Archived - Department of Finance Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences 2016

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, 2016. 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 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’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 organizations.

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.

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

Significant variances compared to the previous fiscal year.

Public Servants: Compared to fiscal year 2014-2015, departmental travel expenditures by public servants decreased mainly due to:

• The federal election and the transition to a new government resulting in fewer meetings and engagements with stakeholders.
• The proximity of the 2015 G20 Summit (Turkey) in comparison to the previous year’s event (Australia).

Non-Public Servants: Compared to fiscal year 2014-2015, departmental travel expenditures by non-public servants decreased mainly due to:

• Reduced expenditures for international travel by Minister and Minister’s staff offset by an increase in domestic travel for pre-budget consultations.

Hospitality expenditures for 2015-16 were consistent with the previous fiscal year.

In fiscal year 2014-15, there were one-time costs related to events held with industry stakeholders to exchange views on key industry challenges in the pension area.

Departmental international travel expenditures by the Minister and his staff were lower in this fiscal year due to a reduction in Ministerial and staff activities during the federal writ period and subsequent transition period.