Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences 2021-22

According to subsection 4.1.2 of the Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures of Treasury Board, departments are required to publicly disclose total annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conference fees. This report provides information on these expenditures for the Department of Public Safety Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, except for information withheld under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.

Travel, hospitality and conference expenditures incurred by Public Safety Canada are in support of its mandate and the government’s priorities.

The Department's mandate is to keep Canada safe from a range of risks such as natural disasters, crime and terrorism. As such, Public Safety Canada collaborates with federal partners as well as other levels of government, non-government organizations, community groups, the private sector, foreign states, academia, communities and first responders on issues related to national and border security, crime prevention, community safety and emergency management. This cooperation supports a cohesive and integrated approach to Canada's safety and security

In fiscal year 2021-22, the Department provided strategic policy advice and support to the Minister of Public Safety and the Minister of Emergency Preparedness on a range of issues including: national security, community safety and emergency management. The Department also delivers a number of grant and contribution programs related to these issues.

For more detailed information on Public Safety Canada’s mandate, including roles and responsibilities, please refer to the Department’s 2021-22 Departmental Plan (DP) and the 2021-22 Departmental Results Report (DRR).

Travel, Hospitality and Conferences (THC) expenditures by Significant Initiative in 2021-22

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, government travel, hospitality and conference activities were significantly reduced. As such, there were no significant initiatives that took place.

Significant Variances Compared with Previous Fiscal Year

Overall, the travel, hospitality and conferences expenditures increased by $157K compared to 2020-21, from $52K to $210K.

Travel:

Compared to fiscal year 2020-21, departmental travel expenditures increased by $152K. This increase is mainly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions being lifted, which resulted in less cancellation of travel. In addition, these expenditures are mainly attributable to the core mandate activities.

Hospitality:

Compared to fiscal year 2020-21, departmental hospitality expenditures increased by $1K. This minimal increase is mainly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions still being in place, which resulted in the vast majority of in-person events being cancelled.

Conference fees:

Compared to fiscal year 2020-21, departmental conference expenditures increased by $4K. This minimal increase is mainly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions still being in place, which resulted in the majority of conferences either being cancelled, or transitioned to a teleconference format.

Minister and Minister's Staff:

Compared to fiscal year 2020-21, departmental international travel expenditures by the Minister of Public Safety and his staff increased by $16K. This increase is again related to certain COVID-19 pandemic restrictions being lifted making it more practical for the Minister and his staff to be present on site.

Approved by the Chief Financial Officer

Stephane Caron
Acting Chief Financial Officer and Chief Security Officer

Date signed: November 10, 2022
Ottawa (Canada)

Date modified:

2022-12-02