Annual Report on Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada 2020 - 2021
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 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021.
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:
SSHRC’s mandate is to promote and assist research and scholarship in the social sciences and humanities. Social sciences and humanities research builds knowledge about people in the past and present, with a view toward creating a better future.
By focusing on developing Talent, generating Insights and forging Connections across campuses and communities, SSHRC strategically supports world-leading initiatives that enhance our understanding of modern social, cultural, technological, environmental, economic and wellness issues. Further information on SSHRC’s mandate and program activities can be found in SSHRC’s 2020-21 Departmental Plan.
SSHRC’s program delivery is centered on a merit review model. External experts from across the country and around the world contribute their time and expertise to adjudicate grant proposals and scholarship and fellowship applications, with the aim of funding excellence for the benefit of Canada. The vast majority of SSHRC’s travel and hospitality expenses are to support this merit review process.
SSHRC’s total annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences are summarized below:
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures for Year ending March 31, 2021
Expenditure category |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2021 ($ thousands) |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2020 ($ thousands) |
Variance ($ thousands) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | |||
Operational activities |
-$16.00 |
$707.00 |
-$723.00 |
Key stakeholders |
-$6.00 |
$297.00 |
-$303.00 |
Internal governance |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
Training |
$0.00 |
$7.00 |
-$7.00 |
Other |
$0.00 |
$9.00 |
-$9.00 |
| A. Total travel | -$22.00 |
$1,020.00 |
-$1,042.00 |
| B. Hospitality | $0.00 |
$130.00 |
-$130.00 |
| C. Conference fees | $49.00 |
$122.00 |
-$73.00 |
| Total [A+B+C] | $27.00 |
$1,272.00 |
-$1,245.00 |
| 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:
Compared to fiscal year 2019-20, total travel, hospitality and conference expenditures have decreased significantly. In 2020-21, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many in-person activities from occurring due to travel restrictions and health and safety measures. These restrictions had an impact on the approach and costs usually incurred as many of these activities had to be postponed, canceled, or held by videoconference. The negative balances are a result of travel expenditures accrued in the previous fiscal year but subsequently reversed due to the cancellation of the activity given the pandemic context.
Hospitality:
Compared to fiscal year 2019-20, total travel, hospitality and conference expenditures have decreased significantly. In 2020-21, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many in-person activities from occurring due to travel restrictions and health and safety measures. These restrictions had an impact on the approach and costs usually incurred as many of these activities had to be postponed, canceled, or held by videoconference. The negative balances are a result of travel expenditures accrued in the previous fiscal year but subsequently reversed due to the cancellation of the activity given the pandemic context.
Conference fees:
Compared to fiscal year 2019-20, total travel, hospitality and conference expenditures have decreased significantly. In 2020-21, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many in-person activities from occurring due to travel restrictions and health and safety measures. These restrictions had an impact on the approach and costs usually incurred as many of these activities had to be postponed, canceled, or held by videoconference. The negative balances are a result of travel expenditures accrued in the previous fiscal year but subsequently reversed due to the cancellation of the activity given the pandemic context.Minister and minister’s exempt staff - International travel:
-