CSSP Joining Instructions for MTCP Participants

Note

The instructions outlined below are meant for participants in the Canadian Security Studies Programme (CSSP) who have been invited to attend this programme by the Canada’s Department of National Defence, Directorate of Military Training and Cooperation (DMTC), as part of the Military Training and Cooperation Programme (MTCP). Some of the content of this document may be consistent with that which is applicable to other invited participants; however, this document is applicable only to those invited under the auspices of the MTCP.

Background. The Canadian Forces College (CFC) CSSP aims to foster professional development and understanding in the area of Canadian national security, in its broadest sense, from a strategic perspective, and in a national and international multi-agency context. The CFC definition of national security is:

The preservation of a way of life acceptable to the Canadian people and compatible with the needs and legitimate aspirations of others. It includes freedom from military attack or coercion, freedom from international subversion and freedom from erosion of the political, economic and social values, which are essential to the quality of life in Canada.

The security of Canada is no longer solely a military effort: it is a complex, multi-agency task that must be executed in close cooperation with our international partners. The CSSP reflects this reality. The objectives are addressed through a series of interactive sessions with presentations by guest speakers from the fields of study as well as by means of group discussions. The CSSP culminates with the preparation of a strategic analysis.

As a participant, you will be provided a copy of the confirmation of programme completion prior to departure at the end of the CSSP. Details on the CSSP can be found at here. You are strongly encouraged to visit the page as it contains much useful information.

Prerequisites

  • Rank Level. The CSSP is for officers in the rank, or equivalent of, colonel or lieutenant-colonel in the Navy, Army, or Air Force, or a civilian equivalent. The eclectic nature of the student body is a key factor in the value of the CSSP to all participants, providing an excellent forum for building relations. Participants, therefore, are chosen in terms of both what they can contribute to, and how they would benefit from, an intense interactive experience.
  • Language Requirement. The programme is taught in English. You must be capable of conversing and be able to write at the functional Level 2 in English in accordance with STANAG 6001 NTG (Edition 5).
  • Medical and Dental Screening. You must be medically and dentally screened for fitness (without restrictions) and certified as free from infectious diseases. In case you require prescription medication (asthma, birth control, etc.), you must arrive in Canada with enough medication for the duration of your stay. Under all circumstances and upon arrival in Canada, you will be required to present copies of your medical/dental screening certification, translated in English or French, to your CFC MTCP Coordinator, if the certification has not already been received.
  • Fitness. You must be medically and physically fit without restrictions.
  • Security Clearance. Level 1 Confidential security clearance or higher, or the equivalent security clearance in your country. This may be in the form of a letter signed by an appropriate authority that attests to your National Security Clearance. It is strongly recommended that you obtain a domestic and/or International Police Check prior to arrival in Canada to facilitate your admission process.

Coordinating Instructions. The following dates are important to follow. If an extension is required, please contact your respective Canadian Defence Attaché Office (CDAO).

  • Effective immediately:
    • Initiate the visa process (if required).
    • Initiate your National Security Clearance.
  • Not later than Friday, 9 March 2018, provide to your CDAO the following:
    • Full name including rank, gender, country.
    • Email address and phone number.
    • Personal biography or curriculum vitae.
    • Special dietary requirements.
  • Not later than Friday, 13 April 2018:
    • Send to your CDAO a copy of your passport.
    • Send to your CDAO a copy of your dated Medical/Dental Screening, translated in English or French.
    • Coordinate with your CDAO your flight itineraries.
    • Send to your CDAO your National Security Clearance.
  • Not later than Friday, 27 April 2018, confirm to the CFC MTCP Coordinator any last-minute flight changes.
  • Saturday, 28 April 2018: arrival in Canada.
  • From Thursday, 30 April 2018 to Friday, 11 May 2018: as per programme schedule.
  • Not later than Saturday, 12 May 2018: return to home unit.

Arrival in Canada. The CFC MTCP Coordinator will strive to meet you at the airport upon arrival. You must arrive on location as per coordinating instructions. It is therefore imperative that the CFC MTCP Coordinator be informed of flight changes as soon as possible and well before the flight arrival in Canada. Should you experience problems or flight delays while en route, you are to contact the CFC MTCP Coordinator so that you can be met at the airport. Please bring your flight tickets and passport with you on the first day of the programme for verification.

Visas. In case you require a Canadian visa, it is your responsibility to initiate the visa process as soon as possible. Depending on your country status within MTCP, visa expenses may be covered by DMTC. Ensure that the dates are as per the coordinating instructions, as a visa extension process is very expensive and time-consuming and all costs will be borne by you.

Flights and Transportation Costs. Flights to and from Canada will be paid for by DMTC. Once flights are booked, they will not be changed except for operational reasons or in the event of extraordinary and unforeseen personal circumstances. Your CDAO. in coordination with the CFC MTCP Coordinator, will coordinate the transportation from your country to Canada and back.

  • When booking flights, the maximum layover time should not exceed eight hours.
  • You will be met on arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ).
  • In the case that your flight terminates elsewhere, you will have to make your own way to Toronto, because of the distances involved.

