanish list ALCA-L, send an e-mail message to ftaa-l- requestatlists.tao.ca with a blank subject line with the following text: subscribe.
[newenglandstopftaa] (120 members on Feb. 12)
This is for New England.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/newenglandstopftaa
[BGAN-FTAA] (110 members on Feb. 12)
This is for the greater Boston area.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bgan-ftaa
a22buffalo (118 members on Feb. 12)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/a22buffalo
PeopleUnited (26 members on Feb. 12)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PeopleUnited
Yahoo
Chat about the FTAA.
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/ftaa
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/fighttheftaa
[West Coast StopFtaa]
stopftaa-outreach-subscribeatyahoogroups.com
Send an email to this address with Subscribe stop-ftaa-requestatglobalexchange.org
[varmit] Vermont (10 members on Feb. 12)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/varmit
NoToFTAA (16 members on Feb. 12)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NoToFTAA
IN QUEBEC CITY AND IN FRENCH
oqp2001_discussion (in French) (41 members on Feb. 12)
OQP is one of the major organizers of the protest in Quebec.
http://www.egroups.fr/group/oqp2001_discussion
CULIA (in French) (215 members on Feb. 12)
Laval University in Quebec City.
http://www.egroups.fr/group/culia

15) Direct Actions
- Civil disobedience is a powerful tool for activists. When it is well used it can lead to great changes. However, badly used it can back fire.

- There are two main groups that have organized direct action in relation to corporate globalization. One is SalAMI and the other is CLAC/CASA. Other supporters of direct action include many of the student groups, a large and important group called the Council of Canadians, which is also doing a big nonviolent direct action training in March, and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

- You will find information on the principles of an efficient direct action at http://www.ruckus.org/man/action_planning.html

- CASA organizes a spokescouncil on direct actions in Quebec City on Saturday March 24 and Sunday March 25 (arrival on Friday Mach 23). The aim is to coordinate actions in April, and especially the Carnival Against Capitalism on
April 20th.To register, or for more info, please e-mail a20quebecathotmail.com orphone 514-526-8946.

16) Events
RELEASE THE TEXT CAMPAIGN
- March 20th 2001: Deadline for releasing the FTAA text coinciding with the Meeting of the Ministers of Finance of the Americas in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Protests being planned around this event. A group in Toronto is also organizing a Teach-In for this date to mobilize locals for the trip to Quebec City in April.

- April 1st: Protest planned in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, coinciding with the Meeting of the Ministers of Finance of the Americas in Buenos Aires. Contact SalAMI for more information at salamiatcolba.net.

- April 2nd - Civil Disobedience being proposed in Ottawa if the text is not
released. Contact SalAMI for more information at salamiatcolba.net.

PEOPLE'S SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
- From April 17 to 21, there will be an alternative summit called People's Summit of the Americas (http://www.sommetdespeuples.org/en/index.html). Organized by RQIC, Common Frontier, the Hemispheric Social Alliance and partially funded by the Provincial ($200,000) and Federal governments, it is intended primarily for delegates from unions and NGOs and requires advance registration. This summit is organized by groups who believe that the FTAA can be reformed. Their position is to demand inclusion of clauses protecting various social rights such as the right to unionize. There will be a “Street of the Americas” with a display for each country of the hemisphere. Several activities will take place in a big heated tent in the Old Port (chapiteau du Vieux Port). The tent can hold about 1,300 people. Other buildings will be used as well.

There will be a forum on the 16th, the opening on the 17th, forums from the 17th to the 18th, closing of forums on the 19th, teach-in on the 20th, concert (to be determined), and see below the march of the 21st. The opening and end of the summit as well as the concert and the march are open to the general public while the other events require advance registration. To register contact the person in charge of the forum that interests you (in the column INFO).

DATE EVENT PLACE INFO
April 16 Women & ENAP (555 Charest) Diane Matte
Globalization (514) 395-1196
marche2000atffq.qc.ca

April 17 Opening Tent Josee Desharnais
(418) 521-4000

April 17-18 Education Holiday Inn Richard Langlois
395 de la Couronne (514) 356-8888,
Andre Pinard
(613) 837-0395

April 17-18 Labour Tent Vincent Dagenais
dagenaisatcsn.qc.ca

April 17-18 Agriculture Complexe Jacques- Emilio Lopez Gamez Cartier, CSQ
cioacatinternet.com.mx

April 17-18 Communications Studio du Complexe Elvira Truglia Meduse (514) 982-0351
elvira.trugliaatamarc.org

April 17-18 Human Rights Caserne Ex-Machina
foroderechosatyahoo.ca
103 Dalhousie

April 17-18 Environment ENAP (555 Charest) rqgeatcam.org

April 17-18 Withdrawl of the state Auditorium of Lise Blais and equitable wealth Wilbrod-Bherer (514) 598-2014
redistribution 7 rue Rumilly

April 19 Closing Tent

April 20 Teach-in ???

