We leave it to each teacher to make arrangements for their leave with their school or district, and we will reimburse those costs after the event. The easiest way to process release time reimbursement is to have your school or board invoice us directly. Please let them know that they can send the invoice by email to diana@civix.ca or to our head office:

   CIVIX
   639 Queen Street West, Suite 504
   Toronto ON M5B 2B7

We will reimburse a full day of release time for Friday, April 12, as well as the necessary travel time to attend the event. We ask teachers to choose a travel option that limits their time away from their classrooms, and limit their absence to a half day on Thursday if possible.

Yes, we can put that together for you. Please email us at bootcamp@civix.ca and let us know if there is a specific contact or department at your school board office or school to whom we should address the letter.

Your school board or school can send us an invoice for the release time costs after the event, and we will process reimbursement payments in the following weeks.

We leave it to teachers to make their own transportation arrangements, which you can submit for reimbursement after the event.

Please keep track of all travel documentation and receipts, and we will provide a form and submission instructions at the end of the event.

CIVIX will reimburse mileage, flights, trains, transit, etc. for attendees living outside the National Capital Region, economy class only. Receipts must be provided for each expense (except mileage claims). We cannot provide reimbursement for expenses submitted without receipts. 

CIVIX will not reimburse “extras” on flights, such as seat selection, travel insurance, or checked baggage (unless your fare charges for carry-on).

We will not be reimbursing meals while travelling. CIVIX will provide food and beverages at Thursday’s reception as well as breakfast, a coffee break, and lunch on Friday.

If flying, please book your flights as soon as possible, as prices may increase significantly. Please book the lowest available economy fare that allows for flight changes or cancellations (with a fee).

We ask you to please choose the travel option that minimizes your time away from your classroom, as the cost of additional release time often exceeds the cost of travel.

If possible, we ask you to book using either Air Canada, Porter, or WestJet. We have no arrangements with these airlines and no preference between them, but requirements for carriers to re-book and/or compensate passengers in the event of travel disruption can vary significantly between major and small carriers.

We do not cover flight “extras” like advanced seat selection or checked baggage, unless the carrier charges for carry-on bags.

Immediately following the event, we will share a reimbursement form with all attendees. Invoices should be submitted to CIVIX by May 15, 2024.

Airline, train, or bus tickets and/or boarding passes (showing the cost of the trip) and any taxi or transit receipts should be submitted with your reimbursement invoice. For those driving, please submit documentation showing the distance travelled (Google Map directions or similar). Mileage will be reimbursed at the National Joint Council rate of $0.59/km.

We typically process reimbursements on a first-come, first-served basis, but may prioritize large out-of-pocket expenses if needed. Payments are issued by cheque or e-transfer through our payment processor, Plooto. Reimbursement will typically be issued within 3-4 weeks of expenses being submitted, but may take longer depending on the volume of requests we receive at once. Ensuring your reimbursement forms are completed with all required information and submitted with all receipts will help reduce delays in processing. If you have any concerns about timing please email diana@civix.ca.

You can indicate your preferred accommodation by selecting the appropriate ticket type on the registration page, and then CIVIX will make all arrangements with the hotel.

CIVIX has reserved a block of rooms at the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel. Please contact us directly at bootcamp@civix.ca for all inquiries related to your accommodations.

Accommodations are offered for Thursday, April 11.

If you would like to extend your stay at the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel to include the night of Friday, April 12, you are welcome to purchase the extra night at our group rate of $225 + taxes and fees (subject to the hotel’s availability). Please contact us directly at bootcamp@civix.ca to make these arrangements.

Yes, please contact us as soon as possible at bootcamp@civix.ca to request a refund.

We can offer a full refund for cancellations made before 12 p.m. on Monday, April 8.

Democracy Bootcamp can be considered one workshop and attendees are encouraged to attend all sessions.

There is no dress code for Democracy Bootcamp.

CIVIX will provide passed appetizers and food stations at Thursday’s reception as well as breakfast, coffee break, and lunch on Friday.

Please bring your phone, tablet, or laptop on Friday so that you can participate in interactive presentations and practice digital media literacy skills. Free Wi-Fi will be available.

This event is designed for elementary teachers in grades 4-8. The content can be applied across a range of subjects that deal with civic education, such as Social Studies or English.

Eventbrite includes a record of payment in your confirmation email; however, if you would like us to issue a formal receipt for your registration and/or accommodation fees, please email us at bootcamp@civix.ca.

Reimbursement will typically be issued within 3-4 weeks of submitting your expenses, but may take longer depending on the volume of requests we receive at a time.

We can issue payment by cheque or by Plooto email transfer (note: these may appear differently than Interac e-transfers but will function the same way).