Mathematics Education at the Edge has been chosen as the theme of the conference. Academically, the theme provides opportunities to highlight and examine mathematics education research that is: 1) breaking new ground or on the cutting edge of innovative research and research methodologies; and 2) exploring issues with groups that are often positioned at the edge or periphery of educational research such as social justice, peace education, equity, and Indigenous education. Geographically, the theme Mathematics Education at the Edge describes the very place of the conference setting, Vancouver, a city situated at the edge of Canada on the Pacific Ocean and Coast Mountain Range.

The International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME) is an autonomous body, governed as provided for in the constitution. It is an official subgroup of the International Commission for Mathematical Instruction (ICMI) and came into existence at the Third International Congress on Mathematics Education (ICME3) held in Karlsruhe, Germany in 1976. The North American Chapter of the PME (PME-NA) is affiliated with PME and shares the same major goals as PME.

The 2014 joint meeting is the 38th meeting of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME 38) and the 36th  meeting of the North American Chapter of the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME-NA 36). Given the common roots and the uncommon numbering we have chosen to refer to this joint meeting as PME 2014 and will operate under the PME policies and practices.

Vancouver is the largest city in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Located on Canada’s west coast, Vancouver is a coastal, seaport city characterized by a mild, oceanic climate and scenic views of both mountains and the sea. Even though Vancouver is located on the mainland, it is surrounded by water on three sides. In addition to be being recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver is also known for its multiculturalism. In fact, it is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Canada. The city of Vancouver was founded on First Nations territory and now boasts more than 300 city-run parks, beaches, and gardens, including Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. Vancouver is a popular tourist attraction and has been host to many international conferences and events, including the 2010 Winter Olympics. Vancouver and the surrounding area is also home to many universities and colleges, including the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.

For more information on the city of Vancouver, see the following links:

• http://vancouver.ca/
• http://www.vancouverattractions.com/

Vancouver is easily accessible via the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – a major international airport with direct flights from many places in Europe, Asia, and North America, arriving many times a day.

If you are considering flying into a different North American city and travelling by car to Vancouver, please keep in mind the potentially large distances between cities that may, at first, appear close in proximity. Canada is the second largest country in the world, spanning a distance of 9306 km from its most eastern point on the Atlantic coast to its most western point on the Pacific coast. The closest major Canadian city to Vancouver is Calgary, which is almost 1000 km away. The closest major American City is Seattle, which is about 225 km from Vancouver. However, driving from Seattle involves crossing a controlled border with line-ups often exceeding 2 hours. Please refer to the table below for travel distances to Vancouver by car from some major North American cities.

About Canada

For general information about Canada please visit http://www.canada.gc.ca/aboutcanada-ausujetcanada/tour/menu-eng.html

Language

Canada has two official languages, English and French, but throughout British Columbia and in Vancouver the majority of people speak English. The official language of the conference is English. There will be no simultaneous translations.

Passport and Visas

Citizens of all countries (including the US) require a passport to enter Canada. Citizens of some countries may require a visa to visit Canada. To consult a list of countries and territories whose citizens need a visa, please consult the Citizenship and Immigration Canada section of the Government of Canada website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

• Alternatively, please contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or consulate for further details about the requirements and formalities of obtaining a visa.
• If your visit to Canada requires a visa, please remember to apply for a visa in good time.
• Those who need an official invitation in order to obtain a visa for entering Canada please read Section 10.4.3 Letter of Invitation of the 1st Announcement.
• PME 2014 cannot be held responsible for any matters related to obtaining visas.

Currency

The currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar (CAD/$) and cent (¢). For exchange rates, please check the Bank of Canada website: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/rates/exchange/daily-converter/

Electrical Appliances

If you are planning to bring electrical equipment (e.g. battery chargers, laptop power supply, etc.) with you, please check whether you need an adapter. The electrical supply is 110-120 volts and 60 hertz. The power outlets are designed for NEMA connectors – two, flat pronged plugs and grounded, flat pronged plugs.

Time Zone

In the summer, Vancouver is on Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), which is seven hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-7).

Canada Telephone Code

To call Vancouver, Canada, from outside of the local calling area, you must dial the international access code followed by a three-digit area code for Vancouver and the seven-digit phone number. The international access code for Canada is 1. The two area codes for Vancouver are 604 and 778. To call Vancouver from within the local calling area, you must dial the area code followed by the phone number. For example, to call the phone number 555-1234 in the 604 area code from outside the local calling area, you must dial 1-604-555-1234. To call the same number from within the local calling area you must dial 604-555-1234.