Annual Report on Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada 2023 - 2024
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, 2024.
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 2023-24 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, 2024
Expenditure category |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2024 ($ thousands) |
Expenditures for year ended March 31, 2023 ($ thousands) |
Variance ($ thousands) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | |||
Operational activities |
$284.00 |
$57.00 |
$227.00 |
Key stakeholders |
$169.00 |
$122.00 |
$47.00 |
Internal governance |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
Training |
$14.00 |
$1.00 |
$13.00 |
Other |
$21.00 |
$15.00 |
$6.00 |
| A. Total travel | $488.00 |
$195.00 |
$293.00 |
| B. Hospitality | $67.00 |
$23.00 |
$44.00 |
| C. Conference fees | $58.00 |
$103.00 |
-$45.00 |
| Total [A+B+C] | $613.00 |
$321.00 |
$292.00 |
| 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 2022–23, total travel expenditures have increased during 2023-24. In 2023-24, SSHRC continued the gradual return to in-person government related activities which had been suspended or held virtually, during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the years thereafter.
Hospitality:
Compared to fiscal year 2022–23, total hospitality expenditures have increased during 2023-24. In 2023-24, SSHRC continued the gradual return to in-person government related activities which had been suspended or held virtually, during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the years thereafter.
Conference fees:
Compared to fiscal year 2022–23, total conference expenditures have decreased during 2023-24, mainly due to non-recurring events organized during 2022-23.Minister and minister’s exempt staff - International travel:
N/A