Annual Report on Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures
Innovation, Science and Economic 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 Innovation, Science and Economic 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:
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, 2026
Expenditure category |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2026 ($ thousands) |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2025 ($ thousands) |
Variance ($ thousands) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | |||
Operational activities |
$5,905.00 |
$6,212.00 |
-$307.00 |
Key stakeholders |
$1,911.00 |
$1,889.00 |
$22.00 |
Internal governance |
$62.00 |
$205.00 |
-$143.00 |
Training |
$200.00 |
$463.00 |
-$263.00 |
Other |
$263.00 |
$144.00 |
$119.00 |
| A. Total travel | $8,341.00 |
$8,913.00 |
-$572.00 |
| B. Hospitality | $170.00 |
$171.00 |
-$1.00 |
| C. Conference fees | $406.00 |
$566.00 |
-$160.00 |
| Total [A+B+C] | $8,917.00 |
$9,650.00 |
-$733.00 |
| International travel by minister and minister's staff (included in travel) | $448.00 |
$166.00 |
$282.00 |
Explanation of significant variances compared with previous fiscal year
Total travel:
Travel expenditures decreased compared with the previous year, primarily due to expenditure management measures implemented in response to reduced operating funding levels associated with the Refocusing Government Spending (RGS) exercise and the implementation of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER). In response, the department reduced travel caps across sectors and strengthened oversight of travel approvals. These measures contributed to a reduction in discretionary and operational travel spending during the year.
Hospitality:
There was no material change in spending levels compared to last year.
Conference fees:
Conference expenditures decreased compared to the previous year due to expenditure management measures implemented in response to funding reductions under RGS and the CER. Reduced travel and training budgets across sectors led to lower participation in conferences and related events, resulting in decreased conference fee expenditures.Minister and minister’s exempt staff - International travel:
International travel expenditures increased in 2025-26 following changes in ministerial responsibilities resulting from the May 2025 Cabinet formation. The addition of a second Minister within ISED's portfolio led to increased travel by ministers and ministerial staff in support of international engagements and Government of Canada priorities. In contrast, expenditures in the previous year were lower due to reduced travel activity during the final months of the fiscal year following the prorogation of Parliament.