Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences 2021–2022
As required by the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report discloses total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences for Global Affairs Canada (GAC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022. It also provides explanations for the main variances from the previous fiscal year.
Expenditures on travel, hospitality and conferences incurred by GAC are related to activities that support GAC’s mandate and the government’s priorities.
Mandate
GAC manages Canada’s diplomatic and consular relations with foreign governments and international organizations, engaging and influencing international players to advance Canada’s political, legal and economic interests, including poverty reduction, the empowerment of women and girls, the promotion of a rules-based international order, international peace and security, human rights, inclusive and accountable governance, peaceful pluralism, inclusion and respect for diversity, and environmental sustainability.
GAC manages the majority of Canada’s international assistance and leads coordinated Canadian responses to crises and natural disasters abroad, including the provision of needs-based humanitarian assistance. GAC also manages Canada’s international platform – a global network of 178 missions in 110 countries that supports the international work of GAC and 41 partner departments, agencies and co-locators. GAC delivers consular services and provides travel information to Canadians. GAC is also responsible for fostering the development of international law and its applications in Canada’s foreign relations.
GAC leads the negotiation of bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral trade agreements, the administration of export and import controls, as well as the management of international trade disputes. GAC also provides advice and services to help Canadian businesses succeed abroad and attract foreign direct investment to Canada, and supports international innovation, science and technology. It also supports global peace and stability and addresses international security threats such as terrorism, transnational organized crime and the proliferation of weapons and materials of mass destruction.
| Expenditure category | Expenditures for the year ended March 31, 2022 ($ thousands) | Expenditures for the year ended March 31, 2021 ($ thousands) | Variance ($ thousands) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | |||
| Operational activities | $17,618 | $2,830 | $14,788 |
| Key stakeholders | $1,381 | $230 | $1,151 |
| Internal governance | $121 | $73 | $48 |
| Training | $462 | $126 | $336 |
| Other | $3,237 | $6,041 | ($2,804) |
| A. Total travel | $22,819 | $9,300 | $13,519 |
| B. Hospitality | $4,794 | $2,822 | $1,972 |
| C. Conference fees | $1,477 | $660 | $817 |
| Total [A+B+C] | $29,090 | $12,782 | $16,308 |
| International travel by ministers and ministers’ staff (included in travel) | $318 | $94 | $224 |
Explanation of significant variances compared with previous fiscal year
Total travel
Total travel expenditures increased by $14 million compared to previous fiscal year, which was mainly due to the easing of travel restrictions brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Hospitality
Hospitality expenditures increased by $2 million compared to previous fiscal year, which was mainly due to the easing of travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to an increase in physical presence in meetings.
Conference fees
Conference fees increased by $817 thousand compared to previous fiscal year, which was mainly due to the easing of restrictions brought on by the global pandemic and the resumption of normal activities.
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