Report on annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences 2020-21
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 Invest in Canada (IiC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021.
Expenditures on travel, hospitality and conferences incurred by federal departments and agencies are related to supporting departmental mandates and the government's priorities.
As outlined in the Invest in Canada Act, for the purpose of supporting economic prosperity and stimulating innovation in Canada, IiC’s mandate is to:
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promote foreign direct investment in Canada and attract and facilitate that investment; and,
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coordinate the efforts of the government, the private sector and other stakeholders with respect to foreign direct investment in Canada.
Total annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences
| Expenditure Category | Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2021 | Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Travel - Public Servants | ($7,875) | $ 1,158,727 |
| Travel - Non-Public Servants | $ 9,899 | $ 42,937 |
| Total Travel | $ 2,024 | $ 1,201,664 |
| Hospitality | $ 4,189 | $ 205,475 |
| Conference Fees | $ 4,464 | $ 40,976 |
| Total | $ 10,677 | $ 1,448,115 |
Significant Variances compared to the previous year
Total expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences decreased by $1,437,438 (99% decrease) from the previous year. This sharp decrease is directly correlated to COVID-19 and its impact on IiC’s operations.
Travel:
COVID-19 significantly impacted IIC’s ability to attend events and attend in-person meetings with potential investors. Consequently, travel decrease by $1,199,640 (99%) from the previous year. IiC turned to the use of video conference and online event participation in lieu of travel.
Hospitality:
In 2020-21, hospitality expenditures decreased by $201,286 (98%). Like travel, the decrease directly correlates to COVID-19.
Conferences:
In 2020-21, conference expenditures decreased by $36,512 (89%). As noted above the decrease correlates to the pandemic which halted in person conferences.