Annual Report on Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures
Business Development Bank of Canada 2023 - 2024
As required by the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on travel, hospitality and conference expenditures for Business Development Bank of Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
Travel, hospitality and conference expenditures incurred by a federal department or agency relate to activities that support the department or agency’s mandate and the government’s priorities.
Mandate:
BDC has a mandate to support Canadian entrepreneurs in building strong and competitive businesses by providing financing, capital and advisory services, with focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. Due to the nature of our mandate and the frequency of interactions in the market, BDC has implemented policies to maintain appropriate governance on allowable travel and business expenses which are in line with the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures.
Business Development Bank of Canada Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures for Year ending March 31, 2024
Expenditure category |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2024 ($ thousands) |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2023 ($ thousands) |
Variance ($ thousands) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | |||
Operational activities |
$3,630.00 |
$4,971.00 |
-$1,341.00 |
Key stakeholders |
$3,839.00 |
$3,237.00 |
$602.00 |
Internal governance |
$232.00 |
$358.00 |
-$126.00 |
Training |
$470.00 |
$380.00 |
$90.00 |
Other |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| A. Total travel | $8,171.00 |
$8,946.00 |
-$775.00 |
| B. Hospitality | $3,619.00 |
$2,956.00 |
$663.00 |
| C. Conference fees | $281.00 |
$271.00 |
$10.00 |
| Total [A+B+C] | $12,071.00 |
$12,173.00 |
-$102.00 |
| International travel by minister and minister's staff (included in travel) | $0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
Explanation of significant variances compared with previous fiscal year
Total travel:
With respect to the guidelines stipulated in the 2023 Federal budget, BDC focused on reducing its operating and administrative expenses. Travel expenses related to operational activities were $1,340,000 lower in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023 due to a decrease in internal conferences held offsite and BDC's efforts towards reducing GHG emissions.
The increase in travel expenses related to key stakeholders of $602,000 in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023 are explained by higher business development activities, which is in line with the growth in our level of activities and number of clients.
Hospitality:
The increase in hospitality of $663,000 in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023 are explained by higher business development activities, which is in line with the growth in our level of activities and number of clients.