Annual Report on Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures

Innovation, Science and Economic Development 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 Innovation, Science and Economic Development 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:

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 continues to support an economic agenda that is internationally competitive and knowledge-based and that allows us to achieve our environmental goals. Through its on-going initiatives, ISED continues to leverage its programming to support measures aimed at protecting the health of Canadians and stabilizing the Canadian economy. 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, 2021

Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures

Expenditure category

Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2021 ($ thousands)

Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2020 ($ thousands)

Variance ($ thousands)

Travel

Operational activities

$380.00

$5,920.00

-$5,540.00

Key stakeholders

$57.00

$2,422.00

-$2,365.00

Internal governance

$13.00

$796.00

-$783.00

Training

$16.00

$996.00

-$980.00

Other

$6.00

$245.00

-$239.00

A. Total travel

$472.00

$10,379.00

-$9,907.00

B. Hospitality

$5.00

$221.00

-$216.00

C. Conference fees

$197.00

$708.00

-$511.00

Total [A+B+C]

$674.00

$11,308.00

-$10,634.00

International travel by minister and minister's staff (included in travel)

$3.00

$58.00

-$55.00

Explanation of significant variances compared with previous fiscal year

Total travel:

Compared to fiscal year 2019-20, departmental travel expenditures have decreased this fiscal year. The decrease is related to the travel restriction and to commitments that were cancelled due to the pandemic.

Hospitality:

Compared to fiscal year 2019-20, departmental hospitality expenditures have decreased this fiscal year. The decrease is related to the reduction of hospitality events that were cancelled due to the pandemic.

Conference fees:

Compared to fiscal year 2019-20, departmental conference fees have decreased this fiscal year. The decrease is related to the cancellation / reduction in conference due to the pandemic.

Minister and minister’s exempt staff - International travel:

Compared to fiscal year 2019-20, ministers and ministers’ exempt staff – international travel has decreased this fiscal year. The decrease is related to the travel restriction and to commitments that were cancelled due to the pandemic.