??? Concert ???

For more general information, contact RQIC at rqicatalternatives.ca

INDIGENOUS ALTERNATIVE SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
- From April 19-21, the Huron Reserve in Quebec City, the current capital of Wendake, will be the site of an alternative summit to highlight the many issues in and around the relationships of Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas to the proposed FTAA. This alternative summit can be the site of a wide array of discussions, including those pertaining to environmental, labour and women's issues. The gathering will be in the tradition of the freedom fighters in the Zapatista movement in Mexico. In 1994 the Zapatistas announced their resistance to the North American Free Trade Agreement by asserting Indian jurisdiction over parts of Chiapas. Basta! The site of the meetings is still unsure. It may take place at Salle Kondiaronk on the Huron reserve at Loretteville. This community is located about eight miles from downtown Quebec City. Contact:
Tony Hall
Department of Native American Studies,
University of Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
hallatuleth.ca

PUBLIC CONVENTION
- From April 17 to 23 (approximately), there will be a Public Convention organized by OQP 2001. There will be talks and a show of music at the bar L'Autre Caserne (325, 5e Rue, Quebec City). As opposed to the People's Summit it does not require advance registration. I remind you that OQP 2001 does not think that the FTAA can be reformed. For more information visit: http://www.oqp2001.org/.

CARNIVAL AGAINST CAPITALISM
- In April, a Carnival Against Capitalism will be organized by CASA. This event includes conferences, teach-ins, concerts, cabarets, workshops, street theatre, protests and direct actions. April 20th day of action is part of this carnival. For more information visit: http://www.quebec2001.net/

April 19 WOMEN'S ACTION
- Women's Action - what started at a potluck for the women's committee of SalAMI has grown into an independent call for a feminist action against globalization that will be circulated throughout the world. Simply put, women will be weaving a web of solidarity through a direct action at the summit. Women are being asked to weave acts of resistance in their own communities as well as to send pieces of ribbon, rope, cloth etc, with messages of hopes and dreams that will be woven together in our web.
(1) You are invited to form an affinity group. An affinity group is a group of 10-20 people with whom yo u have affinity; that is, a common bond (family, friends, common issue, work colleagues, etc.), that meets regularly to discuss common issues and to act. Choose one or two members to represent your group at the Council of representatives. The Council of representatives will meet in virtual space until the week before the Summit of the Americas, at which point meetings will take place in Quebec. The Council of representatives meetings will be the forum to decide on strategy for the action. Keep your eye on the CMAQ (Quebec Centre for Independent Media) website (http://www.cmaq.net) for a Women's web of solidarity action link.
(2) Affinity groups are also interested in adding (literally or symbolically and non-violently) their parts of the web into the fence are invited to do so on the 19th of April (the day preceding the opening of the meeting). Affinity groups not wanting to approach the fence are invited to plan other kinds of actions using the web parts (blocking an intersection to catch Summit negotiators in the web, or decorating a park with parts of the web, etc.).
For more information, e-mail: toile_femmeatmoncourrier.com
Mailing address:
Toile femme Québec 2001
C.P. 70021
Québec, Québec
(Canada) G1R 6B1
- A Candle light march is organized by CASA and CLAC to welcome the delegates of the Summit. Information: http://www.quebec2001.net or (418) 577-6767.

APRIL 20th DAY OF ACTION
- April 20th day of action. Noon is the meeting time for all affinity groups. This protest is organized by CASA and CLAC and is more oriented toward radical direct actions. This diversity of tactics is being thought of in three ways or zones.... A carnival zone, which would be a safe non-arrest area, a nonviolent civil disobedience zone, and a zone for a diverse range of tactics. This third area has been a focus of intense discussion and controversy in the broader movement. For more information visit: http://www.quebec2001.net/ or call 418-577-6767.
- Ecumenical Service, April 20 (tentative) held in two churches simultaneously. One inside the security zone and one outside. The idea is at the end they will march to one of the security check points to meet.

APRIL 21st DAY OF ACTION (BIG MARCH)
- On April 21st, this is the day where the most people are expected. There will be a march at noon. It is a legal march. It is being spearheaded by RQIC and is being supported by most if not all other groups. The route or exact time is not yet decided. It will be permitted and will have an opening and closing rally. It has already been agreed that the 3 union confederations will be leading the march and providing marshals for it. (rqicatalternatives.ca).

