Annual Report on Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 2024 - 2025
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 Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.
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:
ISED helps Canadian businesses grow, innovate and expand so they can create good-quality jobs and wealth for Canadians. It also supports science research and the integration of scientific considerations into investment and policy choices. The Department helps small businesses grow through trade and innovation and promotes increased tourism in Canada. The Department also works to position Canada as a global centre for innovation where growth is clean and inclusive, the middle class prospers through more opportunities for all Canadians, and our companies become global leaders.
ISED's efforts focus on improving conditions for investment, supporting science, helping small and medium-sized businesses grow, building capacity for clean and sustainable technologies and processes, increasing Canada's share of global trade, promoting tourism, and building an efficient and competitive marketplace.
Information on major ISED programs is available in the Departmental Results Report and the
Departmental Plan.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures for Year ending March 31, 2025
Expenditure category |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2025 ($ thousands) |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2024 ($ thousands) |
Variance ($ thousands) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | |||
Operational activities |
$6,212.00 |
$4,837.00 |
$1,375.00 |
Key stakeholders |
$1,889.00 |
$1,978.00 |
-$89.00 |
Internal governance |
$205.00 |
$222.00 |
-$17.00 |
Training |
$463.00 |
$750.00 |
-$287.00 |
Other |
$144.00 |
$237.00 |
-$93.00 |
| A. Total travel | $8,913.00 |
$8,024.00 |
$889.00 |
| B. Hospitality | $171.00 |
$112.00 |
$59.00 |
| C. Conference fees | $566.00 |
$531.00 |
$35.00 |
| Total [A+B+C] | $9,650.00 |
$8,667.00 |
$983.00 |
| International travel by minister and minister's staff (included in travel) | $166.00 |
$259.00 |
-$93.00 |
Explanation of significant variances compared with previous fiscal year
Total travel:
The increase in travel expenditures is mainly driven by higher, non-discretionary operational activities across the department, particularly related to regulatory inspections and mandatory training for inspectors and specialized technicians. Inflation also contributed to the increase in travel expenditures by driving up the cost of accommodation and transportation.
Hospitality:
There was no material change in spending levels compared to last year.
Conference fees:
There was no material change in spending levels compared to last year.Minister and minister’s exempt staff - International travel:
The decrease in international travel expenditures compared to the previous fiscal year is primarily attributable to a reduction in travel activities resulting from the prorogation of Parliament during the final three months of the fiscal year