Archived - Department of Finance Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences 2013

As required by the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences for the Department of Finance for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. It also provides the variance explanations from the previous fiscal year in each of these areas.

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 federal departments and agencies are for the most part directly related to supporting departmental mandates and the government's priorities.

The Department of Finance Canada contributes to a strong economy and sound public finances for Canadians. It does so by monitoring developments in Canada and around the world to provide first-rate analysis and advice to the Government of Canada and by developing and implementing fiscal and economic policies that support the economic and social goals of Canada and its people. The Department of Finance Canada also plays a central role in ensuring that government spending is focused on results and delivers value for taxpayer dollars. The Department interacts extensively with other federal organizations and acts as an effective conduit for the views of participants in the economy from all parts of Canada.

The Department of Finance Canada’s responsibilities include the following:

• Preparing the federal Budget and the Update of Economic and Fiscal Projections;
• Preparing the Annual Financial Report of the Government of Canada and, in cooperation with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the Receiver General for Canada, the Public Accounts of Canada;
• Developing tax and tariff policy and legislation;
• Managing federal borrowing on financial markets;
• Designing and administering major transfers of federal funds to the provinces and territories;
• Developing financial sector policy and legislation; and
• Representing Canada in various international financial institutions and groups.

The Minister of Finance is accountable for ensuring that his responsibilities are fulfilled both within his portfolio and with respect to the authorities assigned through legislation. In particular, the Minister has direct responsibility for a number of acts as well as fiscal and tax policy relating to other acts that are under the responsibility of other ministers.

Total annual expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences for the Department of Finance are summarized below:

Significant variances compared to the previous fiscal year.

This section is used to provide a brief explanation of significant variances from the previous year's annual expenditures for each category.

1. Public Servants: Compared to fiscal year 2011-2012, departmental travel expenditures by public servants decreased mainly due to:
   • The cessation of activities of the Task Force for the Payments System Review;
   • Fewer domestic and international events;
   • A continued downward trend in departmental taxi usage.
2. Non-Public Servants: Compared to fiscal year 2011-2012, departmental travel expenditures by non-public servants decreased mainly due to:
   • The cessation of activities of the Task Force for the Payments System Review.
3. Minister and Minister's Staff: Compared to fiscal year 2011-2012, departmental international travel expenditures by the minister and his staff decreased mainly due to:
   • A decrease in frequency and length of international meetings;
   • The proximity of meeting locations.

Compared to fiscal year 2011-2012, departmental hospitality expenditures decreased mainly due to:

• The decrease of stakeholder outreach activities related to the Task Force for the Payments System Review.

Compared to fiscal year 2011-2012, departmental conference fees expenditures decreased mainly due to:

• A reduction in conference attendance by staff.