- Citizen Freedom and Truth Area of the America (FTAA)
Right after the march, SalAMI and the TAB will be holding a Citizens FTAA or Freedom and Truth Area of the Americas. Groups and organizations will be invited to set up tables, literature booths, offer workshops, performances etc. There is discussion of a Street of the Americas, where each country could have a booth. The idea is to create a global village on the spot. It is not yet clear if there will be a permit for this or not. It is also under discussion to have this ongoing for 24 or more hours until the Summit is over. Info: http://www.alternatives.ca/rqic/

APRIL 22nd DAY OF ACTION
- Teach-ins continue in the street along with direct action. Proposed 'Freedom Zone.'
- Earths day: Friends of the Earth - Quebec City finds it all too apt that the last day of the Summit of the Americas falls on Earth Day. They send a call for action.
For more information, contact the Friends of the Earth-Quebec City
Email: earthdayquebecatyahoo.ca
Telephone: (418) 524-2744

17) Legal Information
- If you are arrested in Quebec, you can demand to be judged in English. If you speak a language other than French or English, the court will provide an interpreter. Criminal law in Quebec is under federal jurisdiction and is basically similar to US law (presumption of innocence, right to a lawyer, etc.). The Civil law, however, is provincial but is usually irrelevant for protesters. There is a Charter of Rights and Freedoms both in Quebec and at the federal level. Traditionally, Quebec and Canadian police forces have been somewhat less repressive than in many parts of the US, but they are now pretty similar.

- There is a good summary of legal advice available at http://www.tao.ca/~cobp/guess-what.html
- You can find general information on relevant Canadian laws at the following
web sites:
http://www.tao.ca/~stopftaa/tools/legal.htm
http://www.lawcollective.org/
- Activists from CLAC can answer some questions at legalattao.ca

18) Weather
- The average minimum in Quebec City in April is –2 Celsius (29 F) and the average maximum is 8 Celsius (46 F). These are averages, the actual temperature may vary more than that. Quebec City is usually windy. At this time of the
year, it is more likely to rain than to snow. There is often a little melting snow on lawns but the sidewalks and street are usually free of snow. However, even well dressed with a temperature around the freezing point it is hard to stay outside more than a few hours. - There should be places to get warm near the protest areas.

- The local daily forecast is available at 418-648-7766 (in French and English) or on Internet at http://weather.webcity.ca/Quebec/Quebec/.

19) Dealing with Journalists
If you are going to the protest, be ready to have a short answer for the following questions (especially if you are holding a sign).
- Why are you opposed to globalization?
- Why are you opposed to free trade?
- Is it going to be as violent as Seattle?
You get the picture...
- The Ruckus Society has more information on dealing with medias at: http://www.ruckus.org/man/media_manual.html

20) Independent Media Center
There will be an Independent Media Center (IMC) in Quebec City. In French it is called the CMAQ (Centre des Media Alternatifs de Quebec). You can visit their site at: http://www.quebec.indymedia.org/

21) Health Issues
21.1) General Points
- In Quebec City, for an emergency call 911. However, ambulances may not come in the middle of a protest. In this particular case, there will be a medical team identifiable by a red cross on their shoulders. For Canadians from outside
Quebec, your medical fees are covered by your provincial medical insurance. For people from outside Canada, if you have medical fees you will have to pay them. Your personal health insurance may cover it, if not, you may want to have a private travel insurance that you usually have to buy before leaving your country.

21.2) Chemical Warfare
- The police use several chemical agents for controlling crowds. A good sign that police is about to use them is when they suddenly put up their masks. They use the following:
HC: crowd dispersing smoke: This white smoke is harmless and non-toxic, but is used for its psychological effect.
CN: standard tear gas: This gas is easily identifiable by its apple-like smell. It can cause a burning sensation in the eyes and skin, as well as irritation of the mucous membranes.
CS: This gas is ten times stronger than standard tear gas and has the same effects. It has a very strong pepper smell and can cause nausea and vomiting.
OC: This is pepper spray. It contains capsaicin, the active ingredient of pepper. It induces pain on the skin and particularly the eyes, nose and mouth. Police use it against anyone who is verbally or physically resisting arrest.
They call it pain compliance, but understand torture. OC can be a hand-held dispenser or a fire extinguisher-sized tank.
Mace: This is a trademark for a spray that looks like pepper spray but contains CN or CS as well. It has more side effects than OC.

- Police have said that they would not use pepper spray. However, they have been using it so frequently recently that this statement should be taken with skepticism.