Baggage Policy. You are reminded that limited baggage allowance is strictly enforced by commercial airlines. DMTC authorizes for this programme a maximum of one piece of checked luggage. You will be assuming the cost for additional luggage (i.e., beyond one piece of checked luggage). No reimbursement is authorized, but some exceptions may apply.

Medical and Dental Insurance. In cases of medical or dental emergencies, the DND will provide you with emergency medical and dental care comparable to what is available to Canadian Armed Forces members through the Canadian Forces Clinics and National Health Care. This care will be provided in order to relieve immediate suffering and stabilize you in order to continue the training, or to return to your country should you be unable to continue your training.

  • DMTC may elect to cost-recover any medical and/or dental expenses you incurred in Canada through the Ministry of Defence of your country, if required.
  • Upon arrival, you will be provided with the phone number for Blue Cross, as well as those of the medical and dental clinics. The Blue Cross number will be used in order to access health care when the CAF medical clinic is closed. CAF dental clinics provide a 24-hour on-call emergency service.
  • Canadian Armed Forces medical and dental services are not available to dependants of foreign military personnel.

Passport. In order to facilitate your arrival administration, please send an electronic copy of your passport to your CDAO.

Allowances. Depending on your country status within MTCP:

  • Travel Allowance. A lump sum of $100.00 CAD will be issued to you on the first day at CFC by your CFC MTCP Coordinator to cover minor expenses en route to and from the programme location.
  • Daily Allowance. You will receive a Daily Incidental Allowance of Canadian $12 per diem from the date of your arrival to date of your departure.

Credit Cards. Major cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in Canada. Please keep in mind that your financial institution at home will automatically make the currency exchange before you receive your monthly statement.

Leave. The daily programme schedule typically runs from 0800 to 1700 hrs. Evenings and weekends are considered free time. You are permitted to travel anywhere within Canada. If leaving the geographical area, you must have a valid leave request form authorized by the appropriate personnel to cover you in the event of an emergency or accident. If you wish to visit the United States (US), please note that they will require a travel visa and special medical insurance. DMTC strongly advises you to apply for your visa well in advance. The CFC MTCP Coordinator will not be able to assist you with your visa application, and the process can be lengthy.

Visitors. You will be housed in a single-occupancy hotel room for the duration of the programme. DND will not officially host or make provision for family members or friends who may want to visit during your stay. Family members are welcome to visit Canada, as are any other authorized persons wishing to enter the country; however, accommodation will be the visitor’s responsibility and the visit must not interfere with the programme. CFC is not staffed to look after families, and you should expect no assistance from CFC staff.

Canadian Forces College

  • Address. Participants’ mailing address is:
      Canadian Forces College
      215 Yonge Blvd
      Toronto ON   M5M 3H9
      Canada
  • Accommodations. You will be housed in a single-occupancy hotel room for the duration of the programme. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided from the hotel to CFC and back. Further details will come from your CFC MTCP Coordinator upon arrival. Please check here for more details.
  • Meals. You will be provided full rations. On the first day of the programme, you will receive an allowance for meals for the duration of the programme. You will also have the opportunity to attend coffee breaks, a meet and greet, and a happy hour at your cost. Further details will be provided by your CFC MTCP Coordinator upon arrival. Please check here for more details.
  • Dress Regulations.
    • For the duration of the programme, your attire will be short-sleeved service dress with ribbons (or national equivalent).
    • A national uniform will be required for official functions and formal dinners. Some of the international participants prefer to bring their mess kit (formal dress) for the Graduation Dinner, but this is not mandatory.
    • For some activities, you will also need a suit or blazer with shirt and tie, or equivalent dress for female participants.
    • Please note that you must ensure that you bring adequate and appropriate civilian attire for your stay in Canada, keeping in mind the changing seasons and Canadian climate.

Computers and Internet Access. Personal computers may be used at the hotel, which provides internet access. CFC will not provide computers or access to the internet for the purposes of this programme or for personal use. Personal computers and other information technology devices may not be connected to any CFC information system, nor may they be used during the seminar.

Telephones. Telephones will be available for local calls only. Long distance phone calls and faxes are for official purposes and are available only in designated areas. Telephone cards for personal long distance calls can be purchased at any convenience store. The use of personal cellular phones during the seminar is strictly prohibited.

Social Media. Do not post information on the internet or use social media (such as Twitter, Facebook, etc.) for peer discussions related to the programme.

Requests for Information

  • During the programme loading process, and before you are in transit (defined as the point at which you board the aircraft to Canada), all issues must be coordinated with your CDAO.
  • Once you are in transit, your point of contact will become the CFC MTCP Coordinator.

Contact Information. The following must be carried at all times during your in- and out-transit:

  • CFC MTCP Coordinator Points of Contact:

Emergency. In the event that you need to be reached during an emergency, you are to be contacted through the CFC MTCP Coordinator.

DMTC, the Commandant, and all ranks of CFC wish you a safe and enjoyable journey to Canada and look forward to meeting you upon your arrival.

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