Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences 2015–2016
As required by the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences for Global Affairs Canada (GAC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016. It also provides explanations for the main variances from the previous fiscal year in each of these areas.
This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.
Expenditures on travel, hospitality and conference fees incurred by federal departments and agencies are related to activities that support a departmental or agency mandate and the government's priorities.
Responsibilities
GAC's legal responsibilities are based on the 2013 Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act.
The department manages Canada's diplomatic and consular relations with foreign governments and international organizations, engaging and influencing international players to advance Canada's political and economic interests and values. The department is also responsible for fostering the development of international law and its application in Canada's external relations.
To improve and maintain market access for Canadian businesses, GAC leads the negotiation of international trade agreements and the management of international trade dispute-resolution mechanisms. GAC also provides advice and services to help Canadian businesses succeed abroad, fosters foreign direct investment in Canada, and supports international innovation, science and technology. GAC also delivers consular services and provides travel advice and advisories to empower Canadians to prepare themselves for safe and responsible travel.
The department supports global peace and stability and addresses security threats such as terrorism, transnational organized crime, and the proliferation of weapons and materials of mass destruction. GAC also leads coordinated Canadian responses to crises and natural disasters abroad, including the provision of humanitarian assistance. To alleviate global poverty and enhance prosperity and stability in developing countries, the department manages Canada's official development assistance. Finally, GAC manages Canada's international platform – a global network of 174 missions in over 100 countries that supports the international work of GAC and 31 partner departments, agencies and co-locators.
For more information on GAC’s expenditure profile, please refer to the Departmental Performance Report Section I: Organizational Overview.
| Expenditure Category | Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2016 (in thousands of dollars) | Expenditures for the previous year ending March 31, 2015 (in thousands of dollars) | Change (in thousands of dollars) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel: Public Servants | $51,926.0 | $50,942.6 | $983.4 |
| Travel: Non-Public Servants | $6,547.6 | $5,090.5 | $1,457.1 |
| Total Travel | $58,473.6 | $56,033.1 | $2,440.5 |
| HospitalityFootnote 1 | $10,883.5 | $11,787.7 | ($904.2) |
| Conference Fees | $1,756.2 | $1,829.2 | ($73.0) |
| Total | $71,113.3 | $69,649.9 | $1,463.4 |
| International Travel by Ministers and Ministers’ Staff (also included in Non-Public Servant travel) | $265.4 | $873.8 | ($608.4) |
Significant variances compared with the previous fiscal year
The Government of Canada is committed to an engaged foreign policy on key international issues, where security, growth of trade and inbound investment and reducing global poverty and inequality are central to its policies and activities. GAC is committed to advancing Canada’s international agenda, as well as, providing services to Canadians abroad.
The department manages its travel activities in order to meet its strategic priorities. This includes the review of expenses at all levels of management on a regular basis to ensure the appropriate use and stewardship of these funds.
The department increased its expenditures on Travel, Hospitality, and Conference Fees, by an amount of $1.5 million, in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. The main variances are explained as follows:
Travel
Public Servants and Non-Public Servants: Compared with fiscal year 2014-15, departmental travel expenditures by public servants and non-public servants increased mainly due to public servants deployed to provide logistical, reporting, and security support to the Government of Canada refugee processing operations. In addition, the support Canada provided to develop and deliver military training and capacity building operations in Ukraine as well as the lower Canadian dollar also contributed to the increase in travel expenses.
Hospitality: Compared with fiscal year 2014-15, departmental hospitality expenditures decreased mainly due to the 2015 Federal Election. There was a lower volume of official visits to Canada by foreign Heads of State at the invitation of the Government of Canada and lower volume of official visit to foreign countries by Canadian representatives.