- Tear Gas and Pepper Spray: You may be exposed to tear gas (CN or CS) and pepper spray (OC) even if you are protesting peacefully or a bystander. This is why you should not wear contact lenses at a protest. Contact lenses make the effect of tear gas and pepper spray even more painful and dangerous. You should also be with an affinity group. Bring more water than just for your drinking needs, bring paper towels, change of clothes sealed in a water proof plastic
bag. You should inform the people who are with you of your health condition. You should leave the demonstration before it becomes too risky, if you are asthmatic, have respiratory problems, are pregnant, attempting to get pregnant,
have a poor immune system, suffer from seizure disorders, have an eye infection, are wearing contact lenses, are a child or have a child with you. Gas masks are often declared illegal at mass protests. Police often forcefully remove protesters' gas masks. Furthermore, some affinity groups (e.g., SalAMI) reject their use. Goggles can protect the eyes adequately for a limited time but not your respiratory system and the police can also forcefully remove them.
- If you are attacked with pepper spray or tear gas:
. Stay calm & focused.
. When your body heats up (from running or panicking, for example), the irritation may increase. Part of the reason is that your pores will open allowing more absorption of the chemicals.
. Make your way to a safe space with fresh air where unexposed folks can help you, or at least ensure your safety while you treat yourself.
. Face wind, open eyes, hold arms out and walk around to let fresh air decontaminate you. Take slow deep breaths of clean air.
. Don't touch your eyes or your face, as you may re-contaminate yourself.
. Blow your nose, spit out chemicals. With tear gas, this might often be enough treatment.
. Ask for help from the medic team.
. Clean your eyes with pure water (or water with a bit of baking soda in it).
. It's best to let the water spill directly to the ground so as to not contaminate clean skin, clothes or hair.
. Store contaminated wipes in a sealed plastic bag.

- For more medical information consult:
http://www.tao.ca/~stopftaa/tools/safety/encounter.htm
- A more efficient antidote to pepper spray than pure water is being developed (a patent has been taken on a solution composed of water, sugar, antacid (such as baking soda), and a mild nonirritating detergent, cf.: http://edgein.home.mindspring.com/science/patents2.html, US Patent
#5,747,052). However, the exact recipe is not public, thanks to intellectual property rights.

22) Exchange Rates
Precise exchange rates for all currencies are available at the Oanda web site (http://www.oanda.com). Roughly, 1 US dollar is worth about $1.50 Canadian dollars.
- Credit cards usually charge relatively advantageous exchange rates (Master Card and Visa are accepted everywhere).

23) Taxes
- Taxes are not included in the listed price of goods and services purchased in Canada. Two taxes are added to most articles upon payment at the cash register: the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and, in most provinces, a provincial sales tax (PST). In Quebec, the provincial sales tax (TVQ in French) is 7.5%. Therefore, the combination of both taxes is equal to 15.025%.

- Non-resident visitors may request the reimbursement of the GST they paid for most goods for use outside Canada, temporary accommodations and most conference services. Reimbursement request forms are available on the Internet at the address http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/E/pbg/gf/gst176eq/README.html. To receive a reimbursement, mail your request form at the address indicated on the aforementioned publications. Requests for cash reimbursements may be made in person at participating duty-free shops located at ground-based border crossings. Consult the publications for the list of participating duty-free shops. - For more tax reimbursement information, call: 1-800-66VISIT or (613) 991-3346.

24) Other Practical Information
- Public phones are usually easy to find and they cost 25 cents but often can also be used with a phone card which can be bought at a convenience store (i.e., 'tabagie' or 'depanneur'). The regional code in Quebec City is 418.
- Many other frequently asked questions are answered at http://www.quebecregion.com/e/faq.asp.

25) Electronic Mail
How can you access your e-mail when you are in Quebec City if you did not bring your computer with you?
- There are Internet cafes in Quebec City (i.e., Cyber Cafe). Hopefully not all inside the security area...

26) Tourist Information
26.1) Province of Quebec
Tourist Information from the Quebec Government
http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/anglais/index.html
http://www.bonjourquebec.com
C.P. 979
Montreal (Quebec)
CANADA
H3C 2W3
Fax: (514) 864-3838
E-mail: infoattourisme.gouv.qc.ca

26.2) Quebec City
Tourist Information on Quebec City from the Quebec Government
http://www.quebecregion.com/e/
899, rue Saint-Joseph Est, 2e etage
Quebec (Quebec)
CANADA G1K 8E2
Tel.: (418) 522-3511
Fax: (418) 529-3121
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
http://www.quebecregion.com/e/faq.asp
Quebec City Web Site
http://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/en/index.html
2, rue des Jardins
C.P. 700, Haute-Ville
Quebec (Quebec)
Canada G1R 4S9
E-mail : informationsatville.quebec.qc.ca

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