Annual Report on Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures
Employment and Social Development Canada 2025 - 2026
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 Employment and Social Development Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026.
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:
The mission of ESDC, including the Labour Program and Service Canada, is to build a stronger and more inclusive Canada, to support Canadians in helping them live productive and rewarding lives and improving Canadians' quality of life. ESDC delivers programs and services to each and every Canadian throughout their lives in a significant capacity. Information on major ESDC programs is available in the Departmental Results Report and the Departmental Plan.
Employment and Social Development Canada Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures for Year ending March 31, 2026
Expenditure category |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2026 ($ thousands) |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2025 ($ thousands) |
Variance ($ thousands) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | |||
Operational activities |
$9,860.00 |
$13,831.00 |
-$3,971.00 |
Key stakeholders |
$406.00 |
$906.00 |
-$500.00 |
Internal governance |
$123.00 |
$132.00 |
-$9.00 |
Training |
$1,416.00 |
$2,131.00 |
-$715.00 |
Other |
$1,340.00 |
$1,875.00 |
-$535.00 |
| A. Total travel | $13,145.00 |
$18,875.00 |
-$5,730.00 |
| B. Hospitality | $199.00 |
$278.00 |
-$79.00 |
| C. Conference fees | $70.00 |
$145.00 |
-$75.00 |
| Total [A+B+C] | $13,414.00 |
$19,298.00 |
-$5,884.00 |
| International travel by minister and minister's staff (included in travel) | $80.00 |
$67.00 |
$13.00 |
Explanation of significant variances compared with previous fiscal year
Total travel:
Compared with fiscal year 2024-2025, departmental travel expenditures decreased by $5.7 million. This reduction was primarily driven by departmental spending restraint measures, reduced travel budgets, and continued emphasis on essential operational travel. Increased reliance on virtual collaboration tools, combined with fewer international trips and in-person events and conferences, further contributed to the decrease.
Hospitality:
Compared with fiscal year 2024-2025, departmental hospitality expenditures decreased by $79 thousand. This reduction was mainly attributable to spending restraint measures, reduced in-person events and stakeholder engagement activities, and greater reliance of virtual formats.
Conference fees:
Compared with fiscal year 2024-2025, departmental conference expenditures decreased by $75 thousand. This reduction was mainly attributable to spending restraint measures, reduced participation in conferences and events, and greater reliance of virtual attendance. The variance was also influenced by one-time and recurring events that did not take place in 2025-2026.Minister and minister’s exempt staff - International travel:
Compared with fiscal year 2024-2025, departmental international travel expenditures for minister, secretaries of state, parliamentary secretary and exempt staff increased by $13 thousand. Year-over-year fluctuations reflect changes in ministerial portfolios and international engagement requirements associated with evolving government priorities.