Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018

As required by the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conference fees for the Public Service Commission of Canada for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. It also provides explanations for significant variances from the previous fiscal year.

This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.

Expenditures on travel, hospitality and conference fees are related to activities that support the Public Service Commission’s mandate and the Government of Canada's priorities.

The Public Service Commission’s mandate is to promote and safeguard merit-based appointments and, in collaboration with other stakeholders, to protect the non-partisan nature of the public service. Under the delegated staffing system set out in the Public Service Employment Act, the Public Service Commission fulfills its mandate by providing policy guidance and expertise as well as by conducting effective oversight. In addition, the Public Service Commission also delivers innovative staffing and assessment services.

Further information on the raison d’être, responsibilities and programs of the Public Service Commission can be found in the 2017-18 Departmental Results Report.

Significant variances compared with the previous fiscal year

Travel:

1. Operational activities: Compared with fiscal year 2016-17, organizational travel expenditures for operational activities increased mainly due to:
   1. Travel to New Zealand and Australia to visit a delegation to discuss best practices and activities related to recruitment and diversity and inclusion;
   2. Travel to the regions to defend the Personnel Psychology Centre exams in court;
   3. Travel to recruit new psychologists.
2. Internal governance: Compared with fiscal year 2016-17, organizational travel expenditures for internal governance increased mainly due to:
   1. The increase in outreach and engagement activities, after the arrival of a newly appointed President during 2017-18.
   2. A requirement to ensure proper direction and active participation in developing solutions that meet business needs, following the creation of a new team in the staffing services.

Hospitality: Compared to fiscal year 2016-17, organizational hospitality expenditures have remained practically unchanged.

Conference: Compared to fiscal year 2016-17, organizational conference expenditures have increased mainly due to the interpretation and implementation of the new Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures.

Approved by:

Philip Morton, CPA, CGA
Chief Financial Officer

Date: