What's New

2009/11/19

Accommodation - Changes for 2010

Non-smoking and Smoking Rooms

Starting in 2010, a new provision has been added in the Terms and Conditions of the Standing Offer stipulating that accommodation establishments cannot charge more for a smoking room. Should an employee be told that the room will be more expensive because it is a smoking room, the employee should immediately contact the Government Travel Client Services Section at pwgsctravelservices.tpsgcservicesdevoyage@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca for action.

Rate Adjustments

Rates offered in the 2010 Accommodation Directory are considered maximum rates.  Preferred suppliers that have been awarded a Standing Offer will have the option to reduce their rate offering during the course of calendar year 2010. Rate reductions will be adjusted in the Directory.

Car Rental - Changes for 2010

Blackout Dates During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Recognizing the exceptional circumstance of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games being held in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, the Government of Canada will permit Contractors operating in the pre-established geographical zones identified below to suspend their obligation to provide the annual rates quoted in their offers for those geographical zones during the period of 15 January 2010 to 1 March 2010. The quoted rates must apply for all other dates during the 2010 calendar year. Contractors may continue, and are invited to offer their government rates during the period of 15 January 2010 to 1 March 2010.

Contractors having counters with the following city addressees are permitted the temporary suspension of rates:

Geographical Zones:

Abbotsford, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, Nanaimo, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, Saanichton, Sidney, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria, West Vancouver and White Rock.

Winter tires in British Columbia

Although it is not mandatory in all the province, winter tires are mandatory on some highways in British Columbia. We encourage you to verify with the car rental company if they are required for the area you will be traveling to.

Environmental Reminder

The Government of Canada encourages employees to continue considering the environment when renting vehicles while on official government business.

Employees are encouraged to rent high-efficiency or hybrid vehicles wherever practical and available. Should this not be possible, employees may wish to consider selecting vehicles with lower emissions when selecting a rental vehicle. For convenience and ease of reference, a listing of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions for various types of vehicles can be found in the Preface.