Annual Report on Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures, 2020-2021

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 Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, except for information withheld under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.

Travel, hospitality and conference expenditures incurred by a federal department or agency relate to activities that support the department's or agency's mandate and the government's priorities.

POLAR's travel, hospitality and conference expenditures support the delivery of the following core programs and services to Canadians:

Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) was created pursuant to the Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act and came into force on June 1, 2015. The purpose of POLAR is to advance knowledge of the Canadian Arctic to improve economic opportunities, environmental stewardship and the quality of life of its residents and all other Canadians; promote the development and dissemination of knowledge of the other circumpolar regions, including the Antarctic; strengthen Canada's leadership on Arctic issues, and establish a hub for scientific research in the Canadian Arctic.

Further details on POLAR's mandate, program activities and legislation may be found in the Departmental Plans and the Departmental Results Reports https://www.canada.ca/en/polar-knowledge/reports.html.

Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures, year ended March 31, 2021

Significant variances compared with previous fiscal year

Travel, Hospitality and Conference Fees

Compared to fiscal year 2019-20, total travel, hospitality and conference expenses have decreased significantly. In 2020-21, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many in-person activities from occurring due to travel restrictions and health and safety measures. These restrictions had an impact on the costs usually incurred as many of these activities had to be postponed, canceled, or held by videoconference.

Approved