Annual Report on Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures

Canadian Human Rights Commission 2022 - 2023

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 Canadian Human Rights Commission for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.

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 Commission leads the administration of the CHRA and works with employers to ensure compliance with the Employment Equity Act (EEA). The CHRA prohibits discrimination and the EEA promotes equality in the workplace. Under the leadership of the Pay Equity Commissioner and the Accessibility Commissioner, the Commission is also responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Pay Equity Act (PEA) and the Accessible Canada Act (ACA). These laws apply the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination to federal government departments and agencies, Crown corporations, and federally regulated private sector organizations. Finally, the Commission provides the Federal Housing Advocate with administrative services and facilities to support their duties and functions. Further details on the Commission’s mandate, program activities and governing legislation can be found in the Commission's Departmental Plansand Departmental Results Report.

Canadian Human Rights Commission Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures for Year ending March 31, 2023

Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures
Expenditure category	Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2023 ($ thousands)	Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2022 ($ thousands)	Variance ($ thousands)
Travel
Operational activities	$72.78	$3.00	$69.78
Key stakeholders	$103.47	$8.00	$95.47
Internal governance	$0.53	$1.00	-$0.47
Training	$6.22	$2.00	$4.22
Other	$2.44	$10.00	-$7.56
A. Total travel	$185.44	$24.00	$161.44
B. Hospitality	$3.17	$0.00	$3.17
C. Conference fees	$1.17	$0.00	$1.17
Total [A+B+C]	$189.78	$24.00	$165.78
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:

In 2022-23, travel for the purposes of operational activities and stakeholder engagement increased significantly from $24K to $185K as the Commission was able to resume in person activities that had previously been restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the increase in travel compared with last year, the amount spent remains well below pre-pandemic annual travel costs.

Hospitality:

In 2022-23, expenses on hospitality increased marginally from <$500 to $3K. The limited expenses incurred for hospitality were incurred for the purposes of in-person training that was able to resume following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conference fees:

In 2022-23, the Commission had a marginal increase in Conference expenditures from <$500 to $1K in support of events that were directly related to the Commission's mandate.