Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences 2022–2023

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, 2023. 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.

In support of efforts to eradicate global poverty and contribute to a more peaceful, prosperous and inclusive world, GAC manages the majority of Canada’s international assistance. GAC also 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 missions in approximately 110 countries that supports the international work of GAC and partner departments, agencies and co-locators.

To improve and maintain market access for Canadian businesses, 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. GAC delivers consular services and provides travel information to Canadians. 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.

GAC develops and implements policy and programming based on analysis of available evidence, including through consultation and engagement with Canadians and international stakeholders. GAC is responsible for fostering the development of international law and its applications in Canada’s foreign relations.

Global Affairs Canada – Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures for the Year ending March 31, 2023

Explanation of significant variances compared to previous fiscal year

Travel, hospitality and conference expenditures have all increased compared to previous fiscal year, which was mainly due to the removal of most travel restrictions brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The lifting of these restrictions has enabled GAC to increase travel, hospitality and conference activities, which are now more consistent with total expenditures incurred before the occurrence of the global COVID-19 pandemic.