Rules for Reimbursement

2026 NATIONAL CLAIMS RESEARCH WORKSHOP

The National Claims Researchers Planning Committee continues to institute cost saving measures that will allow the workshop to proceed and that we hope will make it possible for you to attend. These measures include:

  • Online registration and conference information.
  • Virtual attendance option for 2026 (not guaranteed for future years)
  • Reduction of travel reimbursement budget. While presenters’ travel will be reimbursed in accordance with these rules, we cannot guarantee full reimbursement of participant travel. Please see paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 for more details.
  • Group rates for Hotel accommodations ($249/night) at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel.
  • Discounted airfares.

Rules for Reimbursement

  1. To be eligible to receive reimbursement, you must work for a First Nation or  First Nation organization and be directly involved in the claims research process.
  2. Federal government employees, who either participate in the Workshop program or attend the Workshop, will not be eligible for reimbursement of travel or other costs.
  3. If your organization receives funding in your budget for 2026/2027 to cover the attendance for one (1) person at the 2026 Workshop, you are not eligible to receive reimbursement.
  4. As the Workshop is intended to provide practical information for First Nation Claim Researchers, organizations are encouraged to send their staff who are responsible for the research and development of claims.
  5. If your organization receives funding for the research and development of specific claims, but the funding does not include finances to attend the NCRW, you will be eligible to apply for reimbursement for the travel and other allowable costs for one (1) person to attend the 2026 Workshop.
  6. Each organization shall cover the costs of any additional staff members’ attendance at the Workshop.
  7. The extent to which reimbursement will be made available will be determined by the total amount of funds that can be devoted from the overall Workshop budget. In all cases, the proper documentation will be required in order to be considered for reimbursement.
  8. The amount of reimbursement to be received (if eligible) cannot be set beforehand; it is not guaranteed that 100% reimbursement will be made. However, the NCRW Planning Committee endeavours to ensure the highest possible reimbursement rate by managing costs and fundraising. 
  9. Payment of reimbursement will be contingent on the following factors:
    • Available budget
    • Priority for reimbursement will be given first to presenters, and secondly to those who pre-register at least one (1) month before the Workshop.
    • Reimbursement for airfare travel costs is limited. Please book well in advance and/take advantage of seat sales or other discounts, and book appropriate fare levels in order to qualify for the maximum reimbursement for your travel costs.
    • In addition, we have also secured a discount code from WestJet to help make your travel to Halifax a bit more affordable. Save 5% on Economy tickets and 10% off EconoFlex or Premium Economy flights from anywhere in Canada to Halifax. The code will apply to flights between November 8 & 29th, 2026. Go to Westjet.com and use Coupon Code: 5B9R5LZ (web-based or Travel Agent Web based bookings). If you use a travel agent who use GDS, please use Promo Code: YBH92. 
      • *NOTE: The Planning Committee can only consider reimbursements for basic economy level flights. Expenses incurred for booking higher tier flights will be the responsibility of the traveller.   
    • Reimbursements for all travel expenses (including but not limited to airfare, car rental, public transport and/or mileage claimed) will require receipts or demonstration of travel prior to reimbursements being made.
    • All those applying for reimbursement must register as Workshop participants and must secure hotel accommodations at the designated hotel, at the rate guaranteed as a part of the conference (for 2026, the max rate is $249/night). Receipts will be required.
    • Guestrooms may be cancelled up to 72 hours prior to arrival without penalty. Any cancellations made within 72 hours of arrival will be charged one night’s room and tax. If a guest does not arrive on their scheduled arrival date, one night’s room and tax and the remainder of the reservation will be cancelled. Any applicable cancellation or no show charges will then be the responsibility of the delegate and will be charged back to them. 
      • Guests will be responsible for any penalties if they do not show up or if they cancel their reservation outside the 72 hour cancellation window. 
    • While the Planning Committee secured a group rate of $249/night from Friday, November 13 to Monday, November 23, hotel stays will only be considered for reimbursement for the core workshop dates of October 16–20.
      • Please note that reimbursement requires active attendance at the workshop for each night booked. 
    • IMPORTANT NOTE: An additional, optional event has been planned for Friday November 20, 2026: Ethical Redress: A Gathering on Indigenous Laws and the Practice of Research. If you wish to extend your stay to participate in this event, travel support may be available. These Rules for Reimbursement apply to this event as well. 
    • Meals & incidentals will be reimbursed at the current federal government rates (see reimbursement form for details). Please note reimbursement claims for meals will not be provided if your hotel or the NCRW provides meals.
  10. The Planning Committee must receive completed reimbursement forms, including all required receipts, by Friday, January 8, 2027, via our new online submission form which will be available shortly. Reimbursement forms received after this date will not be reviewed or considered. The National Workshop Planning Committee will have the final determination on reimbursement.

* For a breakdown of meals, incidentals and mileage rates please visit: the National Joint Council Website.