Report on annual expenses for travel, hospitality and conferences 2020-2021

Pursuant to the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the total annual expenses for travel, hospitality and conference expenses incurred by IDRC for the financial year ending 31 March 2021. This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.

Travel, hospitality, and conference expenses incurred by the Centre are related to activities that support IDRC’s mandate described in About IDRC.

IDRC invests in research to build evidence, inform decisions, and generate opportunities that promote an inclusive and sustainable world. As a Crown corporation and part of Canada’s global affairs and development efforts, IDRC invests in high quality-research in developing countries, shares knowledge with researchers and policy makers for greater uptake and use, and mobilizes our global alliances to build a more sustainable and inclusive world.

In carrying out its mandate, the Centre:

  • provides financial support to researchers in developing countries to address domestic development challenges and contribute to broader global solutions;

  • facilitates the use and uptake of research, and encourages dialogue and learning between researchers, policymakers, and private sector actors;

  • synthesizes and shares results from across its research investments to inform local, regional, and global agendas; and 

  • engages, convenes, and collaborates with research organizations and funding partners throughout the innovation process.

IDRC’s annual expenses for travel, hospitality and conferences are summarized below:

Expense category

Expenses for the year ending 31 March 2021

Expenses for the year ending 31 March 2020

Variances   

 

 (In thousands of dollars)

 

 

Travel

 

 

  

for operational activities

$471.5

$3,323.9

($2,852.4)

to meet key stakeholders

-

$305.7

($305.7)

for internal governance

-

$199.3

($199.3)

for training

-

$58.4

($58.4)

for other purposes

-

$35.5

($35.5)

A. Total travel

$471.5

$3,922.8

($3,451.3)

B. Hospitality

$0.1

$28.3

($28.2)

C. Conference fees

$5.9

$22.1

($16.2)

Total [A+B+C]

$477.5

$3,973.2

($3,495.7)

International travel by Governors (included in travel)

-

$147.0

($147.0)

Significant variances relative to the previous financial year

The total expenses on travel, hospitality and conference fees have significantly decreased by $3,5 million in the financial year ended 31 March 2021 compared to the financial year ended 31 March 2020 as a result of travel restrictions and public health measures imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Travel

During the 2020-2021 financial year, minimal travel activities occurred and those that are reported mainly reflect expenses related to the repatriation of IDRC employees as a result of the pandemic.

Hospitality

Minimal hospitality expenses totaling $136 were incurred during this financial year.

Conference fees

In comparison with the previous year, total conference expenses for 2020-2021 decreased by $16,215 due to the public health restrictions imposed by the pandemic and the Centre’s continuing efforts to minimize costs related to conference participation.

International travel by Governors

No international travel was undertaken by Governors in 2020-2021.