Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences 2011–2012
As required by the Treasury Board Directive for the Management of Expenditures on Travel, Hospitality and Conferences, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012.
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 conferences incurred by federal departments and agencies are related to supporting departmental mandate(s) and the government’s priorities.
Raison d’être
DFATD is responsible for the conduct of Canada’s international affairs, including international trade and commerce. It advances Canada’s interests internationally, shapes Canada’s responses to international issues and events, manages bilateral and multilateral relationships and delivers programs worldwide. It provides commercial, consular and passport services to Canadians at home and abroad and manages Canada’s global network of missions in 106 countries, which serves as the Government of Canada’s international platform.
Responsibilities
The department’s mandate is set out in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Act and can be summarized as follows:
- conduct all official diplomatic communications and negotiations between the Government of Canada and other countries and international organizations;
- coordinate Canada’s economic relations and promote Canadian international trade and commerce; and
- manage Canada’s diplomatic and consular missions and services abroad, including the administration of the Canadian Foreign Service.
To protect Canadians and advance Canada’s priorities and interests abroad, the department delivers programs in support of peace and security, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and provides whole–of–government coordination in response to international crises and natural disasters abroad.
DFATD generates international opportunities for Canadian business by negotiating agreements to open and expand markets, facilitating two–way trade and investment, and encouraging innovation through international science and technology partnerships.
For more information on DFATD’s expenditure profile, please refer to the Departmental Performance Report Section I: Organizational Overview.
| Expenditure Category | Expenditures for the Year Ending (in thousands of dollars) | Expenditures for the previous year ending (in thousands of dollars) | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31-March-2012 | 31-March-2011 | ||
| Travel – Public Servants | $71,476.1 | $80,673.7 | -$9,197.6 |
| Travel – Non–Public Servants | $5,481.1 | $12,110.6 | -$6,629.5 |
| International Travel by Minister and Minister's StaffFootnote 2 | $564.3 | $489.0 | $75.3 |
| Total Travel | $77,521.5 | $93,273.3 | -$ 15,751.8 |
| Hospitality | $8,050.7 | $12,517.3 | -$4,466.6 |
| Conference Fees | $2,088.9 | $2,210.7 | -$121.8 |
| Total | $87,661.1 | $108,001.3 | -$20,340.2 |
Significant variances compared to the previous fiscal year
Travel:
Public Servants: Compared to fiscal year 2010-2011, departmental travel expenditures by public servants decreased mainly due to Canada's diminishing involvement in Afghanistan resulting in less travel to that region, the non-recurrence of travel expenditures associated with the 2010 G8/G20 Summits, as well as the departmental travel restrictions which were put in place in February 2012.
Non-Public Servants: Compared to fiscal year 2010-2011, departmental travel expenditures by non-public servants decreased due to the non-recurrence of costs associated with the G8/G20 Summits and the evacuation of Canadians from Egypt & Libya.
Ministers and Ministers’ Staff: Canada stands tall on the world stage, delivering principled leadership in the promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and providing services to Canadians abroad. Our Government's ambitious pro-trade plan is generating jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity for Canadians and our trading partners around the world.
Hospitality: The decrease in hospitality expenses is mainly due to the non-recurring expenses in 2010-2011 related to Canada’s role as the host of the G8/G20 Summits.
Conference Fees: There is no significant variance in Conference Fees between fiscal years.
