Reports on annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences

As required by the Treasury Board Directive for the Management of Expenditures on Travel, Hospitality and Conferences, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011.

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 conferences incurred by ACOA are directly related to supporting the federal government’s priorities and the Agency’s mandate to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada.

ACOA’s strategic outcome, a competitive Atlantic Canadian economy, comprises four major program activities and 15 program sub-activities. The Agency works with businesses to help them become more competitive, innovative and productive. It works with communities to develop and diversify local economies, and it plays an important role in developing and supporting policies and programs that strengthen the region’s economy.

Descriptions of each of ACOA’s program activities can be found in Part II of the Main Estimates document on the website of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20092010/me-bd/ACOA-APECA-eng.asp.

Travel, hospitality and conferences cover a range of activities and events. Costs associated with these activities support statutory or regulatory requirements to deliver services to Canadians and to meet government priorities and the Agency’s mandate. These expenses are related to working with other levels of government, industry or public interest groups, as well as Agency business meetings and working sessions necessary to conduct government business and deliver on priorities.

It is important to recognize that ACOA is one of a handful of federal departments whose head office is located outside of Ottawa. As a result, senior Agency officials are often called upon to attend meetings and briefings in the National Capital Region. They must also travel throughout Atlantic Canada and internationally to ensure that Atlantic Canada’s economic interests are well represented in the global marketplace. In addition, there are travel costs related to training and conferences for which the primary purpose is to enable participants to maintain or acquire skills or knowledge.

The Agency manages travel, hospitality and conferences with prudence and probity, in a manner that maximizes effectiveness in meeting ACOA’s mandate and priorities. The most economical and efficient alternatives for travel, hospitality, conferences and associated expenditures have been considered and respect the Treasury Board guidelines.

Total annual expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency are summarized below:

   (*) Includes international travel that is part of a department’s program.