2022 to 2023 Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures Report

Public Health Agency of Canada

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 the Public Health Agency of Canada (the Agency) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, 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 or agency’s mandate and the government’s priorities.

Mandate

The role of the Agency is to promote health, prevent and control chronic diseases and injuries, prevent and control infectious diseases, prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, serve as a central point for sharing Canada's expertise with the rest of the world, apply international research and development to Canada's public health programs, and strengthen intergovernmental collaboration on public health and facilitate national approaches to public health policy and planning.

Travel, Hospitality and Conference Expenditures - Public Health Agency of Canada

Significant variances compared with previous fiscal year

Travel

For fiscal year 2022-23, the Agency spent $10.5 million on travel compared to $26.5 million in 2021-22. This represents an overall decrease of $16.0 million (or 60%) and is mainly due to a decrease in spending related to travel and quarantine measures as a result of the removal of border and travel restrictions effective October 1, 2022, notably in the following categories: airfare, rental vehicles, taxi services, accommodation, meals and other travel costs.

Conversely, increases were observed in 2022-23 in other expenditure categories related to travel as a result of the gradual lifting of public health measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to increased in-person presence at various health related conferences, events and training.

Hospitality

For fiscal year 2022-23, the Agency spent $54 thousand on hospitality compared to $1 thousand in 2021-22, representing an overall increase of $53 thousand (or 98%). This increase is attributed to more hospitality events taking place, following the gradual lifting of public health measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conference fees

For fiscal year 2022-23, the Agency spent $293 thousand on conference fees compared to $144 thousand in fiscal year 2021-22, representing an overall increase of $149 thousand (or 103%). This increase is attributed to Agency personnel progressively resuming participation in public health related conferences following the gradual lifting of public health measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.